Digital Media

Businesses and media organizations today must create, produce, and manage content for multiple platforms, from print and broadcast to online. Whether you’re an emerging media professional or work in the marketing or communications department of a business or nonprofit organization, you can benefit from training in digital media. 

The 18-credit digital media certificate program offered by CGS introduces you to the power of multimedia content—written, audio, and visual—and how it can be used to communicate with and persuade audiences. You’ll choose from a variety of courses in communications, arts, English, film studies, psychology, and political science.

 

The CGS Difference

This certificate can be pursued as a standalone program or in conjunction with the completion of another degree at Pitt.

Who Should Participate

  • Professionals operating in multimedia environments
  • Individuals responsible for e-commerce efforts
  • People interested in producing content for online publications and sites, films, documentaries, etc.
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Educators

Program Expectations

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Understand how concepts, design, and technology come together to facilitate communication with mass audiences
  • Design, create, and manage digital communication efforts
  • Understand the importance of visual and textual communication in maintaining organizational success
  • Produce engaging interactive programs and presentations

Credit Requirements

  • The digital media certificate requires 18 credits, including nine credits of core classes and nine elective credits.
  • Students must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better for all courses required for the program.
  • Credits earned at other accredited educational institutions may be eligible for transfer. However, a minimum of nine credits must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Required Courses: (9 credits)

Complete three courses from the following list.

  •  
Format: F2F and Web
  •  
Format: F2F and Web
  •  
Format: Web
Or
  •  
Note: Cross-listed with FMST 0130

Electives: (9 credits)

Choose three courses from the list of approved electives.


➤ CGS
  •  
Format: Web

➤ Communication (COMMRC)
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Format: F2F and Web

➤ Computer Science (CS)
  •  

➤ English: Writing and Composition (ENGWRT and ENGCMP)
  •  
Note: cross-listed with HAA 0425
  •  
Format: Web
  •  
Format: Web
  •  
Format: F2F and Web
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

➤ Film and Media Studies (ENGFLM / FMST)

Critical Studies (ENGFLM):

  •  
Note: Cross-listed with FMST 0120
  •  
Note: Cross-listed with FMST 1275
  •  
Note: Cross-listed with FMST 1410
  •  
Note: Cross-listed with HAA 1820 and FMST 1540
  •  
Note: Cross-listed with FMST 1525

Production and Practice (FMST):

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Format: Web, available as of Fall 2026
  •  
  •  
Note: Cross-listed with ENGWRT 1132
  •  
  •  
  •  
Note: FMST 1898 may be used in place of CGS 1900 for qualifying students. Consult with a CGS advisor.

➤ English: Literature and Culture (ENGLIT)
  •  
  •  

➤ Creative Arts and Media (HAA, SA, MUSIC, and THEA)

Art History and Visual Arts (HAA and SA):

  •  
  •  
Format: F2f and Web
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Music and Sound (MUSIC):

  •  
Format: F2F and Web, available as of Spring 2026

Theater and Design (THEA):

  • THEA 0950 - DIGITAL BRANDING AND DESIGN
Format: Web, available as of Fall 2026

➤ Society and Media (GSWS, PS, PSY, and SOC)

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS):

  •  
Format: F2F and Web

Political Science (PS):

  •  

Psychology (PSY):

  •  

Sociology (SOC):

  •  

Resources & Flexible Options

Flexible Learning Options

Many digital media courses include online and hybrid formats, allowing you to build your skills wherever you are.

View Online Courses

Planning Resources

Use the Digital Media Certificate Checklist (PDF) to map out your required courses and monitor your progress toward degree completion.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Important: Course Overlap Rules

As you plan your certificate coursework, please make sure to review the CGS Course Overlap policy for information on how many courses can be double-counted if a student elects to pursue a CGS certificate in combination with other CGS and non-CGS majors, minors, and certificates. If you have questions, please contact your CGS advisor or CGS Advising at CGSAdv@pitt.edu.

Note: Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.