Digital Media

What is Digital Media?

The Master of Science in Digital Media at Drexel University is an interdisciplinary, two-year graduate program that blends creative practice, technical innovation, and critical inquiry. Structured around three core domains—Art & Design, Technology, and Critical Thinking—the program equips students to design compelling digital experiences while understanding their cultural and ethical impact.

Through coursework in visual storytelling, speculative and interactive design, AI-enhanced production, immersive media, and critical media theory, students build a versatile skill set that prepares them for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The curriculum spans six quarters and includes core classes, advanced electives across key domains, and a culminating capstone project or research thesis.

Degree Options for Digital Media

Master of Science Program

The Master of Science (MS) in Digital Media at Drexel University is a 45-credit, interdisciplinary graduate program that prepares students for advanced work in digital design, animation, games, immersive media, and critical media studies. Grounded in three core domains—Art and Design, Technology, and Critical Thinking—the program offers a balanced education that combines creative practice, technical proficiency, and critical insight.

Students gain hands-on experience with emerging tools for real-time rendering, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), AI-enhanced workflows, and interactive storytelling. Whether building animated worlds, designing playable experiences, prototyping interfaces, or analyzing the ethical impact of media technologies, students graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving field.

The curriculum is adaptive by design, with advanced coursework that evolves based on emerging technologies and faculty expertise. In the final year, students choose between a Capstone Project or a Research Thesis.

Best for students seeking advanced creative and technical skills in:

• digital production
• research-informed practice
• or careers in UX, immersive media, animation, simulation, or interactive systems

Visit the Drexel University Course Catalogue to learn more about the MS in Digital Media.

PhD Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Digital Media at Drexel University is a 45–90 credit, interdisciplinary research degree designed for students who aim to advance the boundaries of digital media through original scholarly and creative work. Grounded in the core domains of Art and Design, Technology, and Critical Thinking, the program prepares doctoral candidates to contribute new knowledge to the field.

The PhD program supports both post-master’s and post-baccalaureate pathways:

• Post-master’s: 45-credit curriculum with advanced coursework and research-intensive seminars
• Post-baccalaureate: 90 credits including the full MS in Digital Media followed by doctoral study

Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary research topics spanning immersive media, game studies, AI-enhanced design, critical theory, accessibility, digital preservation, education, health, or cultural heritage.

This STEM-designated program aligns with Drexel’s Road to the Doctoral Degree process, ensuring clear milestones from coursework to dissertation defense.

Ideal PhD candidates will:

• Demonstrate prior academic or professional experience in digital media, computing, design, or related fields
• Be prepared to conduct original research aligned with one of the program’s three core domains
• Show strong potential for interdisciplinary inquiry and contribution to the evolving field

Visit the Drexel University Course Catalogue to learn more about the PhD in Digital Media.

Paths of Study

On Campus

• Full-time or part-time
• Access to Philadelphia’s creative ecosystem and Drexel’s production labs, research facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration across Westphal

Online

• Full-time or part-time; synchronous or asynchronous
• The same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus program, supported by industry professionals who serve as mentors and instructors

Digital Media Program Resources & Facilities

Digital Media students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including:

• Motion capture studio
• High-end render and computing labs
• Digital fabrication labs with 3D printing and laser cutting
• Advanced animation and real-time rendering studios
• AI-enhanced production environments
• Adobe Creative Cloud, Unreal Engine, Unity, and industry-standard tools
• Collaborative studio spaces with extended hours
• Research centers focused on digital culture and emerging technologies

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue roles across entertainment, technology, culture, education, wellness, and related fields, including:

• 3D Artist / Animator
• Game Designer / Gameplay Programmer
• UX/UI Designer
• AR/VR Developer
• Immersive Media Specialist
• Technical Artist
• Digital Experience Designer
• Interactive Media Producer
• Motion Capture Technician
• Simulation Developer
• Digital Project Manager
• Human-Centered Design Researcher
• Digital Storytelling Specialist
• Emerging Technologies Strategist
• Media Arts Educator or Researcher

Learn More About Graduate Digital Media

For more information, to schedule a tour, or for guidance in choosing the right program, contact the Westphal admissions team at westphaladm@drexel.edu or call 215.895.1738.