Are there other majors and programs like DMD?
Kaitlin Pollock, Class of 2012
Yes, since the DMD program is interdisciplinary, there are other majors and minors at Penn and elsewhere that might also make sense for you!
- Information about the Computer Science major
- Information about the Fine Arts major
- Information about the Communications major
- Information about the Visual Studies major
- Information about the Film Studies program
- Information about the Architecture program
Can students combine the DMD major with other majors or minors?
Indeed they can! Many DMD students have dual majors, dual degrees and minors. Dual degrees have included Communications, Management and Technology, Economics, and History. Minors have broached nearly every department at Penn, though the most popular tend to be Fine Arts, Theater Arts, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Cinema Studies, and Philosophy. Refer to the list of minors to see their requirements.
Are there programs similar to DMD at other schools?
Beyond the scope of Penn, there are many other interdisciplinary programs similar in nature to DMD cropping up around the country. Each of these programs has a slightly different focus, so research to find the right fit is appropriate.
Are there certain classes I should take in high school?
Cassandra Ichniowski, Class of 2009
Yes, there are classes that will better prepare you for the demands of DMD and Penn Engineering. We want all applicants to have had Calculus (preferably BC Calculus) and Physics if they are available at your school. We want you to be taking the most rigorous curriculum available to you, and of course, to be doing well. DMD students are also usually involved in some kind of artistic endeavor, whether that is through an art or film class, or through some extra curricular endeavor.
Do students apply directly to
the Digital Media Design program?
Yes, they do! We are a major listed in the Penn undergraduate admissions application under the Engineering School.
DMD students are encouraged to submit a portfolio.
What do you want to see in a portfolio?
Portfolios sent with applications have included everything from a few drawings or a few photos to entire CDs of art or film projects, DVDs (with the same content) videos and video yearbooks as well as portfolios of paintings, drawings and photographs. We do not have specific criteria because we want to see what YOU think is your best work, and we do not limit forms of media because the whole point of the DMD program is to expand the choices of media options. What we are really looking for is a sense of your aesthetic taste, your vision, and we would like to see if you have an eye for composition. Your ability to present a striking portfolio that reveals a sense of audience is important. Please send portfolios directly to Amy Calhoun (see Contact page)
What do DMD students do when they graduate?
Sarah Sweimler, Class of 2008
DMD students work in a variety of spheres including animation, games, medical simulation, computer software design, film, interactive media, advertising, graphic design and architecture. We also have alumni in graduate programs across the country in fields ranging from architecture, film, medicine, computer science, MBA programs and masters programs in liberal arts! The list of companies at which DMD students have interned or worked is impressive, and at the moment includes: Acclaim, Banin-Murray Productions, The Cartoon Network, Center City Film and Video, CBS News, Circle Design, C.O.R.E. Animation, Disney Animation, Disney Imagineering, Electronic Arts, The Franklin Institute, HBO, Kioken Design, Lower Manhattan Development Corp., Press Office, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, MTV, Modern Video Film, Ogilvy and Mather, Oracle, Tiger Toys (a division of Hasbro), Thunk Design, Seventeen Magazine, Pixar, Vanguard Animation, and a host of other design and advertising firms. Currently the companies that employ the most DMD graduates are Disney Animation and Electronic Arts.
What kind of computers/software programs do DMD students use?
DMD students use both PCs and Macs (the Engineering School and the HMS lab tend towards PCs and the School of Design favors Macs). As far as software, DMD students use a huge array of software programs, but a few examples would be Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator, Alias Maya, Director, and others. If you would like to experiment with such programs, look on the web!
What about visiting Penn?
We love visitors, and we encourage you to visit at a time when school is in session so that you can visit classes, meet DMD students, and see if this is a program that suits you! If you give us some advanced notice (a week or two) we can even have a DMD student take you to classes with them and show you around. If you want to combine that with an admissions information session and tour, take a look here.