EDITORIAL: A major for the information age

The Digital Media Design major is a great example of how to build a cross-school program. Now, the time has come to declare the major a success -- and a commendable example of the potential of interdisciplinary programs, which draw on existing resources to bring quality and diversity to Penn's undergraduate offerings. The major -- created for students interested in computer-generated multimedia design -- is based in the Engineering School, but participants must take courses in the Annenberg School for Communication and the Graduate School of Fine Arts. That synergy provides students with a strong background in a cutting edge field and is an excellent example of creative utilization of existing resources. Another exciting aspect of the major encourages participants to attend lectures and discussion series with professionals. Requiring DMD majors to complete an internship with a multimedia company is also an excellent idea. Progressive educational techniques like these are intellectually stimulating and we encourage Penn to explore similar possibilities in other existing and future programs. One minor concern with the major is that participants are only eligible for bachelor of applied science degrees. We encourage the Engineering School to allow DMD majors to work toward bachelor of science and engineering degrees as well. We urge Penn to continue to explore interdisciplinary possibilities among all of the University's schools. Research and educational focii are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary -- particularly as computing capabilities are brought to bear on new fields. Such programs represent part of the future of education. With the DMD program, Penn has taken a step towards that future.