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Digital Mass Media

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Program Overview

The Digital Mass Media program prepares you for a career in audio, video, or multimedia production. You will learn to effectively design and deliver a clear message using a variety of digital formats.

Develop a broad knowledge of the digital media industry and gain entry-level skills in:

  • Video production
  • Audio production
  • File and data management
  • Storyboarding
  • Lighting
  • Media writing and scripting
  • Video exposure
  • Sound modulation
  • Color correction

You may choose to focus your coursework in video, audio, or multimedia design.

  • In video courses, you will advance your video production, design, scripting, and editing skills. You will also develop special effects and motion graphics and learn various styles of production.

  • In audio courses, you will learn audio production, sound mixing and mastering, sound quality, editing, and miking for live and studio recordings.

  • In multimedia design courses, you will learn various styles of video production including live event, journalistic, and documentary. You will also learn how to use unmanned aerial vehicles for photography and video, motion control techniques, writing for a variety of formats, and social issues coverage.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • Portfolio: Throughout the program, you will develop audio, video, and multimedia projects to create a digital portfolio. You will have the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by industry professionals.

  • Industry Technology and Software: Use the latest technology in the industry as you develop your projects, including but not limited to still and video cameras and lenses, stabilization devices, camera cranes and dollies, camera rigging, lighting, wireless and studio microphones, green screens, studio switches, and sound mixing boards. Learn industry standard software including Adobe Creative Cloud.

  • Field Trips: Visit advertising agencies, television and video production studios, audio recording studios, and film festivals to learn how your skills and knowledge can be applied in a variety of work environments.

Transfer Information

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a documented pathway between Hawkeye's Digital Mass Media AAA degree program and UNI's Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree. Check out UNI's transfer guide to learn more.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

At A Glance
Award
  • Associate of Applied Arts
Length of Study 2 years
Tuition-Free Eligible

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

Students must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
 

Faculty Spotlight

Dan Nierling

Prior to teaching at Hawkeye, Nierling spent 21 years as a professional photojournalist and newspaper photography editor. Nierling began his career at The Daily Iowan in Iowa City before moving on to The Ottumwa Courier and then spending 18 years at The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. He started teaching Professional Photography courses at Hawkeye full time in 2005 and has been instrumental in building the Digital Mass Media program that launched in 2013.

Read more of Dan's bio.


Video Overview

Digital Mass Media Program at Hawkeye Community College

The world has gone digital, and you make a career for yourself by training in audio, video, or multimedia production. At Hawkeye, you'll use high-tech equipment and have access to top-notch facilities and instructors, while learning the basics of shooting, producing and editing content in a variety of digital formats. Check out the video to learn more!

See More Video

Program Pathway

Digital Mass Media Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) Degree

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
Credits 60
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 4
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Digital Mass Media – AAA
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Audio Production
  • Camera I
  • Digital Print Production
  • Video Production I
Term 2
  • Editing and Color Grading or
    Digital Audio Workstation
  • Media Writing
  • Sound for Film and Video
  • Video Production II or
    Audio Production II
Term 3
  • Human and Work Relations
  • Live Sound Production or
    Lighting for Cinematography or
    Digital Mass Media Internship or
    Special Topics
  • Social Media for Business
  • Solo Video Journalism or
    Electronic Studio Production
  • Survey of Commercial Video or
    Recording Studio I
Term 4
  • Applied Math
  • Mass Communications Law
  • Motion Graphics for Video or
    Mixing and Mastering Audio or
    Digital Mass Media Internship or
    Special Topics
  • Portfolio Production
  • Recording Studio II or
    Group Film

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

You have completed the Digital Mass Media Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree program. Check out the Computers and Technology continuing education courses to keep up to date in your profession.

Careers

Positions

Graduates have found work in many environments, including agencies, small businesses, companies, and media outlets working as:

  • Multimedia specialists
  • Videographers
  • Sound technicians
  • Video editors
  • Freelance videographers
  • Camera operators

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Audio and Video Technicians $35,100 $48,000 $54,400
Broadcast Technicians $21,600 $43,000 $53,800

Source: 2022 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Around the Corner Productions Cedar Falls, IA
Go Pro, Inc. San Mateo, CA
InForm Creations Cedar Falls, IA
KWWL Television Waterloo, IA
Mudd Advertising Cedar Falls, IA
KOVR-TV CBS-13 Sacramento, CA
KPTV FOX-12 Portland, OR

Program Contacts
Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Honey Lynn Email Honey Lynn 319-296-4014 ext.1083 Hawkeye Center 208E
Faculty Advisor
Last Names A – M
 Dan Nierling Email Dan Nierling 319-296-2329 ext.1764 Black Hawk Hall 157B
Faculty Advisor
Last Names N – Z
 Jon Chamberlain Email Jon Chamberlain 319-296-2329 ext.1120 Black Hawk Hall 128

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