Digital Media PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) 
Minimum Required Credits: 33   
Co-op Option(s): None    
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 11.0801 
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-1134 

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Digital Media at Drexel University is an interdisciplinary research degree designed for students who aim to advance the boundaries of digital media through original scholarly and creative work. The program offers two tracks: a post-master's track (33 credits) for students who hold a relevant master's degree, and a post-baccalaureate track (60 credits) for students entering with a bachelor's degree. 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 by critically engaging with emerging technologies, theoretical frameworks, and real-world applications.

Both tracks emphasize original research contributions, advanced critical and theoretical inquiry, and the development of expertise across the three program domains. Students complete foundational doctoral coursework, a PhD Seminar, and individualized research requirements defined by their advisor, culminating in a dissertation representing an original contribution to the field. This is a STEM-designated program structured to align with Drexel's "Road to Doctoral Degree" process, ensuring clear milestones from coursework to candidacy, dissertation proposal, and final defense.

Additional Information 

For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. 

Admission Requirements

Same as Drexel Admissions.

Degree Requirements

 Post-Master's PhD Course Requirements

Core/Foundational Courses
DIGM 8010Design for Digital Media3.0
DIGM 8110Digital Media Technologies3.0
DIGM 8210Digital Media Research Strategies3.0
Subject-Area Focused Courses
DIGM 8020Media Arts Lab3.0
DIGM 8120Experimental and Interactive Media Technologies3.0
DIGM 8220Critical Theories in Digital Media3.0
DIGM 8998Digital Media Seminar 16.0
Research/Dissertation
DIGM 9997Doctoral Research in Digital Media3.0
DIGM 9998Digital Media Dissertation I3.0
DIGM 9999Digital Media Dissertation II3.0
Total Credits33.0
1

Must take DIGM 8998 two times for a total of 6 credits

Post-Baccalaureate PhD Course Requirements

Core/Foundational Courses
DIGM 5010Design for Digital Media3.0
DIGM 5020Media Arts Lab3.0
DIGM 5110Digital Media Technologies3.0
DIGM 5120Experimental and Interactive Media Technologies3.0
DIGM 5210Digital Media Research Strategies3.0
DIGM 5220Critical Theories in Digital Media3.0
DIGM 6210Ethics and Social Impact of Digital Media3.0
DIGM 6059Topics in Emerging Media Technologies3.0
DIGM 7910Capstone and Thesis Development I3.0
DIGM 7920Capstone and Thesis Development II3.0
DIGM 8998Digital Media Seminar 16.0
DIGM 9997Doctoral Research in Digital Media 212.0
DIGM 9998Digital Media Dissertation I3.0
DIGM 9999Digital Media Dissertation II3.0
Electives
DIGM 8800Special Topics in Digital Media3.0
DIGM 8900Independent Study in Digital Media3.0
Total Credits60.0
1

Must take DIGM 8998 two times for a total of 6 credits.

2

Must take DIGM 9997 four times for a total of 12 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to demonstrate mastery of digital media research methods and contribute original knowledge to the field.
 
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to critically analyze and theorize the cultural, ethical, and societal impact of digital media in diverse contexts.
 
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to apply and advance principles of interaction, play, and user experience design in original digital media research.
 
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to evaluate, critique, and contribute to the development of emerging technologies and their applications in digital media.
 
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to lead collaborative research in academic and industry environments, demonstrating scholarly and professional expertise.
 
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to communicate original research results through scholarly publications, conference presentations, and digital formats.
 
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to demonstrate expertise in navigating, evaluating, and contributing to evolving digital tools and technologies.
 
Synthesize critical thinking and creative problem-solving to produce original scholarly contributions to digital media.