College of Communication > Academics > Digital Communication and Media Arts > Student Resources > Degree Completion Options

Complete Your Degree: Reflection Paper, Capstone or Thesis

​​​​​Degree Completion Options

You can choose from the following options to complete your degree in Digital Communication and Media Arts (Digital Communication concentration):

When you're ready to choose your degree completion option, you must complete this form and receive approval from the Graduate Director.

Degree Completion Option Form

Digital Communication Reflection Paper

Complete a comprehensive reflection paper during your final term in the program.

  • Does not come with course credit.
  • Eligibility: Available to all students.
  • Enrollment Deadline: Must complete the Degree Completion Option Form by Friday of Week 1 of your graduation quarter.
  • Will be read by the Graduate Director and the DCMA representative on the Graduate Committee.

Digital Communication Capstone

In consultation with a faculty member in the College of Communication, expand or develop a paper or project you have worked on in the program. The capstone should take approximately 10 hours total to complete.

  • Does not come with course credit.
  • Does not have to be the faculty member with whom you originally created the project.
  • Eligibility: 3.5 GPA or higher. Must have completed at least 10 courses (40 credit hours) in your program.
  • Enrollment Deadline: Must complete the Degree Completion Option Form by Friday of Week 1 of your graduation quarter.
  • See capstone samples from DCMA alumni.

Master's Thesis

Create an original project (i.e., web- or film-based projects, or projects related to professional or educational organizations) and write a creator's statement  (5-10 page) standalone paper.

  • Comes with course credit (replaces two additional electives).
  • Eligibility: 3.7 GPA or higher. Must have completed at least 6 courses (24 credit hours) in your program.
  • Enrollment Deadline: Must complete the Degree Completion Option Form by Friday of Week 1 of Winter Qua​rter. Once approved for the thesis, you must enroll in CMNS 594 in Winter Quarter the year you wish to graduate and CMNS 595 or 599 in Spring Quarter the year you wish to graduate.
  • See thesis samples from DCMA alumni.