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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 10/11/2023
Total classes: 30
Weeks per class: 7.5
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.
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.
MCO 120: Media and Society (SB)
MCO 302: Media Research Methods
MCO 425: Digital Media Literacy I
MCO 426: Digital Media Literacy II
MCO 427: Misinformation and Society
MCO 428: Digital Media and Freedom of Expression in the 21st Century
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)
Community Specialist
Educator
Library Media Specialist
News Reporter
Production Assistant
Public Relations Specialist
Religious Education Director
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 professional journalists and world-class media scholars from across the country.
- Digital media leader Dan Gillmor.
- Former BET vice president Retha Hill.
- Former Knight Foundation journalism innovator Eric Newton.
- Former Sacramento Bee executive editor Rick Rodriguez.
- Former Washington Post executive editor Leonard Downie, Jr.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and editor Jacquee Petchel.
- Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter Steve Doig.
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 professional journalists and world-class media scholars from across the country.
- Digital media leader Dan Gillmor.
- Former BET vice president Retha Hill.
- Former Knight Foundation journalism innovator Eric Newton.
- Former Sacramento Bee executive editor Rick Rodriguez.
- Former Washington Post executive editor Leonard Downie, Jr.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and editor Jacquee Petchel.
- Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter Steve Doig.
How to apply
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Study at one of the top colleges for journalism and mass communication
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a leading journalism school in the U.S. For more than 15 years, its students have won more awards in the Society of Professional Journalists national “Mark of Excellence” competition than any other university. Student reporting projects on social justice issues have won five Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards – the most of any journalism school in the country. The Cronkite School regularly ranks in the top five journalism schools in the country for broadcasting, photojournalism and strategic communications awards.
223
student journalism awards.
1,260
online students.
46
media partnerships.
16
student organizations.
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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