July 13, 2023 – A new agreement between East Tennessee State University and Northeast State Community College will help digital media students move seamlessly from a two-year education program to an accelerated bachelor’s degree path.
Earlier this month, the presidents of ETSU and Northeast State announced a partnership between the digital media programs of each college. At the formal signing ceremony, leaders from each entity spoke about what is to come through the partnership.
“We are delighted to partner with ETSU,” said Dr. Jeff McCord, president of Northeast State. “ETSU’s Digital Media Program has an outstanding reputation, and we are pleased to offer this transfer opportunity to our students seeking success in digital media.”
“Doors have been opened today. We are excited about the opportunities that are on the horizon for our students and in our region,” said Dr. Brian Noland, president of ETSU.
At Northeast State, students are provided with a foundation in design principles. Once at ETSU, students will continue to build on what they’ve learned and then select from one of four concentrations offered. Students will participate in classes such as digital game design, 3D modeling, 2D and 3D animation, visualization, concept art, digital video editing and 2D and 3D visual effects.
“Students will gain enhanced access to exciting opportunities in the fields of game design, animation, visualization and visual effects,” said Dr. Tod Emma, professor and chair of the Department of Digital Media in ETSU’s College of Business and Technology. “Through this partnership we are creating fresh avenues of success for students.”
“ETSU has an outstanding digital media program. I am pleased that this agreement will accelerate our students’ access to professional instruction,” said Dr. Christal Hensley, professor of Art History and Digital Media advisor at Northeast State. “This agreement will provide a seamless transfer experience across all disciplines so that students can maximize their time and financial resources.”
In the 2023 Animation School Rankings, ETSU’s Digital Media ranked No. 1. Across a range of programs, ETSU aims to help students shift seamlessly from enrollment to employment. Students earning a degree in digital media often work in roles such as game developers, movie and game animators, visual effects artists and modelers.
Students desiring graduate study can continue their education at ETSU by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media.
For information on Northeast State’s program, contact Dr. Christal Hensley at cmhensley@northeaststate.edu. For information on ETSU’s Department of Digital Media, visit ETSUDigitalMedia.com or contact Dr. Tod Emma at emma@etsu.edu.