Digital Media Technology - Associate of Applied Science
60 credits
The Associate of Applied Science in Creative Media prepares students for entry-level work in the media industry. Students will develop a foundational workflow using industry standard software to create a multitude of digital media assets, along with gaining experience with project management and elevated computer literacy. The skillset and workflows obtained through this program can also be utilized in fields such as education, television/film, and game design.
Students must complete all University degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements and elective credits to total at least 60 credits. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and Mathematics coursework.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| This degree requires courses from New Mexico General Education Areas I, IV, V, and VI for a total 13 credits. Courses listed are recommended and others can be found on the NM General Education list below. | ||
| Area I: Communications | 4 | |
| Composition I | 4 | |
| Area IV: Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
Select one course from Area IV: Social /Behavior Sciences (3 credits) 2 | ||
| Area V: Humanities | 3 | |
Select one course from Area V: Humanities (3 credits) 2 | ||
| Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts | 3 | |
Select one course from Area VI: Creative & Fine Arts (3 credits) 2 | ||
| General Education Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Professional and Technical Communication | 3 | |
| Core Requirements | ||
| FDMA 1120 | Desktop Publishing | 3 |
| FDMA 1220 | Introduction to Digital Video Editing | 3 |
| FDMA 1360 | Web Design I | 3 |
| FDMA 1415 | Principles of Sound | 3 |
| FDMA 1515 | Introduction to Digital Image Editing - Photoshop | 3 |
| FDMA 1535 | Introduction to Illustrator | 3 |
| FDMA 1630 | Principles of Design | 3 |
| FDMA 1710 | 2D Animation | 3 |
| FDMA 2530 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 3 |
| FDMA 2994 | Portfolio Design & Development | 3 |
| Electives, to bring the total credits to 60 3 | 14 | |
Select courses from the following prefixes: FDMA/CIST/ARTS/CSCI/FYEX | ||
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Each course selected must be from a different area and students cannot take multiple courses in the same area.
- 2
See the General Education section of the catalog for a full list of courses.
- 3
Elective credit may vary based on prerequisites, dual credit, AP credit, and/or certificate coursework. The amount indicated in the requirements list is the amount needed to bring the total to 60 credits and may appear in variable form based on the degree. However students may end up needing to complete more or less on a case-by-case basis and students should discuss elective requirements with their advisor.
A Suggested Plan of Study
Additional classes may be needed based on placement test results and course prerequisites. Visit with an advisor for help with creating a customized plan.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FDMA 1220 | Introduction to Digital Video Editing | 3 |
| FDMA 1535 | Introduction to Illustrator | 3 |
| FDMA 1515 | Introduction to Digital Image Editing - Photoshop | 3 |
| FDMA/ARTS/CIST/CSCI/FYEX Elective | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FDMA 1120 | Desktop Publishing | 3 |
| FDMA 1415 | Principles of Sound | 3 |
| FDMA 1710 | 2D Animation | 3 |
| General Education Course - One course from Area IV 1 | 3 | |
| FDMA/ARTS/C S/ OECS Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| FDMA 1360 | Web Design I | 3 |
| FDMA 1630 | Principles of Design | 3 |
| FDMA 2530 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 3 |
| ENGL 1110G | Composition I | 4 |
| General Education Course - One course from Area V 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| FDMA 2994 | Portfolio Design & Development | 3 |
| ENGL 2210G | Professional and Technical Communication | 3 |
| General Education Elective: One Course from Area VI 1 | 3 | |
| FDMA/ARTS/C S/ OECS Elective | 5 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
See the General Education section of the catalog for a full list of courses.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will use industry-standard digital design tools to create and deliver professional media assets.
- Graduates will apply design principles (e.g., typography, composition, color, branding, UX) across multiple media formats.
- Graduates can produce graphic design deliverables for print and digital applications (e.g., logos, layouts, marketing, UI assets).
- Graduates can design and build responsive, standards-based websites using modern web development practices.
- Graduates will be able to edit, produce, and integrate video and audio content for multimedia projects and distribution platforms.
- Graduates will plan and manage digital projects using basic project management practices and demonstrate professional client communication.
- Graduates can create and optimize 3D assets using PBR workflows for interactive and/or rendered media.
- Graduates will develop and present a professional portfolio that demonstrates technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and readiness for employment or transfer.
Program Manager: Michael Webb
Phone: (505) 287-6631
Email: mwebb@nmsu.edu
Office: McClure Hall, Room 304