Delivered online by nationally ranked Oregon State Ecampus, the DCA program focuses on the storytelling capacity of media and prepares students to be successful navigators of ever-changing technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew media is simply mass communication that utilizes computers and the internet for content creation and dissemination,\u201d says Alina Padilla-Miller, an instructor and the online program coordinator for OSU\u2019s New Media Communications program. \u201cAs technology advances, so does the way we create and disseminate our content.\u201d<\/p>\n
With industry standards and trends as its basis, the DCA program offers you the ability to experience a little bit of everything in the new media communication world. Padilla-Miller has all the answers on just how beneficial this program can be for your career.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/alina-padilla-miller-digital-communication-arts.jpg?resize=265%2C265&ssl=1\")
Alina Padilla-Miller\u00a0says digital communication arts faculty members such as herself act as “mentors to help students excel.”<\/p><\/div>\n
What hands-on learning experiences will students receive in Oregon State\u2019s digital communication arts online program?<\/h3>\n
\u201cThere really is a smorgasbord of hands-on learning experiences in this major that allow students to build their skills and create an impressive e-portfolio. That includes hands-on learning through the exploration of applied media aesthetics, data visualization, writing for the media and content management systems (CMS), social media strategy, sound design, podcast production, interactive and web design, documentary production, animation and virtual reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
What tangible skills will DCA students gain and be able to immediately apply in the workforce?<\/h3>\n
\u201cWe know that more and more of our daily existence requires access to the internet. Content creation, media management and critical thinking are essential in new media, and because this major focuses on these elements as the foundation of the degree, there are several ways in which it can be used for the workforce that are highly sought-after.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents with this degree can work in production (film, video, photography, audio and animation), social media strategy, consulting on UX and UI design, branding, marketing and advertising, writing across multiple platforms, and content creation for profit and nonprofit organizations alike.\u201d<\/p>\n
What are the career possibilities for someone who gains new media skills from the DCA program?<\/h3>\n
\u201cI like to think of this degree as a golden ticket. There are so many opportunities and ways in which it can be used to gain employment or advance in one\u2019s current field. Long gone are the days of the one-trick pony as it is expected that potential employees need to know many facets of the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat said, narrowing in on a focus and passion within this major is not only possible, it\u2019s advisable so that students can stand apart and shine with their specific skill. The NMC faculty are not only instructors but also mentors to help students excel and succeed with their desired focus in and out of the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
The DCA coursework also examines new media\u2019s role in society. Why is this relevant given the current state of the world?<\/h3>\n
\u201cThe coursework in many classes require students to create content, produce and engage with new media, but we also want students to deeply reflect and provide insight into trends of new media. This requires critical thinking about the role new media plays in society.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe focus on cultural events and analyzing these aspects to better understand how and why we are using new media the way we do as well as how and why it affects us the way it does. It\u2019s a very symbiotic relationship and one that continues to evolve.\u201d<\/p>\n
What are your top three tips on how to turn a digital communication arts degree into a rewarding career?<\/h3>\n
1. \u201cCome into the program with a desire to create. We provide the metaphoric canvas, paint and palette and you create the masterpiece.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. \u201cFind your niche. While we provide courses that address industry standards, future trends and make your skills marketable, having a specific interest will help you stand out. Once you know what your specific interest is, explore it as much as possible. We\u2019re here to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. \u201cTake advantage of every opportunity. Say yes to as much as you possibly can when given an opportunity. You never know where it might lead and at the very least, it will be a line in your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 or e-portfolio. Branding yourself is key.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/span> 3<\/span> minute read<\/span><\/span>Do you know the meaning of \u201cnew media\u201d? If not, don\u2019t worry. People ask what it means all the time. Either way, it\u2019s safe to assume that you interact with and consume new media with nearly every waking hour. It\u2019s how we get our information, how we engage with friends and family, how we entertain ourselves. And it\u2019s the foundation of Oregon State University\u2019s digital communication arts bachelor\u2019s degree program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,6,9,678,3,8],"tags":[639,75,583],"class_list":["post-1466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-ecampus","category-faculty","category-faculty-and-programs","category-features","category-students","tag-business-and-communications","tag-college-of-liberal-arts","tag-digital-communication-arts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/digital-communication-arts-online.jpg?fit=744%2C489&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7BNSE-nE","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1716,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/best-online-psychology-degree\/","url_meta":{"origin":1466,"position":0},"title":"Oregon State online psychology bachelor\u2019s degree ranked #1 in the U.S.","author":"Ecampus News","date":"January 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State University\u2019s expertise in delivering a liberal arts education online is well-documented, and now that reputation has been bolstered even further \u2014 thanks to U.S. News & World Report ranking OSU No. 2 on its list of Best Online Bachelor\u2019s in Psychology Programs for the second straight year.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Woman taking notes on clipboard while talking to a young child.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ug-psychology-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ug-psychology-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ug-psychology-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/ug-psychology-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1099,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/online-student-instructor-interaction\/","url_meta":{"origin":1466,"position":1},"title":"Despite distance, online learners build lasting connections","author":"Julie Cooper","date":"January 17, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State University\u2019s online learners do what many say can\u2019t be done: form genuine connections in the digital classroom. Ecampus alumni from the Class of 2018 shared how their interactions with peers and instructors went far beyond the computer screen, providing the opportunity to polish their communication skills and collaborate\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Oregon State Ecampus liberal studies alumna Janine Romero stands on a balcony speaking to her husband, Lee. 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Luckily for Oregon State students, his portfolio will soon include an online course for OSU Ecampus, too.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bob Santelli, is on stage in a suit, giving a talk.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Santelli_story-e1580161168153.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Santelli_story-e1580161168153.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Santelli_story-e1580161168153.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Santelli_story-e1580161168153.jpg?fit=744%2C558&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2777,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/2025-ecampus-awards\/","url_meta":{"origin":1466,"position":3},"title":"13 Oregon State faculty and employee partners honored with Ecampus Awards","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"May 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The ninth annual Oregon State University Ecampus Awards recognize 13 outstanding faculty and university partners who contribute to the development and ongoing support of world-class online learning experiences for Oregon State\u2019s distance students.","rel":"","context":"In "All Stories"","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Nine Oregon State University faculty members and support employees stand in an outdoor breezeway while holding award plaques.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/2025-ff-award-winners.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/2025-ff-award-winners.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/2025-ff-award-winners.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/2025-ff-award-winners.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1474,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/digital-communication-arts-jake-chamseddine\/","url_meta":{"origin":1466,"position":4},"title":"Capturing music\u2019s biggest stars on the world stage","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"July 29, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"In an era defined by letting others peek into our lives on social media, Jake Chamseddine is a lot like many millions of people. 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