Hamline University is introducing two new undergraduate majors, digital media arts and health
science, which will launch in the fall of 2012. The programs, structured with
an inter-disciplinary approach, are built to accommodate a broad collection of
students and their academic and career interests.
Digital Media Arts
Students majoring in digital media arts will take traditional fine arts courses
and a variety of other technically-oriented classes to give them both a strong
academic foundation and tangible professional skills.
“The entry-level foundations course is a mix of theory
through inquiry and hands-on, experiential learning to help students discover
the principles and issues through new forms of communications,” said Bill
Wallace, chair of the theatre arts department, who is heavily involved in overseeing
the new program’s development.
Technical courses for this degree program will include video
production and digital photography, among others. Theoretically-oriented courses
will include video ethnography, women and film, and social media and the
globalization of protest.
To lead this degree program, Hamline is seeking a program
director and faculty member who has both a firm background in the fine arts and
actual technical expertise.
“We expect this degree program to be a concentration that intentionally
overlaps into other areas,” said John Matachek, dean of the College of Liberal
Arts. “Over the next few years, we believe the program will grow to about 20
new students each year.”
In addition to hiring a new faculty member, Hamline will
build a new digital media lab that will serve as a work space for students in
the program.
Health Science Major
Another new undergraduate major is in health science. This degree program
will have two tracks. One is a behavior and social science track for students
interested in pursuing psychology, counseling, social policy and advocacy, and
social work. The other track is the science of disease, which will help to
prepare students who wish to enter professional programs for allied health
disciplines or health education.
“Traditionally, students interested in medicine have majored
in biology, chemistry, or psychology, while making sure to take required
courses by professional programs,” said Presley Martin, chair of the biology
department. “The health science major will be focused around public health
allowing students to study the things they are most interested in.”
To run the program and teach specific health science courses,
such as the introductory course, the methods course, or the senior capstone,
Hamline will hire a new faculty member with expertise in public health,
epidemiology, or biostatistics.
“Hamline is always looking for new majors that have
significant student interest,” said Dean Matachek. “Especially when the
university already has faculty expertise and the program’s fit the university’s
mission.”
Learn more about the Digital Media Arts major and the Health Science major.