What is the difference between a capstone and a thesis?
The requirements for the Digital Media degree are the same -- complete 9 courses plus a capstone or thesis project.
A thesis is the more appropriate choice if:
- you want to get a PhD or other advanced degree and want the experience of writing for publication
- you want to work individually with an advisor
- you are more self-directed, are good at managing your own projects with very little supervision, and have a clear direction for your work
- you have a project that requires more time to pursue
A capstone is the more appropriate choice if:
- you don't need or want the experience of writing a big publication
- you want more input on your project, from fellow students and other instructors
- you want more structure to your project, including more internal milestones and due dates
Course requirements
To earn the degree, you choose either a thesis or capstone track, depending on your goals and interests.
Either track requires one on-campus course. See the on-campus requirement.
- One computational design course (required for admission)
- Two digital media courses
- One education and instructional design course
- Two web design and application development courses
- Three concentration electives
- A thesis or capstone
Thesis
In this track, you end the program with a thesis project. You work individually with a thesis director to solve significant software problems and produce documents of publishable quality.
Capstone
In this track, you complete DGMD E-599 Capstone Design Studio, in which you create an individual project and present it to a faculty committee.