Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Journalism and Multimedia Arts empowers students to become effective and thoughtful civic communicators in a wide variety of media.
Students learn media theory – so they can understand the complex roles, functions and ethical obligations of media – and the practical skills that enable them to become successful media practitioners. Our students go on to work for newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, for-profit and non-profit public relations and advertising agencies and organizations, and a wide array of Web and Multimedia design and development industries in the public and private sectors.
Upon completing the program, students will possess a thorough understanding of media forms and delivery systems that will enhance their power as citizens and position them for careers in the ever-expanding universe of media industries.
Mission Statement
The Department of Journalism and Multimedia Arts acts in concert with the mission of Duquesne University to nurture the individual talents of our students; harness their innate creativity; inspire their passion for innovation; foster their analytical and critical thinking; and encourage their ethical and professional leadership. The department reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the growing synergies between journalism and media innovations while remaining grounded in Catholic values and democratic ideals.
Listed below are the four majors offered in the Department of Journalism and Multimedia Arts.
Digital Media Arts (Multimedia Development or Web Development Concentration)
The Digital Media Arts major consists of two concentrations: Multimedia Development and Web Development.
Multimedia Development
Multimedia is the skillful merging of computers, creative talent, some programming, asset management, the use of advanced software for the creation of digital sound, video, 3-D modeling and animation, design principles and project management. The major focuses on the new media, the organization and display of information, and the development of interactive applications. Students are free to pursue their creative, artistic talents or their desire to aspire to the more technical component of multimedia development. Graduates find employment in media writing, web design, web application development, instructional design, 2- and 3D-Modeling, animation and graphic design.
Multimedia Development Concentration
Web Development
The Web Development concentration allows students to pursue a design and usability approach to Web development or a more technical programming approach. The design approach is the study of graphic design and interface usability for the development of attractive and functional Web pages. The technical approach focuses on programming languages for the Web, database applications, and other server technologies to build Web-based applications. Graduates find employment in Web design, Web-based training, Website management, multimedia-based Internet applications, e-commerce, and many other technology-related positions.
Journalism (Broadcast or Print concentration)
The Journalism program prepares students to be effective and conscientious civic communicators in the fields of print, broadcast, and online journalism. Hands-on professional courses, taught by scholars who also possess substantial experience in the new media, are connected to a strong liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and media responsibility. In addition to courses in writing, editing, production and design, the program provides instruction in media history, law, literature, and ethics.
Journalism (Broadcast or Print Concentration)
Public Relations and Advertising
The Public Relations and Advertising major consists of two concentrations: Public Relations, and Advertising. Click to view a flowchart of the course progression.
Course work in these areas provides students with a thorough grounding in the fundamental skills and practices of public relations and advertising along with a theoretical understand of their cultural importance as the primary means of persuasion in modern life. Students explore the differences, similarities, and integration of public relations and advertising, a critical evaluation of industry content, and hands-on production skills. As students move through the program, they can gain professional experience with on-campus and metro-area media and agencies. Working with a departmental mentor, students may emphasize either public relations or advertising, or choose and integrated approach to both.
