Digital Media Studies Program

Program Overview/Mission

The Master of Arts in Digital Media Studies program (DMST) is a growing, dynamic, innovative, and multidisciplinary program dedicated to providing experiential, balanced, problem-based, and client-oriented education for those who want to master their skills and knowledge, advance their career, and become agents of change.

The program is unique in its attempt to balance theory and praxis, develop students' problem-solving skills, help students understand opportunities and challenges of digital media, and provide knowledge of research-based best practices to be used in their place of work.

Through our core courses, the DMST program offers a customized student experience with a solid foundation of knowledge for digital media professionals. To build an individualized approach to the graduate experience, we offer small classes that allow for individual attention. We offer various exit options to fit students' needs and schedules. We bring in clients for student projects to provide an opportunity to work with those in industry.

The degree responds to a cultural shift toward media convergence by giving students exposure to courses that cross the disciplines of strategic communication, art, video production, business, design, and animation. The degree also emphasizes teamwork and network building, so students will not only graduate with an industry-relevant production portfolio but also with the network in place to launch a successful career.

Goals and Objectives

DMST students master and expand their skills in content creation and management, video production, graphic design, media production, critical thinking, and writing through:

• Taking courses in communication, public relations, video production, art, business, marketing, gaming, and instructional technology;
• Applying what they learn in design and production courses to client-based projects, such as web design, 3D modeling, animation, digital video, and compositing;
• Working with real clients on real projects;
• Creating professional portfolios that reflects their training;
• Completing graduate internships with a professional organization; or
• Conducting original research for a graduate project.

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Program Degrees

• Digital Media Studies M.A.

Admission Requirements

• Digital Media Studies M.A.
• Application

  Apply online through Apply Texas for admission to the University of Houston-Clear Lake as a graduate student.

  • Select Four-year College/University and Graduate School
  • Program application is only available within the selected Fall or Spring semester
  • Select "HSH-Digital Media Studies" as your first choice major only

  Documents for admission are submitted after completion of the Apply Texas application. All required documents are due by the Graduate and International Admissions application deadlines.

• Requirements

  Academic Requirements:

  • GRE Scores Not Required: The GRE requirement will automatically be removed after successful submission of the admission application.
  • Official Transcripts: Students should submit official transcripts from every college or university attended to the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Office of Admissions or International Admissions.
    • Recommended last 60-hour GPA of 3.0 or higher.
    • Please review New Student Admissions in the Graduate Catalog under Transcripts and Records Information to learn how to submit an official college transcript to UHCL. 

  Required Supplemental Documents:

  To be considered for admission, students are required to submit a production portfolio accompanied by a statement of purpose. The following documents must be sent to the program via email to Dr. Leo Chan at chanta@uhcl.edu.

  • Production Portfolio: All portfolio pieces must be accessible online. We do not accept physical objects such as slides or CDs. If passwords are necessary to access the pieces, it is the student's responsibility to communicate them. The committee will not reach out if pieces are not readily accessible. No more than 20 individual pieces should be submitted. The applicant must make clear his or her involvement in the production of each piece. Examples for successful portfolio pieces are written strategic or creative writing materials, graphic design examples, a 15-minute film documentary, a series of digitally prepared photographs with a theme, a website, an app or a game. The most important function of the portfolio is to demonstrate to the selection committee that the intentions outlined in the statement of purpose may be achieved, based on the student's existing experience and skills.
  • Statement of Purpose: describing previous education, work experience, and relevant coursework. Include why you are interested in Digital Media and why you are interested in our program. The statement should be no more than 800 words. Send Submit the statement with a resume and a portfolio link to your UHCL E-Services account (assigned after you have completed the Apply Texas online application) and email directly to the Digital Media Studies Program Director: Dr. Leo Chant at chanta@uhcl.edu.
• Admission Review Process 

  If the last 60-hour GPA is below a 3.00 or an applicant has not completed a prior advanced degree, student admission files will be sent to the program for individual review.

Program Faculty

Curriculum and Instruction

The Digital Media Studies degree requires 30 hours of study.

Student Resources

University of Houston-Clear Lake's Digital Media Studies program provides its students with access to a variety of facilities and resources to enhance the educational process. Our teaching labs are equipped with Apple iMacs, Desktop PCs, Abobe Master Suite CC, and Autodesk Maya 3D animation software.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. As a student, you have access to university-sponsored student organizations such as the Communication and Digital Media Association. You are also encouraged to explore student memberships in organizations, such as the Houston Interactive Marketing Association or the American Institute of Graphic Arts, to connect with other professionals in your field.

The Camera and Equipment Checkout Center

Students have access to the digital camera equipment along with lights, microphones, tripods, and other support equipment available for checkout for class projects and assignments.

Location: Arbor Bldg., Room 1305.02

Contact: 281-283-3337

CheckoutHSH@uhcl.edu

Available equipment:

DSLR & video cameras, lenses, microphones, mixers, lights, and tripods available for check out.

Additional Information

For more information about the Digital Media Studies program, contact:

Leo Chan
Program Director
ChanTa@uhcl.edu
281-283-3323