Digital media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, create and use digital media. This includes everything from knowing how to find credible information online to being able to communicate using digital media. A few examples of digital media literacy include knowing how to use digital media technology, spotting misinformation, creating digital content and evaluating the social, cultural and historical impact of media.
Digital media literacy goes beyond digital literacy and using digital tools. Instead, digital media literacy is the ability to use digital media to understand and interact with the world around you. Upon graduating from this program, you’ll have the skills needed to interpret digital media and produce digital content in a way that can benefit society.
Why is digital media literacy important?
Digital media is all around us. Nearly every message is created or distributed using digital technology, making it easier than ever to access important information. While this is generally seen as a positive, the rapid spread of misinformation can threaten our democracy. Being able to navigate these digital media challenges is fundamental to being a well-informed member of society.
Digital media literacy is not only important on a personal level, but also in the workplace and community. Understanding how people interact with information is essential in many communications careers. If you want to further develop your digital media skills, you can pair this degree with an online Bachelor of Science in digital audiences or further your education with the Master of Science in digital audience strategy.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
If you’re interested in content creation, digital humanities, representation in media and education communication or other related fields, this online digital media literacy degree may be a great fit for you. Preparing you to be at the forefront of strategic digital media decisions with a deep understanding of how information and technology affect our daily interactions, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career or pursue master’s, PhD or other professional programs.
One thing that sets this degree apart from other communication degrees is its focus on what happens after the content is made and distributed. You’ll learn how to examine who saw the content, who trusts it and what the audience did with it. This degree aims to help you become a professional communicator and understand how digital content helps or harms your audience and their communities, so you can create content that has a positive impact.
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in digital media literacy prepares you to become a digital media leader in a world dominated by technology and information. You'll learn how digital media works and explore its impact on our daily lives. This degree also teaches you how to identify misinformation, create digital content and be an effective professional communicator.
Program courses focus on digital media literacy, freedom of expression and spotting misinformation. Throughout your core courses and electives, you’ll gain important knowledge in digital media, law and policy, including verification strategies, media creation techniques and relevant ethical principles. You’ll also explore representation in media, privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence and other pressing issues.
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication attracts award-winning communication professionals and world-class media scholars from across the country.
- Award-winning podcast hosts Roddy Nikpour and Abby Zufelt.
- Entrepreneur Eli Chmouni.
- Media literacy expert Dr. Kristy Roschke.
- Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Thompson.
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is the leading mass communication school in the U.S. The school, its faculty and its students are regularly recognized for their work.
journalism school.
Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty.
prestigious student media awards.
online students.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”