DePaul College of Computing and Digital Media

An Innovative Approach

School of Cinematic Arts

The next generation of visual storytellers, taught by professional filmmakers, utilizing the latest technology and a 32,000 sq. ft. production facility

School of Computing

Innovative and nationally recognized programs, inspiring teachers, and strong connections with industry, drawing on the latest technology and cutting edge research

School of Design

Established and emerging design disciplines focusing on collaboration, critical thinking, research, play, socio-cultural problem solving and community

3 Schools

Endless Possibilities

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Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration

CDM's new Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration is an 8,000 square-foot open space where students and faculty come together to ideate and innovate. The Center focuses on multidisciplinary professional learning and industry partnerships fueled by emerging technologies and projects dedicated to societal needs and innovation.

Featured Stories

students filming on set

Future filmmakers are flocking to Chicago, and DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts continues to rise in the rankings. The Hollywood Reporter has named DePaul one of the best film schools in the country, rising to 14th place, up one spot from last year.

“This is a testament to the excellence of our faculty and staff, our facilities, and most of all our alumni,” said Gary Novak, filmmaker and director of the School of Cinematic Arts.

THR Ranks DePaul among Best Film Schools
Three professors with electronic around a table photo by DePaul University/Jeff Carrion

DePaul University and Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine are funding interdisciplinary faculty research projects bringing together AI, biomedical discovery and health care. Projects involving CDM School of Computing faculty include combining wearable sensors with GPS to prevent injury, and analyzing neurons in the brainstem to discover boundaries that control speech and swallowing.

AI and Health Care
 

DePaul's game design degree programs are among the best in the country, according to 2023 rankings from the Princeton Review and Animation Career Review. Student success and faculty innovation are among the factors driving a rise in the rankings

Top Game Design Programs in 2023

Student and Alumni Spotlight

close up of Brian Lannin

Brian Lannin (BA ‘08) is a director and cinematographer working in film, TV and commercials. His body of work as a cinematographer includes The Starling Girl, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the Amazon Studios film Somebody I Used to Know, and the 2014 SXSW Grand Jury Prize winner Fort Tilden. In television, he shot seasons 1-3 of FX’s Dave while also serving as director in season 3, and seasons 1-4 of HBO’s High Maintenance. His commercial clients include American Express, Under Armour, Xbox, Dunkin’ Donuts, AT&T, Snickers and more. He is a member of the DGA and Local 600 - The International Cinematographers Guild.

SCA Alumni
close up of Julie Simms

Julie Simms Holder (MS ‘20, MS ‘25), a native Chicagoan from the South Side, is a Senior Cybersecurity Supervision Specialist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. After several years working in major law firms in various IT positions, Julie decided to finish her undergraduate degree from Chicago State University before moving onto DePaul to pursue her MS in Data Science, which she received in 2020. During this time, Julie also started working in cybersecurity, eventually moving to the financial sector. She appreciates opportunities where she is able to marry cybersecurity and data science to help understand trends and threats related to evolving technology. In fact, Julie is now back at DePaul in pursuit of her second master’s, this time in cybersecurity.

Q&A with Julie
close up of Michelle Lega

Michelle Lega (MFA '20) is a senior producer in the video game industry, helping indie teams develop and publish their games. She is a strong advocate for helping underrepresented voices find their place in the industry. Michelle gave a talk at the 2023 Game Developers Conference (GDC) providing advice and tips for new game developers.

"The connections I made during my time at DePaul have become lifelong friendships - people I work on game projects with, reach out to for help, and look forward to seeing at industry events!"

MFA Game Design

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CDM

Read the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media’s DEI Strategic Plan, explore identity-specific student organizations and opportunities, and learn more about the offices at DePaul focused on equity and inclusion.

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