New Media

What can I do with a major in New Media

The rapid advancement and integration of digital and interactive technologies within our culture has radically changed the way we communicate and interact with each other. The BFA-New Media degree was created to meet the present and future need for content creators capable of applying digital strategies and creative problem-solving. The combination of professional-level technology and in-depth multidisciplinary artistic investigation makes this New Media program unique. As the industry shifts its focus from a primarily technical workforce to a more intellectually developed, technically diverse talent pool, graduates of the BFA-New Media program will be ready to take on complex professional duties requiring high levels of maturity, intellect and technical proficiency.

Built-in Work Experience: The New Media Internship

In the final semester, students can complete a 300-hour internship with a company or organization in an area of new media that is of interest to them. Students and new media employers often credit the internship as being an invaluable component for integrating students into the new media workforce. In the past, students have taken internships at digital marketing agencies, video game studios, educational institutions, 3D modeling/architecture studios, and many more. Students have interned across Canada including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal, and around the world (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Italy, California, Hawaii, Texas, and Utah).

Students interested in New Media can complete:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts- new Media
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts- New Media/ Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts - New Media/ Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts- New Media/ Bachelor of Management

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Digital Artmaking
  • Creative Coding
  • Visual Communication
  • Digital and Transmedia Storytelling
  • Graphic Design
  • Creative Direction and Project Management
  • User Interface &User Experience Design
  • Writing for Games & Interactive Technologies
  • Programming Micro-controllers
  • Web Design & Development
  • Experimental Video
  • Video Production
  • 3D Sculpture & Animation
  • 2D Animation
  • Prototyping & Ideation
  • Critique, Analysis, and Interpretation of Media
  • Presentation and Defense of Creative Ideas
  • Interpreting Copyright in Relation to Artists/Creators

Work Environment

Through a combination of creative and technical expertise students develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in a range of new media industries and creative practices. Graduates may find employment in/with design studios, video game studios, broadcasting/media companies, advertising/marketing agencies, film and animation production companies, arts organizations, galleries, publishers, museums, academic or research institutions, or public relations firms.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Design (Print, UI, UX)
  • Digital Video Production/Moving Image
  • Video Games
  • Creative Coding (Web, Generative, Micro-controllers)
  • 3D Modeling
  • Animation (2D and 3D)

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Digital Artist/ Illustrator
  • Digital Content Designer
  • Digital Media Strategist
  • Digital Media Account Manager
  • Graphic Designer
  • User Experience Designer
  • Interactive Advertising/Marketing Designer
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • E-learning Designer
  • 2D/3D Animator
  • Video Game Production Artist
  • Video Producer
  • Production Assistant
  • Interactive Programmer/Developer
  • Front-end Web Developer
  • Web and Interactive Media Designer
  • Community & Social Media Manager
  • Social Media Coordinator/Strategist
  • Creative Technologist
  • Creative Consultant
  • Freelancer

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Advertising manager
  • Art director
  • Arts administrator
  • Blogger
  • Broadcast journalist
  • Community engagement officer
  • Content creator
  • Digital Editor
  • Digital graphic artist
  • Editorial assistant
  • E-learning Developer
  • Event manager
  • Film director
  • Magazine journalist
  • Market researcher
  • Marketing executive
  • Multimedia designer
  • Photographer
  • Podcast Producer
  • PR manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Social media manager
  • Video editor
  • Web content manager

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Account Manager
  • Antique Restorer
  • Booking Agent
  • Camp Director
  • Cartographer
  • Consumer Advocate
  • Costume Designer
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Drama Therapist
  • Entrepraneur
  • Fabric Designer
  • Fashion Merchandiser
  • Flourist
  • Fundraiser
  • Furniture Designer
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Designer
  • Lithographer
  • Lobbyist
  • Market Researcher
  • Music Lawyer
  • Music Therapist
  • Publicist
  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Sales Representative
  • Talent Agent
  • Tour Manager
  • Urban Planner

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.