About DigiPen

In 1988, Claude Comair founded DigiPen Corporation in Vancouver, B.C., Canada as a computer simulation and animation company. As the demand for production work grew, DigiPen faced the difficulty of finding qualified personnel, and in 1990 it began offering a dedicated training program in the area of 3D computer animation. In late 1990, building on the success and educational experience of preparing students for careers in 3D computer animation production, DigiPen approached Nintendo of America to work together to establish a post-secondary program for those interested in programming video games. With the demand for qualified personnel growing and no other school in the world offering such a dedicated program, Nintendo was very supportive of the idea. The result of this collaborative effort was that in 1994 DigiPen Applied Computer Graphics School officially accepted its first class of video game programming students to its campus in Vancouver, B.C. for the two-year Diploma in The Art and Science of 2D and 3D Video Game Programming. In 1995, DigiPen implemented a revised two-year 3D computer animation diploma program.

While DigiPen graduates quickly found employment in the industry, video game consoles were becoming more complex, sophisticated computers; DigiPen realized there was a need to offer a bachelor degree-level program dedicated to the interactive computing industry. Based on their expertise and experience, DigiPen engineers developed a four-year degree curriculum, which they submitted to the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) for authorization. In May 1996, the HECB granted DigiPen the authorization to award Associate and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, the world's first bachelor degree program dedicated to computer/video game development. Although it would take another two years to get the logistics in place, in 1998, DigiPen opened the DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington, U.S.A. and began offering the following degree programs:

• Associate of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
• Bachelor of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

In 1999, DigiPen added the Associate of Applied Arts in 3D Computer Animation to its degree-program offerings. At this time, DigiPen phased out its educational activities in Canada, and the Redmond campus became the only DigiPen educational facility.

The first graduation ceremony took place on July 22, 2000. There were six Associate of Science Degree graduates and five Bachelor of Science Degree graduates in the inaugural class. In November 2002, DigiPen Institute of Technology received accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. In the fall of 2004, DigiPen added the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production Animation
• Master of Science in Computer Science

With approximately 900 students registered for fall 2007, DigiPen continues to strive for the highest standard of education demanded by the industry, and it is still considered a leader in the field of digital interactive entertainment education.

DigiPen Campuses

DigiPen is located in Redmond, Washington and currently has two campuses which are approximately two miles apart. All of DigiPen's science degree programs are taught at main DigiPen campus, located at:

5001-150th Ave. NE,

Redmond, Washington

866-478-5236

In Fall 2007, DigiPen opened a new campus that is now home to the BFA program. This satellite location is at:

8273 154th Ave. NE,

Redmond, Washington

425-629-5034

Download a map that provides directions between both campuses here.

DigiPen Outreach

In addition to its post-secondary degree programs, DigiPen offers opportunities for middle school and high school students to learn about the process of video game and 3D animation production. Now branded as part of DigiPen's ProjectFUN Initiative, DigiPen has three programs, all of which promote a strong stay-in-school message, targeted at this audience.

ProjectFUN Workshops
Since 1994, DigiPen has been offering highly engaging one- and two-week workshops, which give students a first taste of what is involved with programming games, producing 3D animations, and working with robotic vehicles. Not only are these run at DigiPen's campus during the summer, but these workshops are also offered across the U.S. as well as in Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and even Norway.

ProjectFUN Technology Academies
In the fall of 2000, DigiPen began teaching a computer science program for junior and senior high school students who are interested in taking a serious computer science program. There are currently ProjectFUN Technology Academy sites in Washington, Illinois, and Kansas.

Career Services

Career Services Department is a division of Student Services, which is known for its team-oriented work environment. We provide opportunities for exploring your career growth/potential, sponsor many companies to speak to our graduating students and host an Annual Career Day. Students graduating from DigiPen are given the opportunity to be a part of a school that maintains rigorous admission standards.