Program Review Executive Summary Web & Interactive Media (BIM), Bachelor of Science

April 2016

Executive Summary Web & Interactive Media

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The Web & Interactive Media (BIM) bachelor’s degree is a relatively new major at Penn College that has been through several minor revisions since its inception in 2011. The BIM major fits well with the College’s mission providing a commitment to hands-on, experiential learning within an integrative and responsive educational program. There is substantial evidence that the web and interactive media industry is growing and actively seeking employees with web design and development skillsets; however, over the past couple of years enrollment in the BIM major has been declining. The program review process has identified a number of contributing factors for this enrollment decline and more importantly, recommendations for improvement. Findings:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 27 percent employment growth for web developers by 2024. During that period, about 39,500 new jobs will need to be filled in an industry that already has roughly 148,500 positions.

• The expansion of e-commerce is expected to be the main driver of Web developer job growth in the next decade. As more companies offer or expand their online retail presence, more web developers will be needed to build the websites visited by consumers to purchase their favorite products. Increased reliance on mobile search is another reason the industry’s employment growth should remain strong.

• The Graphic Design majors (AR and BGD) directly compete with the BIM major. While the work of graphic designers will continue to be important in the marketing of products throughout the economy, data indicates that employment of graphic designers is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024.

• Hands-on training in web design and development continues to be important in career preparation.

• Many employers look to hire graduates with at least an associate’s degree in web design or web development. Even more desirable are students with undergraduate degrees with concentrations in web development, multimedia, interactive media, e learning, e-commerce and visual design.

• Graduates report exceptional job placement with average starting salaries greater than $50,000. • In general, the costs to operate the BIM degree program are considered low and rest in faculty

salaries, specialized software, and up-to-date computer labs. Costs also reside in faculty retraining funds necessary to keep faculty abreast of current technology.

Recommendations:

• Monitor and analyze low enrollment and retention issues. • Strengthen marketing and outreach efforts to improve recruitment of prospective students. • Assess all program-specific courses (BIM and BWM) annually to optimize the teaching and

learning process. • Continue to prepare students for the future of the ever-changing market, not the current state

of the market. • Continually update course content based upon the latest standards, methods, and emerging

technologies to stay ahead of the rapid developments in web and interactive media field. • Build relationships with prospective employers to provide internship and full-time job

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opportunities for students. • Implement a graduate survey during the 8th semester to gather data regarding satisfaction,

success, and placement. • Move the program to the School of Business & Hospitality to increase focus on marketing. • Explore the possibility of a web and interactive media associate’s degree major.

Despite the challenges, the BIM major remains a viable part of Penn College’s portfolio. With the school change, diligence in recruiting, and modification within the curriculum, it is believed that the BIM program can continue to be a major contributor to the vision and mission of Penn College. Web design/development skills are more desirable today than they have ever been, and they are projected to increase in demand. Nearly all business and service industries, large and small, need a website to communicate and market product, and web designers are needed to create and maintain these sites. Based on industry trends, the BIM program, with minor modifications, can be a stronger sustainable program.