Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Literacy

Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in digital media literacy prepares you to become a digital media leader in a world dominated by technology and information. You'll learn how digital media works and explore its impact on our daily lives. This degree also teaches you how to identify misinformation, create digital content and be an effective professional communicator.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 30

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Digital Media Literacy (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is digital media literacy?

Digital media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, create and use digital media. This includes everything from knowing how to find credible information online to being able to communicate using digital media. A few examples of digital media literacy include knowing how to use digital media technology, spotting misinformation, creating digital content and evaluating the social, cultural and historical impact of media.

Digital media literacy goes beyond digital literacy and using digital tools. Instead, digital media literacy is the ability to use digital media to understand and interact with the world around you. Upon graduating from this program, you’ll have the skills needed to interpret digital media and produce digital content in a way that can benefit society.

Why is digital media literacy important?

Digital media is all around us. Nearly every message is created or distributed using digital technology, making it easier than ever to access important information. While this is generally seen as a positive, the rapid spread of misinformation can threaten our democracy. Being able to navigate these digital media challenges is fundamental to being a well-informed member of society.

Digital media literacy is not only important on a personal level, but also in the workplace and community. Understanding how people interact with information is essential in many communications careers. If you want to further develop your digital media skills, you can pair this degree with an online Bachelor of Science in digital audiences or further your education with the Master of Science in digital audience strategy.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

If you’re interested in content creation, digital humanities, representation in media and education communication or other related fields, this online digital media literacy degree may be a great fit for you. Preparing you to be at the forefront of strategic digital media decisions with a deep understanding of how information and technology affect our daily interactions, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career or pursue master’s, PhD or other professional programs.

One thing that sets this degree apart from other communication degrees is its focus on what happens after the content is made and distributed. You’ll learn how to examine who saw the content, who trusts it and what the audience did with it. This degree aims to help you become a professional communicator and understand how digital content helps or harms your audience and their communities, so you can create content that has a positive impact. 

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” 

Digital media literacy courses

Program courses focus on digital media literacy, freedom of expression and spotting misinformation. Throughout your core courses and electives, you’ll gain important knowledge in digital media, law and policy, including verification strategies, media creation techniques and relevant ethical principles. You’ll also explore representation in media, privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence and other pressing issues.


What kind of jobs can I get with a digital media literacy degree?

This online digital media literacy degree equips you with the skills needed for a variety of careers related to communications, public relations and community engagement. This program also prepares you to pursue an advanced degree in education, law or a related communications field. Potential career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)


Growth: 7.2 %
Salary: $59,990

Community Specialist


Growth: 6.5 %
Salary: $47,290

Educator


Growth: 2.3 %
Salary: $47,650

Library Media Specialist


Growth: 3.0 %
Salary: $61,660

News Reporter


Growth: -3.3 %
Salary: $55,960

Production Assistant


Growth: 4.3 %
Salary: $65,000

Public Relations Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $67,440

Religious Education Director


Growth: -0.2 %
Salary: $49,380

Learn from award-winning experts in the field of journalism and digital media

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning communication professionals and world-class media scholars from across the country.

  • Award-winning podcast hosts Roddy Nikpour and Abby Zufelt.
  • Entrepreneur Eli Chmouni.
  • Media literacy expert Dr. Kristy Roschke.
  • Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Thompson.

Learn from award-winning experts in the field of journalism and digital media

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning communication professionals and world-class media scholars from across the country.

  • Award-winning podcast hosts Roddy Nikpour and Abby Zufelt.
  • Entrepreneur Eli Chmouni.
  • Media literacy expert Dr. Kristy Roschke.
  • Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Thompson.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at our award-winning journalism school

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is the leading mass communication school in the U.S. The school, its faculty and its students are regularly recognized for their work.

#1


journalism school.

6


Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty.

20+


prestigious student media awards.

1,255


online students.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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