Digital Design

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Design at the University of Colorado Denver offers students a comprehensive education in the creation and development of digital visual content across various platforms. This program combines principles of graphic design, interactive media, user experience, and digital storytelling to prepare graduates for careers in the dynamic fields of digital media, web design, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design. Throughout the curriculum, students acquire technical skills in industry-standard software and technologies, including Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and emerging digital tools, while also developing a strong foundation in visual communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and practical application, encouraging students to produce a diverse portfolio of digital projects that demonstrate their proficiency and originality. Collaboration and interdisciplinary work are integral components, reflecting the real-world environments in which digital designers operate. Students have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and industry partnerships, gaining valuable professional experience and networking connections. The Digital Design program at CU Denver aims to prepare graduates for successful careers in digital media, advertising, web development, interactive environments, and multimedia production. Graduates are equipped to contribute to the rapidly evolving digital landscape by creating visually compelling, user-centered digital content for a variety of audiences and purposes. With a focus on both aesthetic and functional aspects of digital design, the program fosters the development of versatile, innovative, and ethically responsible digital media professionals.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the Digital Design program produces designers who use technology in innovative ways and understand the cultural impact of digital technologies to produce solutions for branding, advertising, social causes and to solve human problems. Students become highly competent in visual design using a variety of digital media but they are also focused on why design is valuable, using design thinking and user-centered research to solve complex problems.

Freshman admission consideration for both in-state and out-of-state students is based primarily upon:

1. Quality and number of high school courses (units) attempted (a rigorous academic program of study is preferred)
2. The admission index, which is a numeric score calculated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education based on GPA or rank in class and ACT or SAT test scores.
3. Optional personal essay and letters of recommendation. Though not required, a personal statement or essay and/or letters of recommendation may be considered in the admissions review process

General Admission

You are a strong candidate for general admission if:

1. Your index is 93 or higher
2. You have completed all HEAR requirements AND have no more than two MAPS unit deficiencies

TEST SCORES: ACT/SAT

Results are mandatory for international students who have graduated from a U.S. high school or those seeking freshman admission directly to the College of Engineering and Applied Science programs. For engineering students, admission to CU Denver is still possible without these scores by way of the Pre-Engineering program in the College of Liberal Arts and Science.

TEST SCORES: TOEFL, IELTS, OR PTE

Applicants will be considered to have obtained the required English language proficiency if they meet satisfactory scores (below) or one of the additional options:

SCORE REQUIREMENTS:

TOEFL

Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 75 IBT / 537 PBT

IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: 6.5

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if an applicant has graduated from the ESL Academy. Information regarding other considerations for exemption, including country of citizenship/origin, and special circumstances can be found here. Please note that some graduate level programs will require a higher score on the TOEFL/IELTS and applicants should consult the department for additional details

PTE ACADEMIC

Minimum PTE Academic Score Accepted: 51

TThe Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is currently in a pilot review at the University of Colorado Denver. We will accept a 51 PTE Academic score with the following subscores:

In addition to national scholarship that may be available for students, the College of Arts & Media (CAM) offers a number of scholarship opportunities specifically for CAM prospective, undergraduate and graduate students.

Digital Design at the University of Colorado Denver is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of digital media and design. The curriculum emphasizes the development of both technical proficiency and creative ability, enabling graduates to excel in various areas such as user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, interactive media, motion graphics, and digital content creation. Students are introduced to a broad spectrum of digital tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and other industry-standard programs, fostering their ability to produce compelling visual content across multiple platforms.

The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging students to undertake real-world projects, internships, and collaborative assignments that mirror industry practices. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of employers in fields such as advertising, gaming, multimedia production, web development, and digital marketing. Courses often cover topics like design principles, information architecture, coding basics, and emerging technologies, keeping students current with industry trends and innovations.

Faculty members in the Digital Design program are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students through their academic journey, supporting their creative growth, and providing industry insights. Students also have access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities that facilitate hands-on learning experiences. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration with students from related fields such as computer science, marketing, and fine arts.

Graduates of the Digital Design program benefit from the university’s strong connections with local and national industry partners, opening opportunities for networking and employment after graduation. The program aims to produce versatile digital designers capable of adapting to the fast-paced digital landscape, bringing ideas to life through innovative design solutions. In addition, students are nurtured to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for tackling complex design challenges in today’s digital society. Overall, the Digital Design program at the University of Colorado Denver prepares students to become creative leaders and influential digital designers in a competitive global job market.