Applied Digital Arts

Stunning virtual realities, vivid graphic designs, fantastic movie animation, lifesaving military defense simulation—the work of digital artists reaches into every area of our modern lives. If you love creating with computers, a career in the digital arts can offer nearly limitless options.  

As a digital artist you will plan and create visual applications to address the entire spectrum of communications needs, using amazing technology in a variety of media. KU’s Applied Digital Arts program will give you the foundation you need to work with other creative professionals in these hot new marketplaces.

The program is built on animation principles with emphasis on digital 3-D imaging. The technology has numerous applications, from product design, to games, virtual, augmented and mixed reality, imaging for life sciences, education, military and corporate, as well as entertainment, marketing and fine art.

The program is housed in the Department of Art. Classes are taught in the Sharadin Art building, a hub of visual creative activity. Applied Digital Arts (APD) is a highly collaborative program at Kutztown. Besides their APD classes, students take courses in studio art, communication design, visual studies and computer science.

Extracurricular Opportunities

The Applied Digital Arts Club and Digital Media Club provide students with the opportunity to engage with professionals in the visual arts in a variety of ways, from hosting visiting artists and arts events for the KU community to attending art openings and speakers. The Art Bus runs between Kutztown University and New York City several Saturdays each semester.

Sample Career Options

• Virtual reality designer
• Filmmaker
• Fabricator
• Character Animator
• Character Modeler
• Environmental Modeler
• Simulations FX Technical Director
• Lighting Technical Director
• Digital Compositor
• VFX Supervisor
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Website Graphic Designer

Student Learning Outcomes