Digital Media Arts College

Highlights

• Offers accelerated Bachelor's and Master's degree programs
• Teachers include those with Sega, Disney, & Sony ImageWorks experience
• Digital studio labs are available 24 x 7 for students
• Total immersion approach kicks off design projects the first semester
• State-of-the-art digital labs are continuously updated
• Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

About the School

Founded in 2001, Digital Media Arts College is an undergraduate and postgraduate college for digital artists. The school works to integrate contemporary technologies with industry-current design practices. It offers accelerated programs with a three-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a one-and-a-half year Master of Fine Arts degree.

The school prides itself on offering students the newest technological innovations to facilitate the development of their creative potential. Utilization of these state-of-the-art resources are designed to help students develop an understanding of how technology, media and entertainment are intermingled. Examples of the school's equipment includes PC/Xeon and Mac technology with flat panels and Apple Cinema displays as well as one of the only Motion Capture Studios in the Southeast U.S. The school also reports that it updates its software frequently to help ensure it is up-to-date with industry changes.

Academic Programs

The school's undergraduate and graduate program areas include:

• Computer Animation – First year coursework consists of: Basic Modeling, Principles of Design and Basic Drawing. Year two involves more intricate classes such as: Character Animation, Creative Writing Studio, Advanced Animation and Concept Development, and Digital Composition and Visual Effects. The program intensifies in year three with classes including: Advanced Digital Composition, Animation Production, Advanced Applications in Animation, Advanced Visual Effects and Animation Portfolio.
• Graphic Design –
The three-year undergraduate degree track takes students from Basic Drawing Principles of Design, Digital Photography, Typography, Print Production and Desktop Publishing in the first year; to Publication Design, Advertising Concept and Design and Package Design in year two. The final year includes course such as: Multimedia Design, Exhibition and Environmental Design, Alternative Design Approaches and Senior Seminar Graphic Design. The graduate degree area of study is a four semester program with courses including: Computer Graphics Technology, Media Illustration, Design Management, Graphic Design Seminar Advertising, Marketing Research and Portfolio development.
• Special FX Animation –
This graduate degree program consist of classes in: 3D Modeling, 3D Animation, Video Editing and Audio for Electronic Media, CG Programming Workshop, Advanced Special Effects Animation Production, and Thesis I and II plus others.

Learning Options

• Continuously updated Lab facilities with 24/7 accessibility
• Total immersion approach for coursework allows individuals to begin designing from the very first semester
• Small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios

Faculty

The college strives to hire instructors that have demonstrated academic excellence in their field of study. Faculty have experience working in established digital arts companies such as Sega, ImageWorks, Disney, and others. The instructors design their curriculums to teach the industry-required skills that students will need for success in their areas of interest.

Student Life

Students in need of housing can receive assistance in locating living space in local independent apartments. To ensure an suitable match, during the admissions process, students are asked to complete a roommate profile sheet to gauge compatibility.

The Office of Student Life runs a multitude of programs for students including: activities, field trips and counseling. The Dean of Academic Affairs organizes special activities and deals with student grievances and discipline issues.

Student Council, Placement and Internship Office and Career Services all help students find methods of engagement either on or off campus.

Admissions and Financial Aid

The College has a rolling admission policy so students can apply for acceptance year round. Applications should be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of classes. The school's web site has an online application form. Applicants will be evaluated individually, the school looks to assess knowledge, achievement, and potential for creative enhancement.

For students who qualify, the Financial Aid Office will help individuals navigate the application process which may include a variety of Federal, State and Institutional programs. Loans, Grants, Scholarships, Work Study and Employment options may be available for students looking for financial assistance.