The School of the Arts and Communication has launched the Department of Design and Creative Technology, which houses the Visual Arts—Graphic Design Specialization BFA and the Interactive Multimedia BA degree programs. The new department will enhance the strengths of these disciplines, providing a richer experience for students, and better preparing them for the rapidly changing world.
The new department will enable students to explore a variety of areas, including web design, creative technologies, games and playable media, visual storytelling and animation, digital fabrication, music technology, culture and technology, and creative coding.
“The Graphic Design program and the Department of Interactive Multimedia have always been closely aligned through their practice of design thinking, use of digital and computational media, and combination of personal expression and professional practice,” says Department Chair Josh Fishburn. “In the last 10 years, the industries where our graduates most commonly find careers have converged. We hope for this new department to be a home on campus for designers and creative technologists of all kinds.”
Students entering the field will benefit from having skills, knowledge, and practices from the two distinct disciplines as the use of creative technology is rapidly becoming the norm for designers, and creative technologists are expected to have the skills and practices of a designer as well.
“The department’s name reflects the innovative, engaging work we’ve been doing – in our spaces, research, student projects, and the way we think about complex problem-solving,” said Assistant Dean Erica Kalinowski. “As we engage with industry alumni, the connectivity between design programs is increasingly evident.The new department will support substantial collaboration and innovation with goals of enhancing the student experience and post-graduation opportunities.”
Starting with the 2021-2022 academic year, the three full-time faculty members teaching in Graphic Design (Jason Alejandro, Chung Chak, and Belinda Haikes) and the five full-time faculty in Interactive Multimedia (Chris Ault, Warren Buckleitner, Josh Fishburn, John Kuiphoff, and Teresa Nakra) will combine to form this new Department of Design and Creative Technology.
“Interactive multimedia is a very popular minor for graphic design majors. Many students express an interest in exploring these areas of study focused on emerging technologies as the field of graphic design is constantly evolving,” said Professor of Design and Technology Chung Chak, who teaches graphic design courses. “I often hear how many TCNJ IMM and GD alumni work together after they graduate. By offering these disciplines under one department, students will be able to immerse themselves more fluidly between the two areas.”
For questions about the new Department of Design and Creative Technology, please email Josh Fishburn, department chair, or Rachel Lichtenberg, program assistant.
— Meaghan Resta