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Digital Storytelling: FAQs

▾ Who is the Digital Storytelling Program for?

Stories are in all of us; they are an expression of who we are. Therefore, the Digital Storytelling program is for anyone who wants to use narrative as a way of sharing and interpreting experience, creating community, engaging culture, and generating universal understanding. Specifically, the Digital Storytelling program will likely appeal to those who are interested in social media management, marketing, church ministry, public relations, video production, content management, journalism, and any other field that involves creating compelling stories and sharing them through digital platforms.

▾ What is the Digital Storytelling Program’s guiding philosophy?

Storytelling continues to be a critical means by which our society asks questions and seeks answers. The Digital Storytelling graduate degree is designed to prepare graduates to use multiple channels of media to tell and interpret stories of significance. Housed within the Media Communication program, this master’s degree will prepare students who can engage and transform culture. Students will review and analyze media messages in light of a Biblical worldview. They will also refine their own storytelling skills by analyzing and critiquing the work of other creators of media content, and by developing their own unique story-telling content or critique.

▾ Can you send me information about the Digital Storytelling program?

Email our program representative for more information about the Digital Storytelling program.

▾ What are the admissions criteria?

The program is designed for traditional and nontraditional students. This includes full-time students, working adults, and transfer students.

  1. Must have graduated from a four-year, regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5/4.0 (or 3.0 last 60 hours of undergraduate credit).
  3. Must submit a current resume (include awards, leadership positions, and industry experience).
  4. Write a maximum 350 word essay about your personal vision (goals and life purpose) for implementing digital storytelling in your career. Clearly state in your essay the contributions you expect to make to the field of digital storytelling and how this program will help you achieve these goals. 
  5. Applicants must submit an official transcript showing a conferred Bachelor’s degree. In addition, all official transcripts of Master’s coursework must be submitted. Send an official transcript directly to the School of Communication Arts or have it sent by official electronic transfer (gradadmissions@asbury.edu). Hand carried or emailed transcripts are not acceptable.
  6. Complete and submit the online application form at apply.asbury.edu.
  7. Two satisfactory references must be submitted--one from current or previous employer and one personal (non-family) reference.

▾ How much is tuition?

▾ Are assistantships available?

Assistantships are available and competitive. The criteria for being awarded an assistantship are:

  • Must have graduated from a four-year, accredited institution.
  • Must have a minimum of two academic semesters left to complete his/her master’s degree from the time the assistantship is awarded.
  • Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
  • Must submit a current resume (include awards, leadership positions, and industry experience).

Must complete the graduate assistantship application.

▾ What is the application fee?

There is no application fee for this program!

▾ How do I apply for admission into the program?

▾ How do I arrange a campus visit?

If you would like to visit the Communications Graduate Office, call (859) 858-5318 or email gradadmissions@asbury.edu

▾ Can credits from another college or university be transferred into the Digital Storytelling program?

Up to 9 graduate credits from other accredited academic institutions can be transferred into the Digital Storytelling program. With the submission of official transcripts, select courses can be considered at that time. Any graduate level course older than ten years at the time of program admission is ineligible for transfer and use towards any degree above the Bachelor’s level.

▾ Is a media portfolio required?

No media portfolio is required. However, it may be able to be used to build a case for waiving a class or getting into the program if grades are lower than required.

▾ Can I complete this program entirely online?

Yes! It is possible to complete the entire degree online. Our program can be taken from anywhere in the world and can fit into any schedule!

However, if you live near our Wilmore, KY campus or would just prefer to have a few in-person courses mixed in, some of our courses can be taken on campus as well.  Once you are accepted into the program you will work with our Center for Academic Advising to determine your planned course schedule.

▾ Do I have to come to campus during my degree?

Depending on your background and the track you choose, you should be able to complete the entire program online. However, some students choose to come to campus to complete courses during the year or intensive sections of the class during the summer. Please consult with your advisor or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

▾ Do I have to attend a semester-long class on-campus?

No, if you must attend an on-campus class, we will provide 2-4 week intensive sections of specific classes during the summer. However, there will be some semester-long classes available to students who would like to come to campus to utilize our state-of-the-art equipment and multi-million-dollar facility.

▾ If I would like, am I allowed to attend some of the classes on-campus during the Fall or Spring semester?

Yes, you are welcome to attend on-campus classes, based on their availability. Please consult with your advisor or the Coordinator of Graduate Studies.

▾ Can I use Asbury’s media equipment and facilities to complete my media projects for online classes?

Yes, although there will be some limitations. If you are near our campus, you may schedule the use of some of the equipment and facilities, however, a special usage fee may be charged. You will need to consult with your course faculty to see if this can be arranged when you need it.

▾ Am I allowed to visit a faculty member on-campus even if I am taking an online class?

Yes, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty and visit them on campus. Faculty members are also available for virtual appointments.

▾ If I am taking an online class, how will I be able to communicate with my faculty?

You can use email, schedule a phone call or virtual meeting, talk during online chat sessions, and/or visit them on campus.

▾ How long do you think it will take to complete the entire MA degree?

We expect the program to take between 1½-2 years. It is possible for a full-time student to complete the program in three to four semesters. However, we expect it to take most students going part-time, a minimum of two years.

▾ Can I complete this degree while working at a full-time job?

Yes. The program was designed specifically with the working professional in mind. Most classes run 8 weeks in length, which allows students to take 2 classes per semester without any overlap.

▾ If I am currently working on projects as a full time media professional, can some of my projects be used to fulfill course projects?

This will usually work but will need to be confirmed by the faculty member teaching the specific class.

▾ Where can I find an application form?

Go to the online application.

▾ Is it possible for undergraduate classes to count toward this graduate degree?

Undergraduate classes can count toward the pre-requisite classes (MC 121, MC 261, and MC 302). Undergraduate transcripts must be provided, and the course description must be similar to that of our pre-requisite courses. Contact the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for more information.

▾ Can students in Asbury's undergraduate Media Communication program take graduate level courses, and have it count toward their masters degree?

Yes. Students may take up to 3 graduate level classes during their senior year. The class cannot count toward the 124 credits needed to complete their undergraduate degree, and permission must be granted by the Dean of the School of Communication Arts.

▾ Is it possible to obtain credit for extensive professional media experience?

Yes, up to 3 credits can be obtained for CPL (credit for prior learning) as long as it meets the following criteria:

  • You must be able to show portfolio work that is similar to the quality that would result from taking the course.
  • Students must pay a fee in order to process the request for CPL credit.

Please consult with the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for the specific guidelines and process for receiving CPL credit.