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The Bachelor of Arts in Technology, Arts, and Media at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students an innovative and interdisciplinary education tailored to preparing future leaders in the rapidly evolving fields of digital technology, visual arts, and media production. This program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the conceptual, technical, and practical aspects of modern technology applications in artistic and media contexts. Students will explore a broad spectrum of topics including digital media creation, interactive design, multimedia storytelling, computational art, and the social impacts of technology in contemporary society. The curriculum combines coursework in computer science, digital arts, media studies, and design, fostering skills in programming, graphic design, video production, and user experience (UX) design.
Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, collaborative work, and internships that connect academic learning with industry practices. This immersive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to navigate and contribute to the ever-changing landscapes of arts and media industries, including digital entertainment, film and animation, web development, and new media art. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical considerations related to technology use in society. Students are encouraged to develop a research-based mindset and an innovative approach to solving complex problems at the intersection of technology and artistic expression.
By the time they graduate, students will possess a robust portfolio of digital projects and a thorough understanding of current and emerging technological tools, enabling them to pursue careers as digital artists, media producers, software developers, UX designers, or pursue advanced studies in related fields. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated laboratories, and collaborative spaces to support student experimentation and innovation. With a focus on both technical proficiency and creative exploration, the Bachelor of Arts in Technology, Arts, and Media at CU Boulder prepares students to become adaptable, forward-thinking professionals capable of shaping the future of digital culture.
Sample 4 Year Curriculum
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
|
Freshman Year |
APPM 1350, Calculus 1 for Engineers (4 credits) or MATH 1300, Calculus 1 (5 credits) ATLS 2000, Meaning of Information Technology (3 credits) Natural Sciences (3–4 credits) COEN 1500, Intro to Engineering (or CEAS intro–based course) (1 credit) Humanities and Social Science (3 credits) total credits = 14–16 credits |
APPM 1360, Calculus 2 for Engineers (4 credits) or MATH 2300, Calculus 2 (5 credits) ATLS 1100, Design Foundations (3 credits) Natural Sciences (3–4 credits) GEEN 1400, Freshman Projects (or CEAS project-based course) (3 credits) CSCI 1300, Intro to Computing (or CEAS computing-based course) (3–4 credits) total credits = 16–19 credits |
|
Sophomore Year |
Mathematics (3 credits) ATLS 2100, Image (3 credits) ATLS 2200, Web (3 credits) CSCI 2270, Computer Science 2: Data Structures (4 credits) Natural Sciences (3–4 credits) total credits = 16–17 credits |
Mathematics (3 credits) ATLS 2300, Text (3 credits) ATLS 3519, Object (3 credits) Natural Sciences (3 credits) *if needed (12 credit hours of science required) Humanities and Social Science (3 credits) Free Elective (2-3 credits) total credits = 17–18 credits |
|
Junior Year |
ATLS 3100, Form (3 credits) ATLS 3200, Sound (3 credits) Critical Perspectives in Technology (3 credits) Free Elective (3 credits) Humanities and Social Science (3 credits) College-approved writing course (3 credits) total credits = 18 credits |
Critical Perspectives in Technology (3 upper division credits) ATLS Focus (3 credits) ATLS Focus (3 credits) Free Elective (3 credits) Humanities and Social Science (3 credits) total credits = 15 credits |
|
Senior Year |
ATLS 4100, Capstone 1 (4 credits) ATLS Focus (3 credits) ATLS Focus (3 credits) Humanities and Social Science (3 upper division credits) Free Elective (3 credits) total credits = 16 credits |
ATLS 4200, Capstone 2 (4 credits) ATLS Focus (3 credits) ATLS Focus (3 credits) Humanities and Social Science (3 upper division credits)
Free Elective (3 credits) total credits = 16 credits |
Requirements
- Online application for admission
- $50 nonrefundable ($70 U.S. for international students) application fee, payable online (if sending a check or money order, make payable to the University of Colorado; print student’s name and date of birth on check)
- Official high school transcript
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- SAT or ACT test scores (if applicable)
- Personal essays
- Letter of recommendation
- TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5
Scholarships
- International students are eligible for a few merit-based CU Boulder scholarships, but must submit official ACT or SAT scores as part of the application to be considered.
The Bachelor of Science in Technology, Arts, and Media at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare them for dynamic careers at the intersection of technology, creative arts, and media industries. This program emphasizes developing both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities, enabling graduates to excel in areas such as digital media production, interactive design, multimedia storytelling, and emerging technologies. Students enrolled in this program benefit from a diverse curriculum that combines courses in computer science, visual arts, media studies, and communication, fostering a well-rounded understanding of how technology can be harnessed to create compelling artistic and media content. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories provide hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to work with cutting-edge software and hardware tools used in professional settings. Collaboration is a key component of the program; students frequently engage in team projects that simulate real-world workflows in media production and technological development. Faculty members are experts in their fields, often involved in innovative research and industry partnerships, ensuring students are exposed to the latest trends and practices. Internships and co-op opportunities are strongly encouraged, providing valuable industry connections and practical experience that enhance employability after graduation. The program equips students with critical thinking, technical proficiency, artistic sensibility, and communication skills, making graduates highly competitive in creative industries, entertainment technology, digital marketing, and beyond. Overall, the Technology, Arts, and Media program at the University of Colorado Boulder prepares students to become versatile professionals capable of pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.