CDM Website > Academics > BA in Digital Cinema
BA in Digital Cinema 
CDM's Bachelor of Arts program in Digital Cinema teaches the fundamentals of motion picture theory and history along with technical production skills, using state-of-the-art digital technology. 
 

BA in Digital Cinema 2009


The BA in Digital Cinema is an innovative motion picture production program dedicated to utilizing the latest cutting-edge digital technology while incorporating classic cinema narrative theory and aesthetics. Students receive hands-on experience with the latest production equipment in the first year and get an insider’s view of the industry from experienced faculty.


Concentrations


The Bachelor of Arts Program offers two programs of undergraduate study for students:

  • The Standard Concentration features a hands-on program in live-action production. With its greater number of electives students may also develop an interdisciplinary program of study in cinema history and theory.
  • The Screenwriting Concentration features a program of study in advanced screenwriting in addition to core courses in cinema production, dramatic literature and cinema history/theory.

What Students Get From This Program


Access to industry-current production equipment, as early as their first year as a student.

Practical production experience through classes, internships and the Project Bluelight program.

A faculty of experienced professionals including  filmmakers with several decades of experience.

Learn more about the Digital Cinema Program


Liberal Studies Program

The Liberal Studies program at DePaul University is the general education portion of the curriculum at DePaul University. View the specific details for the Digital Cinema Program here.

Please note: Students must complete 20 liberal studies courses including the eight credit hour Mathematical and Technological Literacy requirement which is both ISP 120 and ISP 121. ISP 121 will replace one course from any one of the six Learning Domains as long as the student takes at least one course in each domain.


Program Requirements 2009


To view Undergraduate Program Requirements for previous years click here.

The curriculum consists of the DePaul Liberal Studies program (see above) and the following Major Field Courses listed by concentration.

B.A. Digital Cinema 2009
 
Standard Concentration

First Year
Major Field Courses (6)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√ √      DC 201 Introduction to Screenwriting   
√        DC 205 Foundations of Cinema   
√        DC 220 Editing I   
√        MCS 207 History of Cinema I, 1890-1945   
         MCS 208 Title Unavailable   
         MCS 209 Title Unavailable   
 

Liberal Studies (5) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
Open Electives (1)

Second Year
Major Field Courses (5)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√        ANI 101 Animation for Non-Majors   
√        OR  ANI 201 Animation I   
√        DC 210 Digital Cinema Production I   
√        DC 215 Digital Sound Design   
√        DC 225 Digital Still Photography   
√        DC 275 Cinematography and Lighting   
 

Liberal Studies (6) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
Open Electives (1)

Third Year
Major Field Courses (5)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√        DC 270 Topics in Digital Cinema   
         VFX 278 Digital Compositing I   
√        DC 310 Digital Cinema Production II   
√        DC 315 Advanced Digital Sound Design   
√        DC 320 Editing II   
 

CIM Elective (1) Any 200-level or above ANI, GPH, DC, GAM or IM course
Liberal Studies (5) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
Open Electives (1)

Fourth Year
Major Field Courses (5)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√        DC 371 Documentary Production   
√        DC 376 Visual Design   
√        DC 389 The Big Picture: the Entertainment Industry   
         DC 390 Topics in Directing   
         DC 398 Digital Cinema Capstone   
 

CIM Elective (1) Any 200-level or above ANI, GPH, DC, GAM or IM course
Liberal Studies (4) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
 Open Electives (2)


Open Electives:
Open Electives may be taken from any department or program. These are the only courses that may be taken under the pass/fail option (see the undergraduate Bulletin for details). If you wish to pursue a minor, most minor field courses will be credited as open electives.

Grades:
Grades for all courses in the students major (i.e. non-Liberal Studies and non-Open Elective) must be 'C' or better. Grades of 'C-' may be accepted provided the overall grade point average in the major is 2.0 or better.

Screenwriting Concentration
 
First Year
Major Field Courses (5)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√ √      DC 201 Introduction to Screenwriting   
√        DC 205 Foundations of Cinema   
√        MCS 207 History of Cinema I, 1890-1945   
         MCS 208 Title Unavailable   
         MCS 209 Title Unavailable   
 

Liberal Studies (5) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
 Open Electives (2)

Second Year
Major Field Courses (5)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√        DC 210 Digital Cinema Production I   
√        DC 220 Editing I   
√        DC 250 Working with Actors 1   
√        DC 270 Topics in Digital Cinema   
√        THE 244 Dramatic Writing for Non-Majors   
 

CIM Elective (1) Any 200-level or above ANI, GPH, DC, GAM or IM course
Liberal Studies (6) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies

Third Year
Major Field Courses (4)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√        DC 301 Advanced Screenwriting I   
         DC 302 Advanced Screenwriting II   
√        DC 303 Advanced Screenwriting III   
√        DC 304 Topics in Screenwriting   
 

CIM Elective (1) Any 200-level or above ANI, GPH, DC, GAM or IM course
English Course (1) - A 200-level or above English Literature Class
Liberal Studies (5) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
 Open Electives (1)

Fourth Year
Major Field Courses (3)
Offered Fall 
In classOnline 
√        DC 235 Adaptation: the Cinematic Recrafting of Meaning   
√        DC 389 The Big Picture: the Entertainment Industry   
         DC 398 Digital Cinema Capstone   
 

CIM Elective (1) Any 200-level or above ANI, GPH, DC, GAM or IM course
English Course (1) - A 200-level or above English Literature Class
Liberal Studies (4) - Consider CDM Courses for Liberal Studies
 Open Electives (3)


Open Electives:
Open Electives may be taken from any department or program. These are the only courses that may be taken under the pass/fail option (see the undergraduate Bulletin for details). If you wish to pursue a minor, most minor field courses will be credited as open electives.

Grades:
Grades for all courses in the students major (i.e. non-Liberal Studies and non-Open Elective) must be 'C' or better. Grades of 'C-' may be accepted provided the overall grade point average in the major is 2.0 or better.
All courses in program
 
  • ANI 101 Animation for Non-Majors
  • ANI 201 Animation I
  • DC 201 Introduction to Screenwriting
  • DC 205 Foundations of Cinema
  • DC 210 Digital Cinema Production I
  • DC 215 Digital Sound Design
  • DC 220 Editing I
  • DC 225 Digital Still Photography
  • DC 235 Adaptation: the Cinematic Recrafting of Meaning
  • DC 250 Working with Actors 1
  • DC 270 Topics in Digital Cinema
  • DC 275 Cinematography and Lighting
  • DC 301 Advanced Screenwriting I
  • DC 302 Advanced Screenwriting II
  • DC 303 Advanced Screenwriting III
  • DC 304 Topics in Screenwriting
  • DC 310 Digital Cinema Production II
  • DC 315 Advanced Digital Sound Design
  • DC 320 Editing II
  • DC 371 Documentary Production
  • DC 376 Visual Design
  • DC 389 The Big Picture: the Entertainment Industry
  • DC 390 Topics in Directing
  • DC 398 Digital Cinema Capstone
  • MCS 207 History of Cinema I, 1890-1945
  • MCS 208 Title Unavailable
  • MCS 209 Title Unavailable
  • THE 244 Dramatic Writing for Non-Majors
  • VFX 278 Digital Compositing I
 
Career Options: 

The evolution of digital technology has created new and varied career options in motion picture production. While high-profile careers in producing, directing and acting remain competitive, careers in specialties such as digital editing, sound engineering and digital effects design continue to rise.

Many industries, including public relations, advertising, health care and education need professionals skilled in digital media design and production to produce interactive games, instructional materials and promotional materials.

Individuals with a degree in Digital Cinema hold positions as:

  • Film/Video Editors
  • Special Effects Directors
  • Directors
  • Cinematographers. 

Positions requiring skills in digital cinema production can be found on motion picture and television studios, advertising agencies, video editing firms, and computer game companies.

DePaul University's College of Computing and Digital Media
243 S. Wabash Ave, Chicago IL. 60604 | (312)362-8381
Questions? Feedback? | Admission | Advising | General