Purdue Polytechnic has announced the formation of the School of Applied and Creative Computing, a new academic unit designed to prepare students for the present and future of computing by integrating creative and applied disciplines.
The new school, approved by the Purdue University Board of Trustees on June 6, 2025, unifies the former Departments of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) and Computer and Information Technology (CIT). The school’s working motto is "Applied intelligence and Creative impact."
“This [is] a visionary step toward a more integrated and influential academic unit,” the Office of the Dean of Purdue Polytechnic stated. The goal is to harness the natural synergy between applied technology and creativity in computing-intensive industries, building a research ecosystem that is bold, interdisciplinary, and deeply connected to societal needs, and respond to the evolving needs of the tech industry, positioning the school as an active partner in university-wide initiatives like Purdue Computes.
“The convergence of creative and technical industries [calls] for a combined approach,” the Dean said.
For students, this new structure translates into a curriculum that is deeply specialized and broadly integrated. Harini Sethu, a student in web programming and design, finds this blend to be the most compelling aspect. "I chose my major because I’ve always been drawn to both the creative and technical sides of building digital experiences," Sethu said. "It lets me combine my eye for design with the technical skills to actually build products."
The school currently administers nine education programs at school launch. In all disciplines, the emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning, which simulates the professional world, is a recurring theme among students.
“My major's classes are always project-based and accurately simulate how working in the workforce will actually function," said Lynk Klinefelter, a game development student.
Savi Fadlevic, an animation and visual effects major, agreed that learning industry-standard processes is a key advantage. "While I had my own process of completion, it was important to understand the real-world inner workings of the industry," Fadlevic said. "It helps get us ahead in the game with expectations and self-confidence inside the industry."
At the School of Applied and Creative Computing, research is our foundation and our future. It drives our curriculum, informs our teaching, and defines our purpose. The school’s working motto, "Applied intelligence and Creative impact," serves as a guiding principle for its new mission. Applied intelligence showcases deep roots in harnessing data, securing infrastructure, and solving complex technical problems in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics. Creative impact highlights the school’s rich expertise in shaping human experience through games and entertainment media, user experience (UX) design, and visualization. The School of Applied and Creative Computing seeks to bridge the gap between technical implementation and human-centered design to lead in high-impact, interdisciplinary research that bridges theory and practice
Beyond the technical skills, students point to the school’s collaborative and supportive environment as a defining feature.
"Truthfully, beyond the chance to learn so much, it’s the people," said Avery O'Neill, a cybersecurity student. "My classmates are curious, generous collaborators who turn every lab and late-night work session into a real problem-solving huddle. Our professors and advisors bring deep industry experience but are incredibly approachable. ... the School of Applied and Creative Computing feels less like a program and more like a community."
Prof. Feng Li has been named the inaugural interim head of the School of Applied and Creative Computing. In this role, Prof. Li will guide the school's strategic vision and seek to create an environment where the technical expertise and the creative and design-oriented strengths of faculty will converge. His leadership will focus on developing interdisciplinary academic programs and research initiatives that prepare students to meet the demands of the global technology landscape.
"Fueled by high student demand, this is now the largest school in the Purdue Polytechnic," Li said. "And it's one of the three computing units that are in the Purdue Computes initiative. Our portfolio allows us to prepare students to make an impact from every angle of the tech industry."
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