VIU launches new Digital Media Major at MediaLive event

Vancouver Island University’s Media Studies Department is launching its new BA Major in Digital Media at MediaLive, a public celebration on Tuesday, March 24.

“Digital Media Studies is a unique opportunity in education that combines the theory of media with construction of media products,” said James Hood, a Media Studies student and web developer. 

The event features special guest Bruce Williams who will make a surprise announcement on behalf of A-Channel. The winner of the Media Studies Department's $1000 tuition contest will also be announced and student media projects such as video and photography will be showcased. Additionally, interactive media displays will be on display for guests to enjoy.  

Faculty from the Media Studies Department will be in attendance to answer questions on the new degree. “Designing this innovative curriculum and taking it through the approval process has been a labour of love by the department,” said Marshall Soules, a faculty member in the Media Studies Department. “As the impact of new technologies and social networking are increasingly felt by individuals and organizations, the timing is right for this degree.”

“With a dynamic, contemporary skill-set, students of Digital Media are well-equipped to work in a wide variety of fields – from small business support to media production, writing, website design and maintenance, public relations and advertising,” said Dave Ross, Media Studies student.

The four-year Digital Media major encourages students to learn a combination of theoretical and practical skills as well as examining the important role that media plays in their lives.

“The outcome is a thorough understanding of the complex effects of media on society, partnered with the technical skills you need to participate in our ever-evolving digital media landscape,” said Amber Hieb, an upper-level Media Studies student.  

MediaLive will take place on Tuesday, March 24, from 3 to 5 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room at VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Snacks and refreshments will be served and there will be a no-host bar.

For more information visit VIU Media Studies.