New Media | Academic Requirements | Courses | Faculty

The New Media B.A. Program

In the interdisciplinary New Media program at Purchase College, students learn to interact with digital media both as critical consumers and as active producers. The pervasiveness of digital technologies, their rapid pace of development, and the constant global flow of information are transforming political, social, and cultural landscapes while creating new models of communication and interaction. Because “new” is a culturally relative term, cross-cultural initiatives and global education are essential parts of the New Media curriculum. The program also emphasizes the public aspect of making media and the opportunities for effecting positive change.    

Analysis, Hands-On Production, and Collaboration
New Media students study the effects of digital media from multiple perspectives while developing their own voice through hands-on production. Analysis and production are equally emphasized and are often present in the same course. The curriculum draws from courses in the visual arts, computer science, and the social sciences, as well as music, film, and other liberal arts disciplines. The program offers students a structured, well-rounded foundation covering a range of content areas and methodologies. Collaboration is particularly encouraged, among both faculty and students, as are experimental and creative approaches to media production and distribution.

Advanced Standing and the Senior Project
After applying for and receiving advanced standing, new media majors pursue a program of upper-level study designed by the student. This provides students with the opportunity to pursue individual interests while at the same time developing a focus in new media. As part of this program of study, all students are expected to complete an 8-credit senior project, which is supervised by a faculty member of the New Media Board of Study. Various types of senior projects are acceptable, and collaboration among students is encouraged.

Internships: The Bridge to a Career
Students are strongly encouraged to pursue internships, which provide an important bridge to a career in the field. In recent years, Purchase students have interned at a broad range of companies and organizations, including Eyebeam Atelier, Developer.com, MTV, PepsiCo, Harvestworks, and IBM.

Updated Aug. 30, 2006