DMAC

"I am currently a senior studying towards my BFA in Graphic Design. I researched their curriculum over other schools and I can say from my opinion their program holds a lot more in weight. We learn all there is to do with graphic design, as well as motion design, web design, 3d design, fine art, interface design, and more. The classes cost $1700 and although that can be thought of as expensive, it's on the cheaper side compared to other art schools. The classrooms are really small. For my major classes I never had more than 12 students? So you get a lot of 1-1 time with your professor. That extra attention really helps vs being in a giant classroom with 300+ students. Especially with the amount of information we're learning and how daunting some of the software can be when you're first starting. The campus is very small so you have the same handful of teachers as your professors throughout your entire time at DMAC. As a result you know everyone personally and your teachers know you too. It's very heart-warming to have your teachers see your progress personally and let you know what to focus on and what areas your portfolio are lacking so you can work on that. As far as the Graphic Design department goes, the professors are the schools best asset. They really do care about their students and seeing them grow. From my experience the Graphic Design program's ultimate goal is to get as much information in you as possible and help you find a job. There are checkpoints multiple times during your studies here where they see if you're on track for the portfolio class, and ultimately to prepare you for the field. Everyday you are constantly emailed from the career services on jobs in the area and internships as well. I also received tailored help from the careers person. Because the school is so small and everything is at a personal basis you have the luxury of not having to deal with the hassle of regular administration for universities, which leaves you in long holds on the phone, unanswered questions, different answers from different people, and waiting for days for a reply to an email. At DMAC you can walk right in and get your questions answered and any issues resolved very quickly. DMAC's accreditation is probably one of it's faltering points but it brings both good and bath things. They aren't run by a company such as the Art Institute so they have more control over their classes. Also the amount of GEs is considerably low compared to other schools which leaves more room for art and design classes. If you want an art and design enriched program with the bare minimum amount of GE's needed to be considered a bachelors degree, then DMAC might be your choice. A con is you're kinda stuck here if you do decide to leave. It is very difficult to transfer DMAC credits. If something occurs and you find another school that better fits your needs, you might find yourself in a bad situation with less funds and having to basically start all over if you do take that step. Another con is the price of the general education classes. They cost as much as your major classes (when they really shouldn't). $1700 for a class that holds no value to other universities?? You're better off completing those elsewhere but then you're at the school's discretion as to whether they accept those credits or not. The retention for the higher-up employees at the school is also a bit alarming. During my time I've seen 2-3 deans come and go. That's just my personal feeling but it effects my overall view of the school as well. It is an accelerated program and you're going to learn a lot very fast. Just be wary of some of the risks. You're not going to graduate with a degree coming from a well-known school to the industry, but if you put in the work and utilize all the tools DMAC has to offer you're going to walk out with a killer portfolio and a job offer. Weigh those and see what's important for you."

"I've been interested in DMAC since freshman year at high school and had my first Open House my sophomore year. After my open house I was completely sure I had chosen the right place to go. The student body are all welcoming and ready to help along with the staff. Teacher find ways to teach and make class fun and easy to learn. This year was my first year in college and I'm positive that I'll be here for the rest of my college career."

"I've been a student at DMAC since 2007. I started with my BFA in Computer Animation and right now working on my MFA in Web Design. I had a football scholarship coming out of high school but turned it down to come to DMAC and pursue a career in Computer Animation. Today the skills I have learned at DMAC have gotten me a job at 561 Signs as a secondary designer thanks to Career Services. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for visual effects or web design. I've tried other colleges however none of them are as strong as DMAC. Overall great environment to meet new people that share the same interests and today I can say it has changed my life."

"I am currently finishing my MFA in Visual Effects and I have to admit, this school in great. The nice thing is that the teachers, while being extremely knowledgeable and have industry experience in the field, are very personable. The classes are fun and challenging with the curriculum being versatile enough to learn new industry standard software and really know the ins and outs of the production pipeline. The small classroom sizes also give you the near one-on-one attention that can really be beneficial. Instead of being another number in a lecture hall of hundreds, DMAC has an average classroom size of say 1 professor to about 8-10 students. The curriculum and caliber of work that is asked of you definitely prepares you for a career in the art world."

"When I first came to DMAC, the first thing I noticed was the friendly, family-like environment. The small classes make it easy to get the time you need to sit down and talk with your professors.I am now a Junior and I still love it here. Anyone who is interested in being a 3D animator or a graphic designer, then this is the place to go. I definitely would not recommend this place for people who want to do traditional animation, because DMAC obviously focuses on the Digital aspect of art."