Integrated Digital Media

Academic Adviser: Andres Pang-Becker

Mission

How does NYU-Poly define “integrated” digital media? As a synthesis of cutting-edge technology, creative mastery and critical thinking. NYU-Poly has long been at the forefront of developments in education and research and in computing, telecommunications, imaging sciences and the Internet. We maintain close ties to New York’s mediarelated industries and leaders. Faculty members bring to their academic and research programs a practical, real-world perspective.

NYU-Poly offers Bachelor of Science, Graduate Certificate and Master of Science programs in Integrated Digital Media. These programs use NYU-Poly’s extensive resources to unite the traditionally separate dimensions of creation, critical analysis and technology development. NYU-Poly’s location offers access to a rich mix of digital-media leaders—artists, academics, designers, developers, producers and engineers.

NYU-Poly programs allow students to develop mastery not only of technique, but also of concepts and context. To achieve this synthesis without compromising quality or depth, NYU-Poly offers (and requires) an exceptional level of commitment leading to an exceptionally desirable credential in industry and culture. These programs provide a full understanding of and experience in all aspects of media invention, production and distribution. NYU-Poly prepares graduates not just for their first entry-level position or proofof- concept, but for a future in which they can rise within existing institutions, genres and companies, or confidently build new ones.

Brooklyn Experimental Media Center (BXmC)

The Brooklyn Experimental Media Center provides a point of contact between top-level investigators in technological, creative and strategic areas across the academic, civil and private sectors. A program of exhibitions, performances and demonstrations showcase the best in the field at one of digital media’s epicenters: New York City. The center also hosts visiting scholars and artists and collaborates with partner institutions to develop interdisciplinary projects and exchange programs. BXmC provides a vehicle for strong working relationships within NYU-Poly (music, humanities, computer science, electrical engineering), NYU (Courant Institute’s Media Research Lab, the Steinhardt Music Technology program, the Tisch School’s Game Center and Interactive Telecommunication program) and a global network of VFPs (Very Fun People).

Cite Game Innovation Lab

The Game Innovation Lab is an interdisciplinary, open-floor-plan research and learning space at NYU-Poly that takes games as an innovation challenge. Sample projects in the Lab include user interface innovation (sensorbased tracking, multi-touch), network and video quality research, and research on games for learning.

Facilities

NYU-Poly’s integrated digital media lab, one of several accessible to students at the Brooklyn campus, provides access to state-of-the-art audio, video, web and multimedia tools for studio and field production. Individual students and small teams are organized to produce professional work under the direct supervision of senior faculty. Where pertinent, leaders in allied professions work handson with students and faculty. The 344-seat Pfizer auditorium is available for special projects and public events organized by faculty, students or guests. The control room and excellent acoustics offer a broad range of technical setups. The Polytechnic Hall of Fame, a nine-screen multimedia venue with 5.1 sound system, can be used as a development environment or public space for special projects. The sound studio is a continuing development project, enabling everything from podcasting, mixing and mastering to ambisonic sound-installation projects.

The labs offer digital video and audio production and postproduction, 2D and 3D interactive design and programming, web, single and multiplayer game development and experimental interfaces. NYU-Poly partners with other institutions and firms to provide access to professional television and radio production environments, multimedia facilities and specialized communications facilities—as required for specific projects. In keeping with the industry’s creative side, NYU-Poly digital media labs are Mac-based. Facility development is continuous. Linux and Windows facilities are available. NYUPoly also uses and supports open-source tools and practices where they are most effective.

Faculty

NYU-Poly faculty and technical staff, with their diverse backgrounds, offer a complete range of expertise in digital media from television production to database programming, from the principles of audio filters to the art of interface design. All technical work is grounded in first-class science and engineering and backed by NYU-Poly’s strong history as a center of technological research, development and innovation. The Department of Technology, Culture and Society offers further resources including a research center for the history and philosophy of science and technology, as well as experts in behavioral psychology, environmental studies and music theory. The permanent faculty is supplemented by visiting instructors and a program of guest speakers. Students can find opportunities to work with scholars and creators in residence on projects selected for their relevance to a student’s program of study.

Students

The program unites students with the right mix of educational and professional backgrounds and helps them capitalize on their own and each other’s expertise and initiative. This approach reflects the working reality of the best in digital media: small interdisciplinary teams of people with complementary skills working together on exciting projects with tight deadlines. No one person can expect to combine all the necessary skills (or do all the work), so the program looks for people who already have demonstrated proficiency in one or more areas and who are team players.

Eligibility

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science program are subject to NYU-Poly’s general-admissions procedures and standards. Special consideration is given to applicants who present a portfolio of work demonstrating relevant ability and commitment. Students wishing to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Digital Media should contact the academic adviser.

All candidates for the Master of Science program will be selected for their demonstrated ability and motivation. From the best applicants, the program selects a group with a mix of experience and skills to maximize opportunities for the kind of teamwork and learning characteristic of media professions. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. NYU-Poly does not require GRE scores but will admit applicants based on an interview and review of previous work.

Contact

Andres Pang-Becker, Academic Adviser and Coordinator
Integrated Digital Media Program
Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Six MetroTech Center
Brooklyn NY 11201
apang@poly.edu
(718) 260-3693

Further Information:
www.poly.edu/academics/programs/integrated-digital-media-bs

Programs

Bachelor of Science Program

Candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Digital Media are required to complete DM Core Courses (minimum 45 credits), free electives (12 credits), Math and Science Courses (17 credits) and NYU-Poly’s general-education requirements in the Humanities and Sciences (60 credits, including restricted electives) for a total of 120 credits over four years. The electives may be taken as supplementary studio courses or toward a minor in any subject at NYU-Poly, subject to course prerequisites and the approval of the host department.

NYU-Poly encourages students to maximize the use of its full range of disciplines and to develop the best combination of knowledge and skills for their career. This approach helps students to choose careers with experiencebased awareness of their abilities and interests. Students should carefully choose foundation courses and electives so that they have the right prerequisites for specific upper-level courses, especially in science and technology. For detailed current information about available options and requirements, students should contact a program adviser who will consult with faculty in the host departments.

All DM courses are offered as Studio Seminars. Students will be expected to produce finished projects of professional quality under the guidance of active digitalmedia practitioners who are informed by a powerful understanding of the creative and critical context of their work. While NYUPoly provides top-quality equipment and facilities, students will be expected to obtain and maintain their own laptop computer (consult the department for current specifications) as well as basic peripherals and consumables. In general, digital-media production calls for teamwork and a willingness to produce innovative, high-quality work. At NYU-Poly, “excellent” equals “acceptable.”

The Bachelor of Science program in Integrated Digital Media provides a foundation for professionals and for those preparing for postgraduate study in particular by flowing into the Master of Science program. With planning and hard work, students can complete a BS (120 credits) and MS (30 credits) in five years.

Master of Science

The Master of Science Program in Integrated Digital Media provides students the tools, skills and insight to craft a better future. The Master of Science degree balances specialized knowledge and experience with a high standard of cultural capital. Whether undertaken as the beginning of a career in academic research, industry or service, a MS must provide mastery of a particular discipline with a broad understanding of the long-term patterns and tendencies of society and culture. As the reach and impact of new technologies increases, so must the wisdom of those who decide on their use.

The MS in Integrated Digital Media is the best preparation for a rewarding future in the rapidly expanding field of digital-media communications across a wide spectrum of interests. These interests include creative experience, an understanding of the broad forces shaping communications technologies and society and the people’s ability to use what they know and imagine. Individual students and small teams directed by senior faculty are organized to produce professional work. Where relevant, leaders in allied professions work hands-on with students and faculty, including faculty from other departments at NYU-Poly or elsewhere in New York City.

The Master of Science in Integrated Digital Media is full-time and intensive: three consecutive semesters including a major creative/research thesis project. This program requires complete commitment for a manageable time span from “literate practitioners” prepared to make the most of their personal resources. While the formal course requirement of 30 credit hours, including a 6-credit thesis project may seem manageable, students should know that a considerable out-of-class work commitment is expected.

The curriculum combines hands-on production work with a study of historical, legal and philosophical aspects of digital-media communications. Guest scholars and conferences supplement the regular program and maximize personal contact with leaders in various fields: business, advocacy, service, entertainment and education. The production side emphasizes developing skills that apply to a broad spectrum of media and mandates: small groups working on specific projects focusing on content-driven design and planning and creation. NYU-Poly’s facilities and s trategies use top-of-the line portable equipment rather than capital-intensive studio setups. This approach makes it practical for labs to offer up-to-the-minute technology and for students to prepare for freelance work and their own start-ups, as well as for work in the corporate and public sectors.

Graduate Certificate

Students may take a five-course sequence for a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Digital Media. The program is available as a minor for students in other graduate programs or for students applying directly for the certificate. Students who complete this certificate may then apply to complete a Master of Science in Integrated Digital Media.

Programs

• Integrated Digital Media, B.S.

• Integrated Digital Media Graduate Certificate

• Integrated Digital Media, M.S.