What is BDW?
Boulder Digital Works is a continuing education program at the University of Colorado at Boulder, designed to produce today's and tomorrow's digital leaders and entrepreneurs. At most schools students have to choose between business, creative, or technology classes. At BDW, our core program combines all three, while still allowing you to choose specialization in areas such as Interaction Design, Emerging Technologies, or Digital Business Strategy. This way of learning is new and will provide the digital industry with hybrid thinkers who understand more than just their core discipline.
What degree do i get?
BDW is a certificate program awarded upon successful completion of the 60-week program. In essence, the program is pass/fail. But really, BDW isn't about certificates or degrees. It's about acquiring the skill sets to think and execute in real life digital environments.
Is there financial aid?
Because BDW is a University of Colorado program, you are eligible to apply for private financial aid from a variety of banks and organizations. Please visit our financial aid section for more information on financial aid options. There are options for both US citizens and international students.
Where is the school located?
BDW is located at 1011 Walnut in Boulder, Colorado. You'll wake up every day to breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, and you'll be able to participate in any outdoor sport, biking in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. Boulder is only a few hours from some of the country's best ski resorts such as Vail, Winter Park, or Breckenridge. You'll be able to enjoy the outdoors all year round – it's sunny over 300 days a year.
www.boulderchamber.com
Will I be a CU student?
Yes and no. BDW is administered through the University of Colorado's continuing education department, so you are not a matriculated student. However, you will have a CU student identification card, CU email account, full use of the library, access to the recreation center, and various student resources.
What if I don't know if I want to learn creative vs. technology vs. business?
Not a problem. At BDW, you'll develop a working knowledge of all three areas because you'll take classes in all of them. However, you will eventually be able to focus and specialize in one.
How do I apply?
Ready to take the first step? Just click on the apply button, and complete the two-step process. We want to get to know you better, so send us an email if you have any questions about the process or acceptance policy.
Is there room and board at BDW?
While you may take some classes on the CU campus, BDW is off campus, and we do not have a housing program. We do have relationships with various housing companies that also provide solutions for CU grad students, law students, medical students, and the like.
For housing options, please visit the following sites:
Housing Helpers www.bpmco.com
How long is each class?
As long as it needs to be. BDW isn't a traditional program, and our class-schedule reflects that. But we know you have a life and need to plan your time accordingly. Check out the topics section for more information on classes. The program is intensive, with hours of interactions Monday — Friday. Some courses will be done in three hours; some in three eight-hour days and others may be four hours a day for four weeks. Our industry expert faculty and the needs of mastering a specific area drive our courses. The focus is on learning, experimentation, and mentorship, not filling time.
How much experience do I need to apply? What about professional?
BDW is the first school of this type in the United States, so your application and experience will be closely evaluated. Tell us what you know, what you've done, what you are interested in learning, and how you want to change the future. We'll take it from there.
What internships will be available during 60 Week Program?
Internships are integrated into the 60 Week program through our network of internship business partners. One of the advantages we have over other schools is our unique network of industry talent, so they'll keep you busy in the summer and all year round.
Can I take individual classes at BDW?
The 60 Weeks program is an integrated program, and you need to be accepted into that program to take its courses. However, BDW does offer other shorter programs that are open to interested individuals such as the 21 Day digital introductory program and the 36 Hour executive program for people already working in the industry. There’s more information below. These two programs only require registration, but classes fill up fast, so make sure to watch our schedule closely.
Can I teach at BDW?
We're looking for leaders in business, creative, and technology to help shape the minds of the next digital generation. Our students learn from leaders––local, national, and global. If you are interested in teaching, please send us an email.
Can my company or organization become a strategic partner or sponsor?
Absolutely. To become a strategic partner at BDW, please email us, and we'll get back to you with more information. We have multiple options for partners and sponsors, including research, fellow, strategic, and other opportunities.
