Valley Forge’s new digital media major draws interest
The Digital Media Communications major has caught the
interest of students at Valley Forge Christian College.
By Mary Chenco
Twitter, YouTube or Facebook. The digital world is growing faster than ever before, and the current generation of college students is living in a world with virtually unlimited possibilities. Over the past five years, advancements in communication technology and a fundamental shift in the way we ingest content has radically changed how people approach media.
Churches are embracing the cultural shift to new media through blogs, podcasts and streaming video, and the position of “media pastor” is becoming more common. Businesses and corporations increasingly rely on “new media professionals” to communicate in an ever-changing media climate. However, most traditional collegiate Communications degrees are based on the same concepts that are bankrupting mass media outlets today. As Valley Forge Christian College approached a new degree, they took into consideration the changes in the industry and responded accordingly.
Students are fascinated by ever-changing principles and uncharted opportunities in the field of digital media. A fusion of art and technology, digital media opens doors for a varied group of personalities, talents and interests. The Valley Forge Digital Media Communications major concentrates on the five main areas of expertise: audio, video, Web design, graphic design and photography. By engaging students in these areas, the program levels the playing field among students — enhancing knowledge they already have, while providing instruction and opportunities for experience in areas where they may be lacking.
Students who graduate from VFCC’s Digital Media program are prepared to become skilled and creative developers and managers of all media. They are immersed in the critical thinking that surrounds creativity, not only how to work with industry tools, but how to ask the questions of why things work the way they do. All qualifying Digital Media students receive a MacBook Pro as part of the program — a tool they use not only while in school, but for outside ministry, development and ultimately to get kick started into their career.
After only one year, Digital Media Communications has become Valley Forge’s fastest growing major. The excitement among students is almost palpable as they work with each other, “as iron sharpens iron,” desiring to develop the skills necessary to accomplish what God has called them to do.
Information about the VFCC Digital Media Communications major, as well as examples of student work, can be found at its Web site, www.vfcc.edu/digitalmedia. Interested students can request more information at VFCC’s Fine Arts booth, featuring the Digital Media program, or call 1-800-432-8322.