Digital Mass Media AAA Degree

Lights, Camera, Action!

Become the director. Be the executive producer. Take charge as director of photography. Your creativity comes to life through Hawkeye’s Digital Mass Media program.

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Digital Mass Media at a Glance

Degree
Associate of Applied Arts
Length of Study
2 Years
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meets
Daytime
Program Start
Fall

Your Digital Mass Media Career

As a graduate of Hawkeye’s Digital Mass Media program, there are many roles you can take, including:

  • Video producer
  • Videographer
  • Video editor
  • Audio engineer
  • Music producer

You can land a role among the best, just like previous Hawkeye graduates, in companies such as:

  • Go Pro, Inc.
  • Mudd Advertising
  • Around the Corner Productions
  • KWWL

Program Overview

From the very first day, you work toward a masterful portfolio that can get you your dream job. You 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

In video courses, you improve your skills in creating, designing, scripting, and editing videos. You also learn how to add special effects and create motion graphics, as well as explore different production styles.

In audio courses, you focus on making and mixing sound, mastering audio, improving sound quality, editing, and using microphones for both live and studio recordings.

In multimedia design courses, you explore different types of video production, like live events, journalism, and documentaries. You also learn how to use drones for photography and video, control motion in your projects, write for various formats, and cover social issues.

Immersive Classes: Work on creative projects that are based on real-life situations, using the newest technology and innovative techniques.

Field Trips: Explore the industry while visiting advertising agencies, recording studios, film festivals, and more.

As you work on your projects, you use the latest tools in the industry:

  • still and video cameras
  • lenses
  • stabilizers
  • camera cranes
  • dollies
  • rigging equipment
  • lighting
  • microphones
  • green screens
  • studio switches
  • sound mixing boards

You also learn to use industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud.

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

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

These are a few of the employers that hire Digital Mass Media graduates:

  • 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

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

There is a documented pathway from Digital Mass Media to the Technology Management program at the University of Northern Iowa. Check out UNI’s transfer guide to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with a program advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan Your Transfer

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Honey Lynn
Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4014 ext.1083
Email Honey Lynn

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Dan Nierling
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 157B
319-296-2329 ext.1764
Email Dan Nierling

Last Names N–Z

Jon Chamberlain
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 128
319-296-2329 ext.1120
Email Jon Chamberlain