Why take a minor?
Many UH undergraduate degree plans allow students to pursue a minor as well as a major. Why take a minor? There are two fundamental reasons: 1) to extend your major; or 2) to balance your major. Minors offered by the Digital Media Program can do either of these for you.
In the first case, you can take one of the digital media minors to increase your understanding of your major. For example, if you are completing a B.A. or B.F.A. in Art emphasizing Graphic Communications, the Graphic Communications Technology minor can help you understand the technological and financial aspects of print reproduction. Or, the Computer Graphics minor can help you understand the technological processes of distributing design through computers, including websites, mobile devices, and integrated media systems. Similarly, those majoring in Computer Information Systems can pursue a minor in Computer Graphics so that they will understand more about the "look and feel" of electronic communications.
In the second case, one of the Digital Media minors can balance out your education. It can allow you to spend some time learning something completely different than your major, something that you might "fall back on" during your working life. In this case, a student completing a B.B.A. in entrepreneurship could study a Digital Media minor to learn a bit about potential business startups within the burgeoning digital media field.
Overview
Students wishing to obtain a minor may choose any approved minor program within the Technology Division. Minimum requirements range from 15 to 18 semester hours of coursework, of which 9 must be advanced; 9 semester hours in residence at UH of which 6 must be advanced; and a 2.0 minimum grade point average in all courses in the minor at the University of Houston. Minors in the Department of Information Science Technology must earn a grade of C or better in all minor courses.
The GPA for minors in the Technology Division will be calculated based on all the grades earned in all courses attempted or completed for the minor as defined by the minor requirements listed in the undergraduate catalog.
Most DIGM courses are offered only once per year and prerequisites are strictly enforced. The Graphic Communications Technology Minor takes a minimum of three semesters to complete.
Junior-and senior-level DIGM courses are taught on the University of Houston's satellite campus in Sugar Land. Shuttles connect the campuses several times a day.
Graphic Communications Technology
The Graphic Communications Technology minor focuses on using technology to produce print media and is particularly useful for those majoring in related degrees in Communications (such as Advertising, Media Production, Media Studies, and Public Relations) as well as Studio Arts/Graphic Communications majors. Courses cover materials and processes, computer graphics, premedia/prepress, print output, binding/finishing, and costing.
For the official requirements for a Graphic Communications Technology Minor, see the University of Houston Catalog.
Required courses (18 Semester Hours)
- DIGM 1350 - Graphics for Digital Media
- DIGM 2325 - Information Technology Applications for Digital Media
- DIGM 2353 - Page Layout and Design
- DIGM 3351 - Individualized Communication Processes
- DIGM 3252 - Graphic Communication Output
- DIGM 3152 - Graphic Communication Output Lab
- DIGM 4373 - Photographic Tone and Color Reproduction
Motion Media
The Motion Media minor centers on producing digital moving images - whether captured through camera lenses or computer-generated. This minor is particularly useful for those with majors in Education, Architecture, and Art. Courses cover pixel-and vector-based graphics, digital videography (beginning and advanced), photography, 2D animation, and 3D animation. A suggested capstone transmedia course is also available to students.
For the official requirements for a Motion Media Minor, see the University of Houston Catalog.
Required courses (15 Semester Hours)
- DIGM 1350 - Graphics for Digital Media
- DIGM 2352 - Digital Photography
- DIGM 3354 - Video Production 1
- DIGM 3370 - Two Dimensional Computer Generated Imagery Animation
Choose 1:
- DIGM 3374 - Video Production 2
- DIGM 4371 - 3D Modeling and Animation
Package Design
The Packaging Technology minor focuses on understanding the technical, logistical, and design impacts of packaging from concept to shelf. It is particularly useful for those in marketing, communications, supply chain, logistics, retailing, and consumer sciences. Courses cover materials, processes, color, production, and design requirements. Students will utilize computer-aided drafting and vector-based industry-standard software which will increase their marketable skills in many fields.
For the official requirements for a Package Design Minor, see the University of Houston Catalog.
Required courses (15 Semester Hours)
- DIGM 1350 - Graphics for Digital Media
- DIGM 2353 - Page Layout and Design
- DIGM 3152 - Graphic Communication Output Lab
- DIGM 3252 - Graphic Communication Output
- DIGM 3355 - Package Technology
Choose 1:
- DIGM 4373 - Photographic Tone and Color Reproduction
- DIGM 4375 - Package Design