Digital Communication students critique capstone projects around table

Digital Communications

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Digital Communications (digiCOM) at LVC, where you’ll learn how to design for digital media and gear up to design in emerging media, such as AR/VR/XR, motion-capture animation, AI/generative tools, spatial projection, and more.

Leverage AI to become hyperproductive, a requirement for today’s world. Our students learn emerging technologies to develop, create, launch start-ups, and more.

Choose one of six concentrations: business technology, communications, design, programming, user experience, or videography. Elevate your education by combining digiCOM with a second major in Interaction Design, Art, Marketing, or Business or a minor in Psychology or Consumer and User Behavior. However you choose to study, LVC’s degree prepares you to be a competitive professional. Our graduates have gone on to work in fields like graphic art, interactive media, and marketing in cities like Boston, London, and New York.

Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

Learn More About the Program

As a digiCOM major, you’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software. Create your digital designs in physical form in LVC’s Maker Space (open to you 24/7) to gain experience with tools like digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, a vacuum form, digital scanners, embroidery, a vinyl cutter, electronics, and laser cutters. In the Usability Lab, learn to conduct usability research on your designs. The Studio Lounge provides a space for you to collaborate with your peers while surrounded by inspiring work.

LVC students use motion capture technology to customize an avatar

Creativity at Work

Motion Capture Technology

What can you do with digital media technology? Well, if you’re a LVC student—a lot. Check out this video to see how your peers use program technology to create exciting designs.

Emerging Media Lab

The Design, Media & Technology department (DMT) has created the Emerging Media Lab (EML) to provide LVC students with an understanding of and exposure to disruptive technologies, allow them to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these technologies, and aid in developing design strategies for them.

100%
of students develop portfolios and hold internships for professional development
$66,240
median annual pay for media and communication occupations, 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
6%
projected job growth for media and communication occupations, 2022–32 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Equipment Available to digiCOM Majors

  • Sewing/Embroidery Machine* 
  • Vinyl Cutters* 
  • Heat Press* 
  • Paper Cutter 

*Students must complete a designated training with the department to use.  

  • Cameras, DSLRs & GoPros 
  • Drone 
  • Dollies & Tripods 
  • Greenscreens 
  • Tascams 
  • Headphones 
  • Light Kits 
  • Microphones (lavaliere, shotgun, standard) 
  • PRUSA i3 3D Printers 
  • PRUSA SL1S Resin Printers 
  • DREMEL 3D Printer 
  • MakerBot Replicators 
  • MakerBot Digitizer 
  • Intelligent 3D Pen 

*Students must complete a designated training with the department to use. 

  • Revopoint 3D Scanner* 
  • HP 3D Capture Stage* 
  • HP sprout computer w/ camera stand 

*Students must complete a designated training with the department to use. 

  • Roland SRM20 Desktop CNC 
  • Glowforge Laser Cutter 
  • Epilog Edge Laser Cutter 24×12 
  • Vaquform

*Students must complete a designated training with the department to use. 

  • Lightform Spatial Projection 
  • Digital Projectors 
  • Ultraleap 3D Stereo Hand Tracking 
  • Oculus Rift 
  • HoloLens Headsets 
  • HTC VIVE 
  • Metaquest Headsets 

*Students must complete a designated training with the department to use. 

  • Soldering Stations 
  • Raspberry Pis 
  • Arduinos (Uno Rev3, Uno Wifi R2) 
  • Electrical components, transducers and actuators (Bone Conductor amps, sensors, heartrate sensors, etc.) 
  • Prototyping Equipment (Breadboards, 22g wire, connectors, etc.) 
  • Helping hands 
  • Multimeters 
  • Portable Oscilloscope
  • Hot Glue Guns 
  • Heat Gun 
  • Utility Knives 
  • Tape Measures 
  • Screwdrivers 
  • Wrenches 
  • Pliers 
  • Ratchets 
  • Wire Cutters 
Internships & Hands-On Experience
Internships

Internships play a large role in Digital Communications. Students who declare digiCOM as their major will be required to take at least three credits of internship, which is pass/fail.

Recent internship sites include Hershey Foods, TE Connectivity, the Hershey Bears, McKenney’s, Inc., and more.

LVC digiCOM students can view internship requirements here.

 

Student-Operated Ad Agency

Lebanon Valley College’s Kalo Creative is a student-operated ad agency founded in 2014 that actively engages students with local nonprofits. The one-credit course provides pro bono marketing and communications services to community organizations, offering students practical experience in project management and client relations and area nonprofits marketing help.

Brand logos of companies LVC interaction design and digital communications majors have interned and worked for.

In Their Words

I chose Digital Communications because I was searching for a way to channel my creativity to use technology to solve problems. I saw an opportunity that didn’t close creative doors but leveraged them to create professional opportunities.
Sophie Trentini ’24, Digital Communications
The LVC DigiCom Program changed the way I view art. With DigiCom, not only is art a means of personal self-expression, but it is also functional; it serves a purpose. The DigiCom Program showed me how to communicate ideas effectively through many different mediums and perfectly prepared me for the world of digital media where I now work.
Shelby Lister ’23, Graphic Designer, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Our students enter as amateur artists, musicians, videographers, writers, entrepreneurs, and creative dreamers. Four years later they leave with the knowledge and skills to apply their creativity to a professional career path.
Joel Kline ’89, Professor of Design, Media, & Technology

Student Capstone Video Projects

Looking to feel inspired? Watch these capstone project videos from the students who came before you—and get excited to make your own work come to life.

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