Program Overview

---

Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Arts

The Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Arts is an online program that blends art theory with the latest web-based technologies, allowing students to work in an innovative virtual space as they explore graphic arts and design. This 15-credit program consists of five 3-credit courses, some of which may be used to fulfill other requirements, such as General Education credits in the Arts.

Program Summary

Learn the latest production techniques for generating computer-based graphics and media-rich productions. This online digital arts certificate program blends art theory with the latest web-based technologies, allowing you to work in an innovative virtual space as you explore graphic arts and design.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Application Deadline

Apply by December 22 to start January 12.

Credits and Costs

15 Credits, $638/$685 per credit.

Gain Skills That Can Be Applied across Industries and Professions

• Use problem-solving, technical skills, digital tools, and visual communication strategies to design computer graphics and multimedia.
• Work in an award-winning virtual space, The Open Studio, using art studio fundamentals.
• Build a professional, high-quality digital portfolio showcasing visual art projects, digital art, and web design.
• Acquire a practical understanding of the conventions, languages, practices, and aesthetics of digital art and design.

Digital Art Courses in The Open Studio

This 15-credit program consists of five 3-credit courses, some of which may be used to fulfill other requirements, such as General Education credits in the Arts.

Prescribed Courses (select 15 credits)

• ART 10: Introduction to Visual Studies (3 credits)
  • Introduction to visual studies; pictorial space and the principles of visual organization.
• ART 20: Introduction to Drawing (3 credits)
  • Introductory experience in making of art through drawing media; designed for nonmajors seeking general overview of studio practice.
• DART 202: 2D Digital Arts & Computer Graphics (3 credits)
  • Introduces 2D digital imaging techniques and concepts for the production of original art and design using graphics software.
• DART 203: 3D Digital Art & Design Fundamentals (3 credits)
  • Introduces 3D foundational skills for producing images, videos, objects, and interactive real-time virtual spaces with 3D software.
• DART 204: Animation Fundamentals (3 credits)
  • Introduces time-based animation fundamentals along with core skills and knowledge necessary for producing animated work.
• DART 206: Web Design and Visual Web Development (3 credits)
  • Introduces essential techniques and concepts of modern web design, focusing on how visual graphics and layout contribute to user experience.
• ART 211Y: Introduction to Digital Art and Design Criticism (3 credits)
  • An introduction to the language, aesthetics, and cultural impacts of digital art and design in contemporary society.
• DART 300: Digital Portfolio Elements (3 credits)
  • An intermediate level studio course in which students develop digital art and design work that promotes creative thinking and problem-based learning in producing digital media projects to be included in their digital portfolio.
• DART 412: Portfolio Design and Professional Practices (3 credits)
  • This course emphasizes the development of presentation skills for digital artists in audience/client interactions.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.

Start or Advance Your Career

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields or to move on to a bachelor’s degree or associate degree program, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

• Opportunities to connect with employers
• Career counselor/coach support
• Occupation and salary information
• Internships
• Graduate school resources

Job Titles Related to This Degree

This certificate focuses on enhancing creative problem-solving through project-based learning — giving you a very practical, real-world emphasis. As a digital arts professional, you can create digitally based media and computer-based art and designs relevant to many professional and personal interest areas, including:

• Computer technologies
• Computer graphics
• Graphic arts
• Education
• Corporate communications
• Advertising
• Original or manipulated photography
• Media-rich web productions
• Freelance businesses
• Consulting

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Credits	If you have 59 or fewer credits	If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer	$638 per credit	$685 per credit
12–19	$7,755 per semester	$8,371 per semester

2026–27 Academic Year Rates

Credits	If you have 59 or fewer credits	If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer	$644 per credit	$692 per credit
12–19	$7,833 per semester	$8,455 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Who Should Apply?

The digital arts certificate is an ideal program if you:

• Are interested in computer-based graphics, multimedia, art, digital illustration, or media-rich web design
• Want to strengthen your existing skills to support your professional responsibilities

Set Your Own Pace

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

How to Apply to Penn State

Application Instructions

1. Review the admission requirements.
2. Determine the appropriate application path.
3. Complete the application.

Deadlines and Important Dates

• Spring Deadline: Apply by December 22 to start January 12
• Summer Deadline: Apply by May 10 to start May 18
• Fall Deadline: Apply by August 16, 2026, to start August 24, 2026

Faculty

• Stephen St. Amant: Adjunct Assistant Teaching Professor
  • M.F.A., Penn State
  • B.F.A., Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
• Benjamin Andrew: Assistant Teaching Professor
  • M.F.A., Mount Royal School of Art, Maryland Institute College of Art
  • B.F.A., Painting, Pratt Institute
• Kenneth Ian Brill: Instructor of Digital Art
  • M.F.A., New Media, Penn State
  • B.A., Studio Arts, University of Pittsburgh
• Jamie DiSarno: Ph.D., Visual Studies, University of Buffalo
  • M.F.A., New Media, Penn State
  • B.F.A., Painting and Sculpture, State University of New York at Fredonia
• Anna Divinsky: Assistant Teaching Professor of Art
  • B.A., Studio Arts, Art History, University of Pittsburgh
  • M.F.A., Printmaking, Penn State
• Inbar Hagai: Adjunct Lecturer
  • M.F.A., Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University
  • B.F.A., Fine Arts, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
• Megan Handley: Designer, Author, Speaker, and Educator
  • M.F.A., Graphic Design and Visual Experience, Savannah College of Art & Design
  • B.A., Journalism and English Literature, Northeastern University
• Eduardo Navas: Ph.D., University of California
  • M.F.A., California Institute of the Arts
  • B.F.A., Otis College of Art and Design
• Courtney Redding: Adjunct Lecturer
  • M.F.A., Ceramics, Marywood University
  • B.A., Studio Art, Shippensburg University
• Christine J. Shanks: M.F.A., Photography, University of Delaware
  • B.S., Visual Communications, Towson University

We Are Penn State

This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.