How do I get started?
Are you currently a Hawaii Community College student? If not, then apply here!

How do I get into the DMA program?
Your accademic advisor can do this for you. Violet Murakami is the advisor for all Digital Media Arts students. You may contact her at violet@hawaii.edu. Grace Funai with the Counseling, Advising and Support Services Center office can also help you out, and she may be contacted at gfunai@hawaii.edu or (808) 934-2734.

How do I get instructor approvals for courses?
You can get approval for the Introduction to Digital Arts class (ART 112) from the program coordinator. Violet Murakami is the coordinator and can be contacted at violet@hawaii.edu. For other courses, contact the instructor via email.

What programs do we use?
We use (but are not limited to) Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Flash, Dreamweaver, AfterEffects, Final Cut Pro.

What kind of computers do we use?
We have a computer lab equipped with 20 27-inch iMacs, scanners, along with both standard and large-format printers. The computers are running the latest version of Mas OS X. The classes primarily use software included inte Adobe CC package including--but not limited to--Illusrator, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, and Muse. Additional software outside of the Adobe CC package are used in other classes such as Maya by Autodesk.

I’m interested in the program but what class(es) should I start with first?
Start with the Introduction to Digital Arts (ART 112) and Introduction to 2D Design (ART 115 ) classes first. You don’t have to take them concurrently. Then move into the 200-level classes the following semester.

Will I need my own equipment?
We recommend that you acquire your own equipment, espically if you have you a strong interest in pursuing your own projects outside of the standard DMA curriculum. But it isn't necessarily required that you have your own equipment as the DMA program has many types of equipment available. Our inventory includes equipment such as DSLR cameras customized for both still image and video shooting, laptops, Wacom tablets, and studio lighting kits.

What kind of classes can I take once I earn my certificate?
The DMA program offers a wide range of class, and many of our students continue to take additional classes that interest them after they earn their certificate. Most of our students also continue on to pursue an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.