Written by Monika Alters
The roots of the Digital Media program at the University of Houston trace back to the early 1980s. Significant progress was made in 1993 when Dr. Jerry Waite joined the university and began developing a new curriculum. The original program, known as Graphic Communications Technology, became the first baccalaureate-level program in Texas to specialize in supervision within the field. The curriculum included comprehensive coursework in areas such as electronic publication, printing processes, prepress, press operations, finishing, and costing activities.
Between 2005 and 2007, Dr. Waite, along with Professor Monika Alters and an Advisory Board, undertook the task of refining and enhancing the courses. It was during this period that the program was rebranded as Digital Media to better reflect its evolving focus. By 2009, the updated Digital Media program was officially launched.
The program experienced rapid growth in the following years. In 2010, the number of majors stood at 60, and by 2011, this number had increased to 149. By the fall of 2024, enrollment in Digital Media classes had surged to over 500 students per semester. This remarkable growth highlighted the program's success and the need for further expansion. To accommodate the increasing student population and evolving field, new core classes were introduced, ensuring that all majors gained a solid foundation in digital media, with a wide range of elective courses available for specialized study. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, who noted that this program is the model for what Digital Media programs should look like across the country.
As Digital Media grows nationally and attracts more students, the program has expanded its facilities, relocating to the University of Houston Sugar Land campus. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, research labs, and media equipment, the Digital Media program is well positioned to guide our students to become leaders, strategists, and producers in the Digital Media industry.