Shape the Future of Digital Media

Drexel University's Digital Media Department isn't keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape - we're leading the charge.

Our dynamic programs blend cutting-edge technology, creative design, and innovative storytelling to prepare you for exciting careers in the digital realm.

Why Choose Digital Media at Drexel?

Interdisciplinary Approach

Our curriculum integrates technology, design, art, and storytelling, preparing you for versatile career paths.

Expert Faculty

Learn from industry professionals and accomplished academics who are passionate about shaping the future of digital media.

Experiential Learning

Put theory into practice through co-op experiences, internships, and real-world projects.

Industry Relevant Skills

Gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technologies used in the professional world.

Core Values

Experiential Learning: Our students learn through hands-on experimentation and calculated risk-taking. In small classes capped at 18 students, they receive direct faculty mentorship while building projects from scratch. We believe in learning by doing - whether that's creating games, interactive experiences, or digital art.
Creative Collaboration: We foster both individual creative excellence and interdisciplinary teamwork. Our program builds generalists who develop into specialists, ensuring students understand multiple disciplines while mastering their chosen field. Through client-focused projects and peer mentoring, students develop strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Technical Artistry: We cultivate technical proficiency that enables creative expression. Students master industry-standard tools and workflows while developing the ability to adapt to emerging technologies. This technical fluency serves artistic vision and innovation, empowering students to discover unique creative solutions.
Ethical Practice: Our human-centered approach emphasizes empathy and ethical responsibility. Students learn to consider the broader sociocultural implications of their creative choices while developing strategies to promote positive industry practices. We actively address representation and inclusion in digital media.
Adaptive Mindset: We encourage curiosity and flexibility in the face of technological change. Our software-agnostic approach focuses on fundamental techniques that transcend specific tools. Students become resilient, lifelong learners who understand historical context while preparing for future innovations.
Critical Making: We unite theory and practice through critical making. Students develop as thoughtful problem solvers who can articulate the reasoning behind their creative decisions. This integration of technical proficiency with critical thinking prepares them to create meaningful and impactful digital experiences.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Step into the future of digital media with our state-of-the-art facilities that provide the perfect playground for your imagination, allowing you to experiment, create, and bring your digital dreams to life.

Animation Capture & Effects Lab

The central creative facility for the Animation & Visual Effects program is the Animation Capture & Effects Lab (ACE-Lab). In this 1200-sq-ft digital media studio, Animation students gain practical experience with the latest digital media technology, including:

25x17ft green screen cyclorama
Studio lighting kits
HD/2k/4k camera systems
Cinematic camera systems and dolly
Vicon Vantage motion capture system
Stereo-360 “VR Video” capture systems
Room-scale VR tracking systems
Immersive Projection Dome
Projection for in-camera visual effects

Immersive Research Lab

Our 550-square-foot Immersive Research Lab in the URBN Center features cutting-edge technology for virtual, augmented, and immersive reality research and development, including:

HP-ZVR Backpack Workstations
Latest VR/AR devices (Oculus Go, HTC VIVE, Microsoft HoloLens)
Motion capture systems (OptiTrak, Vicon, Leap Motion hand-tracking)
Custom-built motion platforms including VR cycle and x-wing cockpit
360-degree VR cameras
Three screening rooms with stereo/mono displays
Ambisonic sound system
16-foot diameter domed projection screen

The lab supports interdisciplinary projects and serves as a central hub for innovation in immersive media, connecting students with industry-standard tools and expertise.

RePlay Lab: Collaborative Game Development Hub

The RePlay Lab represents a unique collaboration between Digital Media and Computer Science departments, mirroring real-world game development environments. This innovative space enables:

Cross-disciplinary collaboration between artists, programmers, musicians, writers, and other creative professionals
Professional game development environments with industry-standard tools
Dedicated spaces for game prototyping and testing
Research facilities for gaming and 3D simulation exploration
Project development areas for both short-term and long-term game production
Presentation spaces for design documents and proof-of-concept demonstrations
Market research and playtesting facilities

As one of the oldest digital media programs in the United States, the RePlay Lab continues our tradition of innovation in game development education, bringing together students from Digital Media, Computer Science, Music, Screenwriting, Engineering, and Business to create compelling interactive experiences.

Professional Computer Labs

Our state-of-the-art computer labs are equipped with industry-standard hardware and software, designed to support the diverse needs of digital media creation:

Multiple dedicated labs optimized for animation and visual effects
High-performance workstations for game development and real-time rendering
UX/UI design labs with latest prototyping and testing capabilities
Virtual production suite with real-time visualization tools
Rendering farm for complex animation and visual effects projects
Cross-platform testing environments for multi-device development
Collaborative workspace configurations for team projects
24/7 lab access for enrolled students

All labs are regularly updated with the latest hardware and software to ensure students work with professional-grade tools that meet industry standards.

Innovation Studios: Collaborative Workspaces

Our flexible, technology-enabled collaborative spaces are designed to foster creativity and cross-disciplinary innovation:

Configurable work environments that adapt to various team sizes and project needs
Interactive display systems for real-time collaboration
Dedicated zones for brainstorming and ideation
Integration with cloud-based collaboration tools
Multiple breakout areas for focused group work
Always-connected workspace technology
24/7 secure access for enrolled students

These dynamic spaces reflect contemporary professional environments, preparing students for modern collaborative workflows while supporting innovative project development.

Digital Presentation Suites

Our presentation facilities feature advanced visualization technology for showcasing digital media projects:

High-fidelity display systems for precise color and motion representation
Professional-grade audio playback capabilities
Multiple viewing configurations for different audience sizes
Real-time rendering and playback systems
Interactive presentation tools for dynamic demonstrations
Multi-format compatibility for diverse project types
Industry-standard calibration for accurate project review

These spaces enable students to present their work in optimal conditions, simulating professional client presentations and industry review environments.

Strong Industry Connections

Drexel's Digital Media Department doesn't only prepare you for the industry - we connect you directly to it. Our strong partnerships with leading tech companies, design studios, and media organizations offer you:

Industry immersion allowing students to alternate between study and work
Valuable real-world experience
Guest lectures from industry experts
Collaborative projects with real-world clients
Networking events and career fairs
Mentorship programs with successful alumni

These connections give you a head start in building your professional network and launching your career in the exciting world of digital media.

Join Drexel University's Digital Media Department and turn your passion into a thriving career. Whether you're a prospective student, a parent, an industry professional, or an alum, we invite you to explore our programs, connect with our community, and discover how you can be part of the digital revolution.