Course Listings

Word Processing

WDDE 100A | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 100B.) An introduction to word processing. The goal is to use word processing applications effectively to produce professional documents for business and personal communication. Topics include creating, formatting, and editing word processing documents. Hands-on practice with industry-standard word-processing software is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 100B, CAPP 103, CMST 100B, CMST 103, or WDDE 100A.

Spreadsheet Applications

WDDE 100B | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 100G.) An introduction to the use of electronic spreadsheets to analyze numerical data, including basic terminology, formats, and other applications. The goal is to use spreadsheet applications to produce professional electronic spreadsheets effectively for business and personal use. Hands-on practice with industry standard spreadsheet software is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 100G, CAPP 103, CMST 100G, CMST 103, or WDDE 100B.

Presentation Graphics

WDDE 100C | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 100D.) An introduction to the principles of presentation graphics. The goal is to use presentation graphics applications effectively to produce electronic presentations for professional and personal communication. Topics include planning and creating effective presentations. Hands-on practice with industry-standard presentation graphics software is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 100D, CAPP 103, CMST 100D, CMST 103, or WDDE 100C.

Database Applications

WDDE 100D | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 100F.) An introduction to database systems, their terminology, and the principles of database management. The goal is to use database management applications effectively to create professional databases. Topics include how best to organize, manage, and access stored data; how to protect databases; and how to extract useful information. Hands-on practice with industry-standard database software is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 100F, CAPP 103, CMST 100F, CMST 103, or WDDE 100D.

Introduction to Interactive Design

WDDE 290 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 290) An introduction to the principles, practices, techniques, and theories that govern the use of scripting and programming languages in the design and development of interactive digital media. The objective is to effectively use proven scripting and programming theory to support digital media design for print, web, and mobile devices. Projects involve modifying existing scripting languages and HTML code as well as conducting a usability review. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 290 or WDDE 290.

Fundamentals of Digital Design

WDDE 295 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 295) An overview of the principles, practices, techniques, and theories that govern web and digital design. The goal is to effectively follow proven design theory in creating digital design for print, web, and mobile devices. Topics include usability, accessibility, ethics, extended reality, and emerging technologies. Career paths in the web and digital design industry are analyzed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 295 or WDDE 295.

Digital Media and Society

WDDE 300 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 301) A survey of technological advancements in the field of digital media and their impact. The objective is to explain how digital media has transformed the communication of ideas in society and to make responsible choices in the creation and consumption of digital media based on awareness of global, social, ethical, and legal contexts. Topics include social media, the visual display of information, ethics and privacy, participatory media, and the impact of digital media on culture. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 301 or WDDE 300.

Advanced Application Software

WDDE 305 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 303) Prerequisite(s): WDDE 100A, WDDE 100B, WDDE 100C, and WDDE 100D or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access or an introductory course in Microsoft Office. A hands-on project-based survey of advanced features of office application software. The aim is to use advanced application features to produce documents for professional and personal communication. Topics include information systems, application integration, computer hardware and software, storage, and networking. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 303, CMST 303, or WDDE 305.

Fundamentals of Electronic Publishing

WDDE 310 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 310) A hands-on, project-based introduction to the tools, concepts, processes, and methods of electronic (desktop) publishing. The aim is to use Adobe InDesign (or another professional electronic publishing software program) to create electronic publications for various media formats following fundamental design principles. Topics include the history and evolution of publishing, working with color, incorporating graphics, principles and elements of design, publication workflow, emerging technologies, careers in the field, ethical and legal considerations, and collaborative design. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 310, CAPP 398B, CMST 310, or WDDE 310.

Advanced Electronic Publishing

WDDE 315 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 311) Prerequisite: WDDE 310. A hands-on, project-based study of the advanced concepts, tools, processes, and methods of electronic (desktop) publishing. The goal is to use Adobe InDesign to create engaging electronic publications following fundamental design principles for print, online, and mobile devices. Topics include motion and interactivity, PDF (portable document format) publishing, emerging technologies, design issues related to mobile devices, ethical and legal considerations, collaborative work, and print and web-ready Adobe Flash files. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 311, CMST 311, or WDDE 315.

Illustration Graphics

WDDE 320 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 320) A hands-on, project-based introduction to illustration graphics using Adobe Illustrator. The goal is to apply fundamental concepts of vector image composition to create professional digital media for delivery across multiple platforms, including print, web, and video, following ethical principles and legal guidelines. Topics include terminology, tools, theory, and processes from concept to completion. Discussion covers Bezier curves, shading, depth, paths, drawing tools, vector versus raster images, and color theory. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 320 or WDDE 320.

Image Editing

WDDE 325 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 325) An introduction to digital image editing using Adobe Photoshop. The aim is to identify established digital image editing tools, techniques, and best practices; create new images; and edit existing images. Topics include terminology, tools, theory, and processes from concept to completion. Discussion covers fundamental concepts and practical techniques, as well as ethical and legal issues. Emphasis is on applying these concepts and techniques to produce high-quality digital works for multiple platforms, including print, web, and other electronic media. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 325 or WDDE 325.

Principles of Multimedia I

WDDE 340 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 341) A hands-on, project-based introduction to multimedia development. The aim is to create interactive products that integrate images, sound, video, and animation following sound media design principles for optimal display in multiple media formats using Adobe Animate. Topics include storyboarding, web design, animation, motion-tweening, project management, and ethical design. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 341 or WDDE 340.

Motion Graphics I

WDDE 350 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 351) A hands-on introduction to the basic concepts, techniques, and principles of digital video and motion graphics effects using Adobe After Effects. The objective is to describe digital video compositing techniques; create digital composites that combine video, text, digital images, and audio; and apply visual special effects to create professional results for use on multiple platforms, such as film, video, multimedia, and the web. Topics include techniques such as basic storyboarding, key framing, transformations, and rendering, as well as effects (including levels, curves, color correction, blur, glow, fractal noise, keying, masking, and cartoon effects). Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 351 or WDDE 350.

User Experience and Interface Design

WDDE 360 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 308) A hands-on, project-based introduction to user experience (UX) and interface design (UI). An introduction to design thinking and the basic practices of user experience, interface, and interaction design. Focus is on a user-centric, systematic, data-driven design process that includes research, concept generation, prototyping, and refinement. The goal is to evaluate user interfaces and create a working prototype using industry-standard techniques guided by usability data. Topics include human-computer interaction, user research, and career paths, as well as measuring and evaluating interface quality, wireframing, prototyping, designing virtual experiences, and storyboarding. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 308 or WDDE 360.

Principles of Web Design and Technology I

WDDE 365 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 385) A study of web design, tools, and technology principles. The goal is to plan and produce a professional website. Topics include internet protocols; usability; accessibility; and social, ethical, and legal issues related to website production. Focus is on HyperText Markup Language version 5 (HTML5) and cascading style sheets (CSS). Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 385, CMST 385, or WDDE 365.

Principles of Web Design and Technology II

WDDE 375 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 386) Prerequisite: WDDE 365. Continuation of the study of web design, tools, and technology principles. The objective is to create a website promotion strategy, with search engine optimization, and produce a professional website that incorporates multimedia and scripting. Topics include website marketing, web analytics, performance, privacy, and security issues related to website production. Focus is on Extensible HyperText Markup Language (XHTML), cascading style sheets (CSS), and JavaScript. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 386, CMST 386, or WDDE 375.

Principles of Web Design and Technology III

WDDE 385 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 387) Prerequisite: WDDE 375. A comprehensive, project-focused exploration of the techniques, tools, workflows, and industry best practices used in advanced web development. The goal is to create professional websites. Topics include web security, accessibility, inclusive design, and web performance optimization. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 387 or WDDE 385.

Content Management Systems

WDDE 390 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 355) A hands-on, project-based introduction to website development using content management systems (CMS). The goal is to use CMSs to quickly create engaging, interactive, and dynamic websites following industry-standard best practices. Topics include content publishing workflows, cross-browser compatibility, security and privacy vulnerabilities, plug ins, themes, and templates. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 355 or WDDE 390.

Fundamentals of JavaScript

WDDE 395 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 388) Prerequisite: WDDE 365. A hands-on, project-based study of JavaScript using a structured programming approach to build dynamic, interactive web pages. The goal is to use client-side JavaScript to create interactive, cross-browser compatible web pages that minimize security and privacy vulnerabilities. Topics include form validation, web development tools, documentation, dynamic HTML, event handling, cross-browser compatibility, cookies, and security issues. Programming projects are included. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 388, CMST 398J, or WDDE 395.

Advanced Image Editing

WDDE 425 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 425) Prerequisite: WDDE 325. Continued hands-on, project-based study of digital image editing using Adobe Photoshop. The objective is to identify and apply advanced design concepts, adjustments, and batch-processing techniques to creating new images and editing existing ones. Topics include more advanced terminology, tools, considerations, and processes from concept to completion. Emphasis is on advanced concepts and practical techniques to create professional images for print, web, and other electronic media. Discussion also covers ethical and legal issues. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 425 or WDDE 425.

Advanced JavaScript

WDDE 480 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 488) Prerequisite: WDDE 395. A hands-on, project-based study of web application development using advanced JavaScript technologies. The aim is to create cross-browser-compatible web applications that adhere to industry standards and minimize security risks. Topics include JavaScript libraries, user interfaces, accessibility, usability, and security. Web development projects using advanced JavaScript are included. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 488 or WDDE 480.

Web and Digital Design Capstone

WDDE 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CMST 495) Prerequisite: 24 credits of major coursework. An overview of current trends, technologies, theories, and practices in the web and digital design fields. The aim is to integrate concepts, practical application, and critical thinking acquired through previous study and apply them to professional and postgraduate objectives. Analysis covers innovative and emerging issues in web and digital design. Assignments include industry analysis, resume design, and portfolio creation. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CMST 495 or WDDE 495.