DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) is organized into three schools: the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), the School of Computing (SoC), and the School of Design (SoD) featuring degree programs designed to keep pace with the latest developments in technology while remaining grounded in the liberal arts. DePaul CDM has a reputation for offering an extraordinary selection of degree programs and courses from traditional computer science, information systems, and cybersecurity to game development, film and television, animation, and graphic design. At CDM, students will experience a dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum and the opportunity to satisfy their academic curiosity through a wide range of minors that reflect the diverse offerings of CDM's curriculum.
Contact Us
DePaul University
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
243 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60604
312 362 8381
Administration & Faculty
Administration
Lucia Dettori - Interim Dean
Meghann Artes - Associate Dean
Xiaoping Jia - Associate Dean
Iyad Kanj - Associate Dean
Matthew Quinn - Associate Dean
Eric Schwabe - Associate Dean
Raffaella Settimi-Woods - Associate Dean
Jennifer McClelland - Assistant Dean of Budget Administration
Denise Nacu - Director of the School of Design
Gary Novak - Director of the School of Cinematic Arts
Ljubomir Perkovic - Director of the School of Computing
Lee Roberson - Director of Technology
Joshua Tsui - Director of Innovation
The College believes that academic advising is necessary for the vitality and success of the student's education. Students are assigned a faculty advisor prior to the first term of enrollment in the college. All students are encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor at least once each year for assistance in planning a course of study that best reflects their academic and career interests, skills, and lifestyle. Students have access to professional staff advisors in the CDM Academic Success Center to assist with providing interpretations of university policy, academic success strategies and support services.
Advising Staff
John Glatz - Assistant Dean of Advising
Monica Cano - Associate Director of Advising
Katie Kull - Associate Director of Advising
Natalie Beckley - Assistant Director of Advising
Caitlin Martinez - Assistant Director of Advising
Victoria Campagna - Academic Advisor
Ashton Choma - Academic Advisor
Marilyn Clark - Academic Advisor
Nicole Cunanan - Academic Advisor
Ariana Hernandez - Academic Advisor
Emily Ledezma - Academic Advisor
Mya Mohammad - Academic Advisor
Rosita Palma-Rodriguez - Academic Advisor
Maren Williams - Academic Advisor
Jessica Zied - Academic Advisor
Beau Old - Administrative Assistant
Meghan O'Malley - Administrative Assistant
Undergraduate Academics
The Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media offers BA, BS, and BFA degrees at the Undergraduate level and MA, MS, MFA, and PhD degrees at the Graduate level. An option to pursue a combined Bachelor/Master's degree is also available for qualified students.
Academic Policies
All students are expected to be familiar with and are responsible for the policies included in the DePaul University Undergraduate Handbook and CDM web site.
As a student, you assume the responsibility to know and meet both the general and specific policies and deadlines outlined in this catalog and handbook.
Honors Program
Most students follow the Liberal Studies Program to meet their general education requirements. However, students accepted into the Honors Program fulfill general education requirements through an alternative set of courses.
For details on Honors Program requirements for CDM students, see the Honors Program Requirements - Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media page.
Program Combination Restrictions
Students majoring in certain degree programs are forbidden from pursuing certain secondary/double majors:
| Primary Major | Forbidden Secondary/Double Major(s) |
|---|---|
| BFA Animation – Cinema Concentration | BFA Animation – Game Art Concentration |
| BFA Animation – Game Art Concentration | BFA Animation – Cinema Concentration |
| BS Computer Science (and BS-CS online) | BS Game Programming; BS Information Technology; BS Math and Computer Science; BS Computer Science + Animation; BS Computer Science + Geography |
| BS Data Science | BA Data Science (CSH) |
| BA Film and Television | BFA Film and Television (all concentrations) |
| BFA Film and Television (all concentrations) | BA Film and Television |
| BS Game Programming | BS Computer Science (all concentrations); BS Math and Computer Science |
| BS Information Technology (and BS-IT online) | BS Computer Science (all concentrations); BS Math and Computer Science |
| BS Math and Computer Science | BS Computer Science (all concentrations); BS Game Programming; BS Information Technology |
Students majoring in certain degree programs are forbidden from pursuing certain minors:
| Major | Forbidden Minor(s) |
|---|---|
| BA Animation | Animation |
| BFA Animation – Cinema Concentration | Animation |
| BFA Animation – Game Art Concentration | Animation |
| BFA Animation – Visual Effects Concentration | Visual Effects |
| BS Computer Science (and BS-CS online) | Computer Science; Information Technology |
| BS Computer Science + Animation | Animation; Animation Technical Director; Computer Science; Game Technical Director; Information Technology |
| BS Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (now Intelligent Systems Engineering) | Computer Science |
| BS Data Science | Data Science |
| BA Film and Television | Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television – Cinematography Concentration | Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television – Comedy Filmmaking Concentration | Comedy Filmmaking; Film Production; Screenwriting |
| BFA Film and Television – Creative Producing Concentration | Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television – Directing Concentration | Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television – Documentary Concentration | Documentary; Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television – Editing Concentration | Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television - Production Concentration | Film Production |
| BFA Film and Television – Production Design Concentration | Film Production; Production Design |
| BFA Film and Television – Screenwriting Concentration | Comedy Filmmaking; Film Production; Screenwriting |
| BFA Film and Television – Showrunner Concentration | Comedy Filmmaking; Film Production; Screenwriting |
| BFA Film and Television – Sound Concentration | Film Production; Sound Design |
| BFA Film and Television – Visual Effects Concentration | Film Production; Visual Effects |
| BS Game Design | Game Design |
| BS Game Programming | Computer Science; Game Design |
| BFA Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| BFA Industrial Design | Industrial Design |
| BS Information Systems | Information Systems; Information Technology; Management Information Systems |
| BS Information Technology (and BS-IT online) | Computer Science; Information Technology |
| BS User Experience Design | User Experience Design |
| BS Math and Computer Science | Computer Science; Information Technology |
| BS Network Engineering and Security | Network Technologies |
Students pursuing certain minors are forbidden from pursuing certain other minors:
| Primary Minor | Forbidden Secondary/Double Minor(s) |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | Information Technology |
| Information Technology | Computer Science |
| Film Production | Television Production |
| Television Production | Film Production |
Online Learning
Many courses at DePaul are offered online. CDM online courses are available for review and playback via the CDM Course Online playback system (COL). If a course is COL-enabled, any student registered in the course has access to the course playback. Students are strongly encouraged to utilize the COL resource wherever available. Additionally, CDM offers two BS programs that may be completed online. With the exception of the media engineering concentration, the BS in Information Technology may be completed fully online. The BS in Computer Science can be completed online by transfer students (see a sample schedule).
Graduate Academics
The Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media offers BA, BS, and BFA degrees at the Undergraduate level and MA, MS, MFA, and PhD degrees at the Graduate level. An option to pursue a combined Bachelor/Master's degree is also available for qualified students.
CDM Graduate Academic Student Handbook
All students are expected to be familiar with and are responsible for the policies included in the DePaul University Graduate Handbook and CDM web site.
As a graduate student, you assume the responsibility to know and meet both the general and specific policies and deadlines outlined in this catalog and handbook.
Specific degree completion information can be found on each program page.
Dismissal / Probation
Master's and MFA degree students are required to meet the GPA requirements for their declared program. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below the minimum requirements, the student will be placed on probation and allowed to complete two additional quarters. If, at the conclusion of this time period, the cumulative GPA remains below the required minimum, the student will be placed on final academic probation for one quarter. Students on probation will be required to meet with an advisor to discuss a success plan and will be allowed to enroll in no more than two courses per quarter. If, after the quarter of the final probation, the cumulative GPA is still below the minimum requirements, the students may be dismissed from the program.
Students who have been dismissed can apply for readmission through the standard readmission process no sooner than a quarter after their dismissal (excluding Summer). The readmission application must include a personal statement indicating evidence of changes in their situation that indicates they are prepared to successfully meet the program's requirements. If approved, the student will be subject to the program and concentration requirements in place in the enrollment term of readmission. Readmission decisions are final.
Doctoral student progress will be evaluated annually by faculty members in the respective program committee. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better to remain in good standing in the program. Any course grade below B- is unsatisfactory and will not be counted toward degree requirements. The program committee will ask a student to withdraw from the doctoral program if the committee members judge that the student is not satisfactorily progressing toward the degree.
Evaluation and Credit / Limitations
Using Undergraduate Credit for Graduate Courses
All courses numbered 100 through 399 are considered to be at the undergraduate level and are not accepted for graduate credit.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is not widely accepted at the graduate level. However, in certain circumstances and with the approval of the student's faculty advisor, it will be considered. In all instances:
- A maximum of two (2) courses will be considered for transfer into any CDM graduate degree program.
- Any course that has already been applied toward a degree may not be applied again as transfer credit in a different degree.
- If approved, the credit transferred to DePaul University applies only to programs offered through the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM).
- Credit earned through a program in the Institute for Professional Development (IPD) at DePaul University is considered transfer credit and is subject to all transfer credit policies.
- In order for a request for transfer credit to be considered, please submit the following materials to the CDM Academic Success Center:
- An official copy of the transcript from the school where the course was completed.
- A written statement confirming that the course did not apply towards a previously earned degree.
- A written statement explaining how this course might apply to your program in CDM.
Graduate level introductory courses, typically numbered between 400 and 419, may not be substituted for any course at any other level.
Second Degree
CDM does not permit admission to more than one (1) graduate program at a time. Under no circumstances may one (1) course be used to satisfy requirements in multiple programs, except for Introductory Courses (i.e., waivable). Students may not repeat the same course for credit in multiple programs. Cross-listed courses are considered to be one course in this policy. Students wishing to apply unused courses from one degree to another must consult with an academic advisor.
Graduation Requirements
Following is a list of degree completion/graduation requirements that may not be waived under any circumstances.
Complete the minimum number of credit hours required for the declared program of study. The minimum required credit hours are:
- 48-52 graduate credit hours for MS and MA degrees
- 64 graduate credit hours for the MFA degrees in Documentary, and Game Design
- 68 graduate credit hours for the MFA degree in Screenwriting
- 72 graduate credit hours for the MFA degree in Creative Producing
- 80 graduate credit hours for the MFA degree in Animation
- 96 graduate credit hours for the MFA degree in Film and Television
- 60 graduate credit hours beyond a master's degree for PhD degrees
Earn a minimum cumulative GPA:
- Master's and MFA degrees require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required for MFA in Film and Television and MFA in Screenwriting)
- A PhD degree requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
Satisfy all program specific GPA requirements. See program descriptions for details.
Students pursuing an additional graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
PhD and MFA graduates must obtain final approval for degree conferral from the designated review committees. Students should consult their faculty advisors regarding this approval.
In addition, students must successfully complete all degree requirements as listed on the program pages of the catalog under which they were admitted.
Grades, Repeating Classes
A graduate student may need to repeat a course. When a course is repeated, both grades earned are recorded on the academic record. They are designated as "original" and "repeated". However, only the second grade counts toward that degree requirement, is added to cumulative credit, and is calculated into the degree's cumulative grade point average.
If a student wishes to repeat a course more than once, they need permission from their graduate program director. Students who register for a course for the third time without first obtaining permission may be dropped from the course. All repeated course grades are calculated into the cumulative grade point average and only the last course grade applies to that degree requirement.
Note: Federal and state financial aid regulations restrict the number of times that a student may receive federal or state financial aid for repeating a course for which credit has been previously earned. The student should contact the Office of Financial Aid at DePaul Central to learn about the financial aid impact if they are considering repeating a course for which they have previously earned credit.
Graduation with Distinction
Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees will be awarded with distinction to students who earned a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.9 or higher.
Readmission
A student must complete the graduate program requirements in place at the time of the student's first enrollment in, or readmission to the graduate program. A student who changes graduate programs after the start of a term follows the requirements in place for the next academic term in their new program.
Registration
All students are expected to enroll in courses according to the deadlines posted in the University Academic Calendar. Exceptions to the enrollment deadline are rarely approved. If a student believes he/she has an extenuating circumstance that warrants consideration of an exception, an appeal may be submitted online via MyCDM.
Graduate students may only enroll in graduate level courses. Graduate courses are numbered 400-699.
Online learning students MUST register for the appropriate online course section. Failure to register for an online learning section prohibits the student from online learning services, including exam proctoring.
Special Note: Students are NOT allowed to attend a course or utilize online course technology if they are not on the class roster.
CDM does not allow enrollment in closed courses and students are not allowed to attend any courses for which they are not enrolled. Students wishing to enroll in a closed course may elect to add themselves to the course waitlist in campus connect:
- Waitlists allow students to be auto-enrolled in a class as seats become available.
- Auto-enrollment from the waitlist occurs hourly during the first week of enrollment and two times per day until the last day to add a class.
- All waitlists expire after the last day to add a class each term. If not enrolled by this deadline, students are no longer eligible to enroll.
- Students are strongly encouraged to closely monitor their e-mail accounts if they have any waitlisted courses.
Online Learning
DePaul CDM Online Learning programs are specifically designed to complement the busy lifestyle of working professionals. Our Course Online (COL) lecture playback system brings the unique experience of an on-campus DePaul CDM education to off-campus students, and gives them flexibility in how, when, and where they learn. for a complete listing of CDM programs that may be completed online, please see the CDM Online Learning website.
The degree earned by an online learning student is identical to the degree earned by an on-campus student.
Combined Degrees
Students who meet the admission requirements below may choose to apply to a combined degree program. Interested students should consult their faculty advisor regarding the application procedure. This program allows students to combine many CDM bachelor's degrees with a CDM master's degree following the structure outlined below.
Admission Criteria
- Minimum of 44 quarter hours earned
- Minimum of 12 quarter hours earned at DePaul
- GPA of 3.3 or higher in courses taken at DePaul
- Endorsement from the CDM full-time faculty member designated as the advisor for the intended master's program
- Full admission to the designated master’s program requires meeting admission requirements for that program
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies with a Major in Computing via the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) are also eligible for this program. Interested students in SCPS who meet the admission criteria for a combined degree should contact SCPS Academic Services for more information. Advanced programs (e.g. JD/MS, MFA, and PhD) are not eligible for the combined degree program.
Program Structure
Students in the combined degree program may take a maximum of three graduate level courses that count toward both their bachelor's and master's degree programs. It is extremely important that the student and faculty advisor work together on a course of study immediately upon admission to the combined degree program. If introductory courses are required for the intended graduate program, those courses should be completed during the undergraduate program by taking corresponding undergraduate courses. The plan should identify appropriate graduate level courses (3 courses maximum) to be taken during the undergraduate program and exactly which undergraduate requirements those graduate level courses will replace. Failure to put together a solid plan can lead to extra coursework and a lengthening of the Combined Degree Program.
The designated faculty advisor is responsible for submitting all enrollment requests in MyCDM for the graduate courses taken during the bachelor’s degree program.
Combined degree program students must apply for their bachelor’s degree graduation in the normal way, following the instructions and deadlines on the commencement web site, and will receive the bachelor's degree after meeting all graduation requirements for that degree.
During the final term of the bachelor’s degree program, the college evaluates the student’s academic progress and matriculates the student into their master's degree program, assuming that the student is on track to complete the bachelor’s degree that term. This allows the student to enroll as a graduate student for the following term. A final evaluation of bachelor’s degree completion is done after the grading deadline for the final term.
To earn the master's degree, the student must complete all remaining requirements for the graduate degree, following the master's degree program requirements for the term they are admitted to the program.
Admission & Aid
Graduate Admission
Applicants to CDM graduate programs can choose from degrees that span the computing and digital media spectrum, including master's, MFA, and PhD programs.
Information about admission requirements can be found on the CDM website, under Admission & Aid.
CDM does not permit admission to more than one (1) graduate program at a time. Students wishing to pursue a second graduate program must complete the requirements for the first program (i.e., graduate) and then apply to the second program.
Typically, applications for MS programs take about two weeks to process, while MA, MFA and PhD program applications will take additional time.