Programs
Columbia DSL's programs are designed to help people understand storytelling by making it. Across courses, workshops, executive education, and other public-facing learning experiences, we bring together story, design, emerging technology, and collaborative practice. Some programs focus on building foundational knowledge. Others invite participants to prototype, experiment, and test ideas in public. Together, they reflect DSL's belief that storytelling is best explored through a combination of critical thinking, creative risk-taking, and hands-on practice.
Courses
Digital Storytelling I
An introduction to the principles and practice of storytelling in the digital age. Students explore narrative structures, interactivity, and emerging media forms.
Digital Storytelling II
Builds on DSL I with deeper exploration of world-building, branching narratives, and audience participation. Students develop original projects in teams.
Digital Storytelling III
Advanced studio course focused on producing and launching a complete digital story experience. Emphasis on process documentation and public presentation.
World-building
A deep dive into constructing fictional universes — their rules, history, geography, and inhabitants. Draws from games, transmedia, film, and literature.
Augmenting Creativity with AI
Practical uses of AI in storytelling, art & design. Students explore generative tools, ethical implications, and how AI reshapes the creative process.
Creative Coding
An introduction to code as a creative medium. Students learn programming fundamentals through projects in interactive art, data visualization, and generative design.
Transformative Storytelling
Examines how stories can drive social change. Combines theory and practice, drawing on case studies from advocacy, journalism, activism, and public health.
New Media Art
Survey and studio course exploring the history and practice of art made with digital and networked technologies, from early net art to contemporary XR and AI works.
Executive Education
Strategic
Storytelling
Led by Frank Rose
in collaboration with Columbia+
Columbia DSL is relaunching Strategic Storytelling, the executive education program designed for leaders, creatives, and changemakers. The course explores how storytelling — not facts or logic — is the key to persuasion and lasting impact.
Drawing on cognitive science, narrative theory, and real-world case studies, participants learn to craft and deliver stories that move people to think, feel, and act differently.
Apply Now ↗Apply to Columbia SOA
DSL courses are available to graduate students at Columbia University School of the Arts. Prospective students interested in the Digital Storytelling Lab are encouraged to apply to the Film, Theatre, or Visual Arts MFA programs.
Columbia SOA Admissions ↗