History of the Digital Communication Applied Bachelor’s Program

The establishment of the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Digital Communication is grounded in the strategic need to develop human resources with applied competencies in the field of digital communication, in response to the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies and the transformation of the digital-based industrial ecosystem.

Institutionally, communication studies have been well established through academically oriented programs. However, a gap persists between theoretically driven learning outcomes and the demands of the business and industrial sectors, which require strong technical and practical skills in digital communication. This gap includes competencies in digital content production, social media management, digital communication data analytics, and the design of communication strategies across digital platforms.

The rapid growth of the creative industry and digital economy further necessitates graduates who are not only conceptually proficient but also job-ready, equipped with relevant technical skills. Therefore, an educational program is required to bridge this gap through a vocational approach that emphasizes industry-oriented practice.

The Applied Bachelor’s Program in Digital Communication was established as a response to these needs, adopting an outcome-based curriculum that integrates knowledge, general skills, and specific competencies in accordance with the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI). The learning process is designed to be practice-oriented and project-based, supported by the use of up-to-date technologies and industry-based learning approaches.

As part of implementing a “link and match” strategy with industry, the program has developed strategic partnerships with various industry stakeholders through internship programs, competency certifications, and the involvement of industry practitioners as instructors. This approach ensures alignment between graduate competencies and labor market demands.

With these characteristics, the Applied Bachelor’s Program in Digital Communication is expected to produce competent, adaptive, and professional graduates in the field of digital communication, with strong competitiveness at both national and global levels. The establishment of this program also represents an institutional commitment to advancing vocational education that is relevant to national development and digital transformation in Indonesia.