Penn Engineering Replaced Digital Media Design Major
The university has introduced a new Visual and Interactive Computing degree with an artificial intelligence focus.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science has replaced its Digital Media Design major with a new Visual and Interactive Computing degree. The updated curriculum integrates mandatory coursework in artificial intelligence to reflect the evolving technological landscape.
Why it matters
The school updated the program because virtual and interactive computing have become omnipresent in technology. This curriculum shift ensures students receive training that aligns with the current demands of the computing industry.
The updated curriculum features CIS 4120, a new required course titled Introduction to Human Computer Interaction. This degree is hosted by the School of Engineering and Applied Science in collaboration with the Stuart Weitzman School of Design.
The players
University of Pennsylvania
This private Ivy League research university is located in Philadelphia and hosts the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
School of Engineering and Applied Science
This school manages the university's technical degree programs and recently overhauled its digital media computing curriculum.
Stuart Weitzman School of Design
This school collaborates with the engineering department to provide an interdisciplinary approach to computing and design education.
The details
Students currently enrolled in the Digital Media Design degree may remain in their original program until graduation or opt to transfer to the new degree before their junior year. The program overhaul includes new required courses and electives centered on artificial intelligence and interactive computing.
Timeline
September 2026: The Engineering School launched a master's degree in AI and data science.
Fall 2026: The last cohort of undergraduates will enter the legacy Digital Media Design program.
Fall 2027: The new master's degree in AI and data science will officially begin.
Roadmap
This transition reflects a broader shift across higher education to integrate generative AI and machine learning into foundational computing degrees. It positions the university to keep pace with industry demands where visual and interactive tools are increasingly powered by AI.
Current students have the flexibility to either complete their existing Digital Media Design degree or transfer into the new curriculum to gain specialized AI skills. This change directly affects course requirements and future degree titles for those pursuing computing at the university.
The takeaway
As AI becomes fundamental to digital design, students must prioritize technical programs that integrate these tools directly into their core coursework. This shift highlights the growing necessity for interdisciplinary skills combining traditional design with modern machine intelligence.
What happens next
The new joint master's degree in AI and data science is scheduled to begin accepting students and start classes in fall 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about how universities are adapting their programs in the Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Former Penn President Liz Magill earned $4.46 million the year following her resignation - The Daily Pennsylvanian.
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