Embedded Files
SDA 2026 Fall
SDA Interdisciplinary Student Development Program
SDA Interdisciplinary Student Development Program
Program Overview
Program Overview
Many students are naturally interested in more than one field.
A student may love art and computer science. Another may be interested in music and technology, film and political science, or art and biology.
At SDA, we do not ask students to choose one interest too early.
Instead, we help them explore the intersection between their interests and gradually turn that intersection into meaningful creative and academic work.
Over four years, students develop:
Creative and technical skills
Interdisciplinary projects
Independent thinking and research
Communication and collaboration
A distinctive portfolio
A clearer academic and personal direction
The goal is not simply to produce more artwork or more activities.
The goal is to help each student develop a distinctive body of work that reflects who they are, what they care about, and how they think.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Individual Strengths
↓
Two Areas of Interest
↓
Interdisciplinary Exploration
↓
Original Projects
↓
Portfolio Development
↓
College & Academic Direction
What Makes the Program Different
What Makes the Program Different
SDA does not follow a single portfolio formula.
A student's final direction may be:
Art × Biology
Digital Arts × Computer Science
Music × Technology
Film × Political Science
Art × History
Film × Game Design
The combination is different for every student.
The common element is the development process:
We help students discover the intersection between what they are good at and what they genuinely care about—and turn that intersection into meaningful work.
Selected Student Case Studies
Selected Student Case Studies
Digital Arts × Computer Science
Digital Arts × Computer Science
Leo
Leo came to SDA with strong interests in both visual art and computer science. Over time, his interests developed toward digital media, interactive design, and game development.
His portfolio combined visual storytelling, digital design, and technology, demonstrating both creative and computational thinking.
College Outcomes:
CalArts · ArtCenter · USC · RIT · University of Michigan
Recognition:
Digital Media Competition Recognition · Student Exhibition · Merit Scholarship
Art × Biology
Art × Biology
Clara
Clara combined her interest in visual art with biology and scientific observation. Her portfolio explored animals, anatomy, natural forms, and the relationship between observation and scientific inquiry.
College Outcomes:
RISD · UC Davis · UC San Diego · Boston University · University of Washington
Recognition:
Regional Art Competition Recognition · Student Exhibition · Merit Scholarship
Music × Computer Science
Music × Computer Science
Nora
Nora combined her musical training with an interest in computer science and digital technology. Her work explored composition, electronic music, and interactive media.
College Outcomes:
Berklee · The New School · UCLA · UC San Diego · University of Miami
Recognition:
Young Composer Showcase · Original Composition Recognition · Merit Scholarship
Film × Political Science
Film × Political Science
Sophie
Sophie developed her interest in filmmaking alongside political science and social issues. Her work included documentary and narrative projects exploring people, communities, and contemporary questions.
College Outcomes:
Chapman · LMU · Emerson · Syracuse · University of Oregon
Recognition:
Youth Film Festival Selection · SDA Featured Filmmaker · Merit Scholarship
Film × Computer Science
Film × Computer Science
Lucas
Lucas combined filmmaking with computer science, visual effects, and interactive media. His portfolio explored how emerging technology can expand cinematic storytelling.
College Outcomes:
USC · Chapman · LMU · RIT · Drexel
Recognition:
Interactive Media Showcase · Student Film Festival Recognition · Merit Scholarship
Art × History
Art × History
Julian
Julian developed a portfolio connecting studio art with history and cultural research. His work explored historical imagery, cultural identity, and visual storytelling.
College Outcomes:
Cornell · USC · University of Michigan · Syracuse · Pratt Institute
Recognition:
Juried Student Exhibition · Art Competition Recognition · Merit Scholarship
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse