Integrated Design and Media at NYU: Be a Creative Engineer
The journey of an engineering student with a passion for the arts
I started at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering as a Computer Science major, but here’s how I combined STEM and the arts through the Integrated Design and Media (IDM) program.
In my first year, I didn’t feel fully engaged with the material, and my career goals weren’t similar to my peers. I felt like something was missing, even though I enjoyed my courses. As a result, I began to question my major. So, I spoke with my adviser, who introduced me to the Integrated Design and Media program.
Since it’s one of the smaller programs available at NYU Tandon, I didn’t know much about IDM. Also, the program is unconventional for an engineering school. And, of course, I was slightly nervous about changing my major.
Still—I took a chance and enrolled in the introductory core courses.
A New Opportunity
My first classes in Integrated Media and Design were the Visual Foundation Studio and Audio Foundation Studio. I was immediately amazed! The courses were so exciting and detailed. I also appreciated the broad introduction to key concepts in media.
In these classes, I learned basic visual and audio concepts. Additionally, I learned how to strengthen my own creativity and imagination. But what really stood out to me was that each course culminated in real projects. We used the software we learned about! I never expected to start building an artistic portfolio so soon.
The Integrated Design and Media program is great because you still get a core technology background. In other words, I take STEM-related classes along with my creative ones. As I continued in the Integrated Design and Media program, I picked up electives in more specific media disciplines. I decided to concentrate on electives in film and audio production.
That said, UX Design was actually one of my favorite IDM classes. I learned a lot more than just design principles and software. The professor emphasized things like communication skills and storytelling. These lessons and skills are applicable and valuable in many fields!
Explore Your Diverse Interests as an NYU Tandon Student
It’s really great to know about interdisciplinary programs like Integrated Design and Media, especially if you’re interested in studying at NYU Tandon. Even if you are interested in a more conventional engineering path, you’ll still have options to explore your artistic side, too!
Student Clubs and Organizations
As an NYU student, you can take part in over 300 student organizations and clubs. Even better? You are not limited to the clubs and organizations in your school. You can join anything you are interested in. And you definitely should!
During my time at NYU, I have worked as an Admissions Ambassador. I’ve also been involved with Tandon Undergraduate Student Council, Washington Square News, NYU Welcome, and Tisch New Theatre! Additionally, I am currently the Vice President of the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
The Stern and Tisch Entertainment Business Association (STEBA) is one of my favorite organizations on campus. Even though I am a Tandon student, I still go to STEBA meetings. They are so much fun! I’ve learned so much and gained resources, which then led to internships in the entertainment industry.
Cross-School Minors
Also, as a student at NYU you can access to the cross-school minor! I am pursuing a cross-school minor in Producing at the Tisch School of the Arts.
One of my favorite courses was TV Nation: Inside and Out of the Box. We created our own television show concepts and did a mock pitch for our final project. One: It was a lot of fun! And two: the project helped confirm I wanted to work in television development.
I’m very happy I could combine my passions in such unexpected ways. At NYU, there’s so much to explore. I never thought I could pursue arts and entertainment at an engineering school, but the options are limitless at NYU!
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