A new bachelor’s degree in digital arts will provide students with an artistic avenue into a growing technology-centered workforce, according to a University of North Carolina Wilmington announcement Monday.

The UNC Board of Governors approved the program May 19, and the new degree is expected to launch in fall 2017, the release said. It will be the 55th baccalaureate degree offered at UNCW.

“UNCW continues to expand academic programming to fit both student interests and workforce trends,” said Chancellor Jose Sartarelli in the news release. “This new degree will position students to excel in burgeoning career fields that require professionals with artistic vision and technical savvy to succeed in a knowledge-based economy.”

With the purpose of producing well-rounded and adaptable experts, the bachelor’s program will train students extensively in all facets of digital art through integrated coursework such as calculus, creative writing, information technology, programming and design, according to the release.

Graduates will be prepared for careers as web developers, graphic designers, game artists and mobile developers, among other professional opportunities, the release said.

The UNCW Department of Computer Science and the Department of Art and Art History developed the program together.
 
“Our new joint major is different than others in the state,” said Laurie Patterson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science, in the release. “Over the past couple of years, I have been inundated with students asking about the prospect of a digital arts major. The program has been a long time coming.” 

The university currently offers a minor in digital arts, but the new bachelor’s program will provide increased opportunities for students, including expanded career paths and more specialized experiences, according to to the release.