Digital Arts and Media Bridging Disciplines Program Certificate
Department website: https://undergraduates.utexas.edu/academics/bridging-disciplines-programs/programs/digital-arts-media
Students explore the rapidly evolving intersection between digital technologies and creative artistic and media production in this program. The presence of advanced computer technologies in nearly every aspect of the entertainment sector and media production points to the need for creative professionals who not only have the skills to use these technologies, but also the creative vision to use these tools in new ways and a critical perspective on the social contexts within which digital arts and media are created and consumed.
This program is designed to guide students toward careers in this dynamic field by providing a unique mix of courses from fine arts, communication, computer sciences, humanities, and engineering. The certificate provides a framework for students from across disciplines to explore and create work that pushes the boundaries of traditional disciplines and media, bringing their own knowledge and perspectives together with tools for creative production. The foundation hours provide the conceptual scaffolding for exploring new media and developing new skills, while the strand hours allow students to pursue individual interests in games and entertainment, image and film, mixed media, music and audio, or other areas.
Total Hours Required: 19
Requirements
Requirements are listed in the table below. Additional requirements may follow the table, so be sure to read the entire page. Some required courses listed below may also satisfy General Education requirements, including Core Curriculum. Students should also review the University's Undergraduate Minor and Certificate Requirements and Policies.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hours chosen from: Forum Seminars | 1 | |
| Exploring Digital Arts and Media | ||
| Approved hours | ||
| Hours chosen from: Concepts and Techniques | 3 | |
| Foundations of Arts and Entertainment Technologies | ||
| Foundations of Digital Sound and Music | ||
| Digital Media Production | ||
Approved hours | ||
| Hours chosen from: Foundations | 3 | |
| Students with a background in Computer Science, Engineering, or Management Information Systems should choose RTF 303D or a second course from Social Issues. Students without a background in Computer Science should take a programming or computer science course to satisfy this requirement. | ||
| Elements of Computers and Programming | ||
| Introduction to Coding for Journalists | ||
| Computer Programming for the Humanities | ||
| Media and Culture | ||
Hours chosen from: Approved list | ||
| Hours chosen from: | 3 | |
| Video Game History and Culture | ||
| Technoculture | ||
| Video Game Culture and Criticism | ||
Hours chosen from: Approved list | ||
| Hours chosen from: Strand | 6 | |
| Visual Storytelling | ||
| Introduction to 3D Animation | ||
| Topics in Acting and Directing | ||
| Elements of Graphics and Visualization | ||
Hours chosen from: Approved list | ||
| Approved Hours chosen from: Creative projects, research, or internship Connecting Experiences (see advisor) | 3 | |
| All students must complete on Independent or Tea-Based Creative Project Connecting Experiences, and students have the option of completing an additional research or internship experience. | ||
| Connecting Research Experience | ||
| Connecting Research Experience | ||
| Connecting Internship Experience | ||
| Undergraduate Minor and Certificate Requirements and Policies | ||
| Total Hours | 19 | |
Additional Requirements and Policy
- A three to four page essay in which students reflect on what they have learned and accomplished through their experience is required. The essay is reviewed and must be approved by a member of the faculty panel in order to complete the certificate requirements
- To create an interdisciplinary experience, students must choose courses from a variety of disciplines. Only one of the strand courses may come from the student's major department(s) or from same as with the student's major department(s). The certificate as a whole must represent a variety of disciplines; the advisor can help ensure that the coursework will meet the certificate requirements for interdisciplinarity.
- In courses taken for a letter grade, the student must obtain a grade of at least C- .
- A cumulative certificate GPA of at least 2.0 is required.
- Only one BDP course, including connecting experience, may be taken pass/fail. Any exceptions will be considered by the faculty panel on an individual basis.
- The student may be able to count courses toward the certificate that are not listed, if enough of the course content relates to the BDP topic. Consult with the advisor to petition a course to count towards the certificate.
- One course designated as a Theory and Critical Creative Practice course (-TC) is required. Courses with this designation focus on what it means to be a critical creator and what creating looks like in digital format.