B.S. in Digital Arts & Sciences
Program Director: Dave Beck
Digital Arts & Sciences (DA&S) is a multidisciplinary B.S. degree spanning the boundaries between the sciences and the arts. DA&S students benefit from an education in both the artistic and scientific aspects of digital graphic arts. The program prepares students for career opportunities in a wide range of fields — such as working with movie and video game companies, educational groups (Web-based delivery of exciting educational materials), computational science research (scientific visualization) and graphics for virtual reality applications.
Students take advantage of programs in digital art, math, computer science and communication & media. The program’s objective is to combine artistic and scientific skills and interests to develop creative talent with a strong technical foundation.
The curriculum for the Digital Arts & Sciences Major is designed to achieve the following outcomes:
- Develop a strong foundation in the digital arts, mathematics, and computer science fields
- Specialize in one or more areas of advanced study in the program
- Acquire artistic and scientific skills through project-based assignments that include the opportunity for directed study and thesis projects guided by a professor.
- Experience working in a collaborative, team-based atmosphere for large-scale projects that are designed to emulate real-world situations and problems
- Learn how to utilize technological and traditional methods of creative and analytical problem-solving.
- Master oral, visual, and written communication skills essential for work in all fields of the arts and sciences
- Learn about career opportunities in the arts and sciences in preparation for seeking professional employment or advanced academic study after graduation.
- Create a portfolio of artistic and scientific research which demonstrates the knowledge gained as a student in the program
DA&S students benefit from small classes and personal attention. The DA&S major is strengthened by Clarkson's technology-rich environment. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and experiences such as:
- Eastman Kodak Center for Excellence in Communication
- Internet Teaching Laboratory
- Virtual Reality Discovery Laboratory
- Clarkson Open Source Institute
- Digital Art Software and Programs
- Digital Video and Audio Equipment
- 2D and 3D Printing Technology
- Motion Capture Equipment
- Field Trips to Digital Art Companies and Conferences
Digital Art Portfolio Development
DA&S students develop their research and creative abilities through an extensive portfolio development process spanning multiple semesters. The culminating project, a digital art portfolio, requires each DA&S student to demonstrate his or her creative ability and technical prowess in a variety of media choices, using a wide range of digital tools. The portfolio will tangibly demonstrate a student’s skills and potential, and will prove to be a key first-step in leading to job opportunities and/or entry to graduate school.
| REQUIREMENTS | |
| Areas of Study | Credit Hours |
| Digital Arts and Communication & Media (DA and COMM) | 30 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science (MA, STAT, and CS) | 31 |
| Science | 7 |
| Clarkson Common Experience | 18 |
| Free Electives | 33 |
| First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Total | 120 |
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Digital Arts & Sciences Curriculum
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FIRST YEAR
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First Semester
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Second Semester
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| Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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| DA110 | Drawing |
3
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DA100 | Intro to Digital Art |
3
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| MA131 | Calculus I |
3
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MA132 | Calculus II |
3
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| DA120 | Elements of Design |
3
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CS141 | Computer Science I |
4
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| UNIV190 | Clarkson Seminar |
3
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DA/COMM | /MA/CS Elective | |
| FY100 | First-Year Seminar |
1
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(COMM221) |
3
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KA | Knowledge Area | |||
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13
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Elective |
3
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16
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SOPHOMORE YEAR
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First Semester
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Second Semester
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| Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
|
| DA2__ | 3D Digital Design |
3
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DA___ | 300 Level DA Course |
3
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| DA2__ | Algorithmic | MA230 | 3-D Space & | ||
| & Inter. Art |
3
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Proj. Geo. |
3
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| CS142 | Computer Science II |
3
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COMM341 | Intro to Web Design |
3
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| Free Elective |
3
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UNIV___ | Univ. Course (2 KA's) |
3
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| Free Elective |
3
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Free Elective |
3
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15
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15
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JUNIOR YEAR
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First Semester
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Second Semester
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| Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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| MA377 | Numerical Methods |
3
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MA339 | Applied Linear | |
| CS242 | Adv. Java | Algebra |
3
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| Programming |
3
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CS452 | Computer Graphics |
3
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| DA491 | Professional Practice |
3
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KA___ | Knowledge Area | |
| PH131/141 | Physics I |
4
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Elective |
3
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| DA/COMM | /MA/CS Elective |
3
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Free Elective |
3
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Natural Science | ||||
|
16
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Elective |
3
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15
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SENIOR YEAR
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First Semester
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Second Semester
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| Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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Course | Title |
Cr. Hrs.
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| STAT381 | Probability | DA492 | Senior Studies |
3
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| (or STAT383) |
3
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Free Elective |
3
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| KA___ | Knowledge | Free Elective |
3
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| Area Elective |
2
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Free Elective |
3
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| Free Elective |
3
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Free Elective |
3
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| Free Elective |
3
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| Free Elective |
3
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15
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15
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Students must also meet the Common Experience requirements for communication points and a technology course, though it is anticipated that the required courses will satisfy these. MA231 Calculus III satisfies the MA230 requirement for double majors or changes of major.
