Prospective Students FAQ

What is the Arts and Technology program?

The Arts and Technology (ATEC) program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary curriculum that will prepare students to excel in the media-rich, technologically sophisticated world of the 21st century. As students embark on their educational journey through this exciting new field of study, they will acquire a unique set of competencies including: art & design, computer programming, writing & communication, and business/marketing for digital media. Each student will be given the opportunity to design their own course of study through a set of prescribed and free electives that explore areas such as computer game development, computer animation, digital design, interactive design, virtual environments, emerging media and communication and sound design.

Approximately how many students are enrolled in the program?

The Arts and Technology program began in January 2004 and in fewer than three years, it grew into the eighth largest undergraduate major at the University. More than 242 students have received a BA in Arts and Technology as of Summer 2008. As of Fall 2008, more than 550 undergraduates are majoring in ATEC. Approximately 165 students are pursuing the M.A. or M.F.A degree with backgrounds in the arts and/or computer science as well as baccalaureate degrees in ATEC. More than 90 Masters degrees have been awarded to date. The University received pre-authorization to apply in Spring 2007 for Texas' first Ph.D. in Arts and Technology.

What are the requirements for getting into the program?

The University of Texas at Dallas requires that each undergraduate student be admitted under a similar set of criteria, regardless of his or her major. Once a student has been admitted to the school, he or she is free to choose a major and is automatically admitted into the program. A portfolio/demo reel review is not currently required. Visit the Enrollment Services site for freshman and transfer admissions criteria. Graduate admission is determined by academic department and differs by degree. For more information of the admissions process visit the Enrollment Services graduate website or contact the ATEC graduate advisor, Chip Wood.

Can I visit the school for more information?

UT Dallas offers a variety of on-campus prospective student events, including Scholar's Day for high school students, parents and transfer students and Preview Friday, designed specifically for transfer students. Campus tours are regularly scheduled at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. Contact the office of Enrollment Services or visit the links to schedule your visit. Graduate students should contact Enrollment Services and the Arts and Technology graduate advisor, Chip Wood.

As a transfer student, how do I know which classes will transfer into the ATEC degree program for credit?

Visit the transfer guides for a list of local community colleges and their equivalents for the ATEC degree program. Once you are admitted to the program your academic advisor will go over your transferred credits with you in full detail.

Where can I find information on CLEP, AP, and IB score credit?

You may access the UTD equivalency charts for these exams online or through the Office of Enrollment Services. Once admitted to the program, your scores will not automatically be applied to your transcript, so please make your academic advisor aware of any exams you have taken.

How do I find out more information on housing and financial aid?

The Enrollment Services office offers a section on its website entitled steps after being admitted in which links to housing, financial aid and enrollment information is available for freshman, transfer and graduate students.

What types of careers are available in this field?

In combining technology with the arts, students will have the opportunity to fuse visual images, verbal communication, creative thinking and technological expertise to prepare for a wide variety of current and future, as yet uninvented careers. The ATEC curriculum is designed to "teach beyond the software" as students acquire knowledge of basic concepts that will allow them to adapt to an environment where software is constantly changing. Here is a brief list of the some career possibilities:

SIGGRAPH Five-Minute Career Mentor-kinds of Jobs
By John M. Fujii 96 Conference Chair

Professional Development for ATEC Students

What type of computer/software will I need for the program?

The ATEC building is equipped with both Mac and PC labs for student use. Manned by a staff of six lab techs, at least one of the labs is open for students between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Mon. through Sat. and 12 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Sun. Each lab contains regularly updated software for student use.

What software packages are utilized in the ATEC program?

The ATEC curriculum is designed to teach beyond the software, in that courses focus on critical and concept thinking that will enable students to adapt to a world where software is constantly changing. Through knowledge of basic principles students are able to not only become familiar with currently available software (Maya, Adobe Dreamweaver CS3, Adobe Flash CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Houdini, etc.), but also understand how to apply their ideas and skills to best manipulate a set of tools to work for them.