Admission Requirements

In addition to the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants must meet the following criteria set by the Digital Arts & New Media Department.

Education

High school graduation (or equivalent) with a “C”+ or higher in Math 11 (Principles, Applications or Essentials of Mathematics 11) and a “C+” or higher in English 12. Information & Communications Technology 11(or equivalent) is highly recommended.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants without the above qualifications for full-time study are required to arrange an interview with a faculty member to discuss probationary admission to the program. An assessment will be made of the applicant’s ability to complete the program based on work experience, studies undertaken since leaving school, and recommendations for upgrading if deemed necessary.

Interview

All applicants are required to attend an interview with an instructor from the Digital Arts & New Media Program. In situations where a face-to-face interview is not possible, a telephone interview will be arranged. The interview is an opportunity for faculty to recommend upgrading if necessary, and for applicants to ask any questions they might have about the program. Here is a sample of the types of questions you will be asked during the interview:

  1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you want to take the program?
  2. What aspects of your background have prepared you for taking a digital arts program with a creative focus?
  3. This program requires an extraordinary commitment of time and energy. Explain why you feel you are prepared to make this commitment at this time in your life.
  4. What do you hope to learn from our Digital Arts program?
  5. Do you have any traditional art skills?
  6. What is your level of experience with computers?
  7. What software applications have you used?
  8. What area of new media interests you the most and why?
  9. How did you hear about the program?

Applicants are encouraged to bring any examples of the following:

  • web design (either professional or academic examples)
  • print design (business cards, logos, brochures, posters, etc)
  • video production, 3D modeling and animation, and/or stop motion photography
  • traditional artwork (drawing, painting, sculpture, photography)
  • digital artwork (Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, etc.

Computer & Software Knowledge

The production labs in the Digital Arts & New Media program use
Microsoft Windows XP as the primary operating system. Applicants must
have an intermediate level of understanding of Windows 9X, NT, XP
and/or MacOS prior to entering the program. It is recommended that applicants posses basic Internet skills (email, searching and downloading), mousing skills and keyboarding skills of at least 25 wpm.

Computer fundamentals are a prerequisite to this program, and are not taught as part of the curriculum. It is strongly recommended that applicants who do not possess an intermediate level of understanding of operating systems consult with a faculty member before making a formal
application to the program.