Get Set Up For Real-World Success
At F.I.R.S.T. Institute, our students are set up for success through a non-traditional educational experience that is far from your typical 4-year college program.
In a fraction of that time, you’ll be immersed in an environment where you’ll get to pursue and achieve your career goals in digital media through hands-on collaboration with experienced professionals that will prep you for real-world success post-graduation.
Graduate in 10 Months
Learn From Industry Pros
Get Hands-On Experience
Benefit From Affordable Tuition
Study On-Campus or Online
Take Smaller-Sized Classes
Explore the Campus
Start exploring F.I.R.S.T. Institute by checking out our campus video so you can get more familiar with all of our offerings from our modern classroom environments to campus landmarks, study spaces and more.
Can’t Make It to Campus? We’ve Got You Covered
We understand that it’s not always possible to attend in-person courses. That’s why we’ve created digital classrooms that emulate our physical classroom settings and instruction style through our interactive distance learning (IDL) program.
When you enroll in an IDL program, you’ll receive a Creative PAK — a kit complete with all of the equipment you’ll need to execute assignments throughout the program.
Hour-For-Hour Live Instruction
INSIGHTS FROM GUEST SPEAKERS
Taught Via Microsoft Teams
Receive your own equipment
Can’t Make It to Campus? We’ve Got You Covered
We understand that it’s not always possible to attend in-person courses. That’s why we’ve created digital classrooms that emulate our physical classroom settings and instruction style through our interactive distance learning (IDL) program:
Hour-For-Hour Live Instruction
INSIGHTS FROM GUEST SPEAKERS
Taught Via Microsoft Teams
When you enroll in an IDL program, you’ll receive what we call a Creative PAK — a Personal Academic Kit — shipped straight to your door that includes all of the equipment you’ll need to become familiar with the tools of your chosen program. You’ll use this equipment to complete your assignments, and you can even use it for any freelance work you might find during the semester — it’s your gear to use how you need.
F.I.R.S.T. Access Honors Program
F.I.R.S.T. Access is our student-run honors program where members work on internal projects like podcasts, videos, networking events, short films, music videos, movie posters, websites and more.
To become a F.I.R.S.T. Access honors program member, you must meet these requirements:
- A minimum 3.5 GPA
- A minimum of 90% attendance (overall)
- Good standing with financial aid
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is interactive distance learning (IDL)?
Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) is not your typical online education. Students in our IDL programs get the full classroom experience from the comfort of their homes. This is a fully-engaged diploma program that gives students the opportunity to learn hands-on with industry-standard gear and equipment provided in their Creative P.A.K. Each IDL class includes live lectures with instructors, time to work on projects, video conferencing, student-to-student interaction, individual demos and more.
Will I get the same quality education online as students who take on-campus classes?
Yes! We have made it a priority to deliver the same quality education to all of our students — online or on-campus. Your curriculum will be no different than that of our in-person courses. Through detailed instruction from our industry professionals and hands-on experience using your Creative PAK equipment, you will graduate from F.I.R.S.T. Institute equipped to enter the digital media industry.
If I'm taking online classes, do I have to attend them at specific times?
To ensure all F.I.R.S.T. Institute students receive the high-quality education they deserve, online classes do take place at specific times. This ensures that as an IDL student, you are still able to interact with your courses, instructors and fellow students the same way you would if you were taking classes on-campus. This way, if you need additional one-on-one time on a particular lesson, or for something different, you’re able to receive the help you need from the comfort of your home.
Do F.I.R.S.T. Access members receive an award at graduation?
Yes. Members of F.I.R.S.T. Access receive an additional award and are recognized at graduation as honors students if all minimum requirements are met.
How do I join F.I.R.S.T. Access if I have met all the requirements?
Students who meet the F.I.R.S.T. Access requirements are invited to join our honors program via a Microsoft Teams invite, where all active members of the honors program can communicate with one another.
Do I have to join F.I.R.S.T. Access if I’m invited?
No. You are not required to be in F.I.R.S.T. Access to continue in your enrolled program.
F.I.R.S.T. Access is an extracurricular program that encourages you to work with students from other programs and build a network that you can grow throughout your career.
Do I have to work on a project to be considered a member of F.I.R.S.T. Access?
Yes. You must remain an active participant in order to be considered an honors program member. To receive recognition at graduation, you must complete 50 hours of internship credit.
Being an active member means attending meetings, participating in projects and helping further develop and enhance the honors program through creative ideas and brainstorming sessions.
Do I get internship hours for F.I.R.S.T. Access?
Yes. You receive internship hours for any and all projects you work on through F.I.R.S.T. Access. Keep in mind that meetings do not count towards your internship hours, though. All internship hours must be signed off by the club advisor (not a current member or student).
Do non-F.I.R.S.T. Access students have the same opportunities as members of F.I.R.S.T. Access?
Yes. All students have the same opportunities. Internship opportunities are promoted to the student body 24 hours after being promoted to F.I.R.S.T. Access.
Visit F.I.R.S.T. Institute
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