Students who complete the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies at The University of Texas at Dallas become strategic communicators in a digitally driven world. Offered through the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, the program blends the study of human communication with hands-on  experience in technical and professional communication, instructional design, and digital media studies. Students explore interpersonal, intercultural and professional communication while gaining practical skills in digital storytelling and communication ethics.

Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies at UT Dallas

The 120-credit-hour degree includes 42 hours of core curriculum and 78 hours of major and elective coursework. Students begin with foundational courses in communication studies, public speaking and interpersonal communication, then advance to topics such as media and culture, persuasion, ethics and leadership. The program offers two optional concentrations: Professional and Technical Communication and Digital Media Studies. Students may also choose from a wide range of prescribed electives or pursue a minor. A capstone or internship experience is required, providing hands-on learning and professional development. Designed to meet the demands of today’s communication-driven industries, the program is delivered in person and accommodates both full-time and part-time students.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers in communication, media and technology. Potential roles include web designer, technical editor, and corporate communication specialist. The degree also supports careers in instructional design, digital advocacy and organizational communication. With its emphasis on both professional and digital communication, the program equips graduates to succeed across diverse sectors. 

About the Bass School

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology  addresses the needs of a new generation of artists, performers and scholars. Bass students learn skills to craft exceptional work in an environment that encourages fluid movement between traditional disciplines and creative expression. Faculty integrate advanced technology with established artistic and research methods, equipping students to tackle pressing challenges. In exciting forms of collaborative and experimental learning at the intersections of arts, humanities, and emerging technologies, Bass students imagine, invent and create, while preparing to succeed and make a difference in a globally connected world. Visit the Bass School website for a list of Labs and Studios.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts: Animation and games, history, Latin American studies, literature*, media arts and design, philosophy, professional communication and digital media studies, visual and performing arts

Master of Arts: Art history, arts, technology, and emerging communication, history,  humanities, Latin American studies,  literature, philosophy, visual and performing arts

Master of Fine Arts: Animation, arts, technology, and emerging communication, game development

Doctor of Philosophy: arts, technology, and emerging communication, history,   humanities, literature, visual and performing arts

Minors Offered

If your academic focus leads you elsewhere at UT Dallas, but you would still like to pursue studies in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, the following minors are available:

• African American and African Diaspora Studies
• Art History
• Arts Management and Leadership
• Asian Studies
• Audio Production
• Communication Studies
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Ethnic Studies
• Film Studies
• History
• Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights
• Latin American Studies
• Literature
• Medicine, Arts, Science, and Humanities (MASH)
• Music
• Performing Arts
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Spanish
• Theatre
• Visual Arts

Honors Thesis and Fast-Track Program

The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology honors thesis offers the opportunity for advanced creative and scholarly work and recognition. To earn honors, students must graduate with:

• A minimum of 3.0 graded, upper-division semester credit hours at UT Dallas.
• A GPA of 3.67 in a student’s major.
• The completion of an honors thesis or project evaluated by two faculty members with a grade of at least B+.
• *Exceptionally well-qualified undergraduates who meet the requirements for admission to graduate school should consider the Fast Track program, which allows them to begin work on a master’s degree before graduation. Qualified seniors may take up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses during their senior year, which will apply to their undergraduate degree plans. For more information regarding Fast Track, contact an undergraduate academic advisor.

Additional Facts

• Several faculty members have been awarded prestigious fellowships, including those from the The National Humanities Center, Guggenheim, Fulbright, Alexander S. Onassis and Woodrow Wilson foundations. Others are recipients of the Füst Literary Award, as well as awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
• Every year, many of our Animation and Games faculty work on blockbuster projects and with AAA game studios, producing content that is seen or played by millions worldwide.
• The school’s centers further enhance students’ educational experience by bringing the concept of globalism to campus, by bringing world events into focus through research and by encouraging innovation and creativity.
• The National Science Foundation recently awarded a major grant to the school’s Center for Values in Medicine, Science and Technology to study the mentoring and education that occurs in science laboratories.