Diploma in Polymathic Studies (DPS)
A specialized, two-year credential designed to cultivate a new class of technical professional—the "polymathic builder." The DPS integrates technical fluency with systems thinking, entrepreneurial strategy, and high-stakes communication.
On-Campus or 100% Online
Program Overview
The Diploma in Polymathic Studies (DPS) is an accelerated credential that bridges the gap between technical bootcamp intensity and academic rigor. It produces graduates who are not just coders, but strategic innovators capable of navigating the entire product lifecycle. The curriculum is built on four core, integrated components, ensuring that graduates possess both the technical expertise and the strategic vision necessary for immediate professional impact in the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
What you'll learn:
Design-Driven Innovation: Apply human-centered design thinking to conceive, design, and deploy functional digital products.
Systems & Data: Analyze complex systems and apply advanced analytics and AI to inform strategic decision-making.
Software & AI-Native Fluency: Utilize and deploy advanced AI tools, including agentic workflows and multi-modal models.
Venture & Launch: Apply foundational knowledge of startup finance, community architecture, and distribution to successfully launch a venture or product.
Performance & Influence: Articulate value propositions, frame narratives, and engage in persuasive communication and debate.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Diploma in Polymathic Studies will be able to:
Apply human-centered design thinking and cognitive science principles to conceive solutions, then design, develop, and deploy functional digital products within rapid, iterative, studio-based cycles.
Analyze complex systems, model incentive structures, and apply advanced predictive analytics and AI to inform strategic decision-making in product development and venture creation.
Utilize and deploy advanced AI tools, including agentic workflows and multi-modal models, while navigating the ethical implications of automation and algorithmic bias.
Apply foundational knowledge of startup finance, community architecture, and distribution to successfully launch a venture or product, culminating in a final Capstone project.
Articulate value propositions, frame narratives, and engage in persuasive communication, storytelling, and debate to diverse audiences, including a final board-style defense.
Game Art Course Highlights
Studio Courses
Project-based learning where students "ship a real product every 7 weeks," culminating in a Capstone and Portfolio Defense. These courses integrate performance psychology to build founder resilience.
AI & Systems Courses
Focus on AI-Assisted Coding, Data-Driven Systems Thinking, Agentic AI, and Techno-Ethics. Students learn to build and deploy predictive models and understand the responsibilities of wielding powerful AI tools.
Communication & Influence Courses
Focus on AI-Assisted Coding, Data-Driven Systems Thinking, Agentic AI, and Techno-Ethics. Students learn to build and deploy predictive models and understand the responsibilities of wielding powerful AI tools.
Create Projects for the Pros
CAREER PATHS
The USV Difference
USV students take 3 courses per term instead of the traditional 4. That means:
Deeper learning
You’ll dive deeper into each subject, with more time to absorb concepts, apply them in projects, and build lasting mastery that goes beyond memorization.
Better Balance
Fewer concurrent courses means less stress and more focus. You’ll have room to manage school, work, and life — without sacrificing academic performance.
Higher Success
With improved retention and a healthier pace, students are more likely to graduate on time and enter the job market prepared with real skills and strong portfolios.
Flexible Learning
Earn your degree on-campus in Silicon Valley or 100% online. No matter where you learn, you’ll join collaborative teams, ship real projects, and build a professional portfolio.
Faculty Spotlight
Real-World Learning
In USV Studios, DPS students work on client-driven projects alongside peers in design, audio, and engineering. The program culminates in a Polymathic Capstone & Portfolio Defense, where students launch a startup, ship a game, or build a complex system, demonstrating real industry impact.
By graduation, you'll have 3-5 shipped projects that prove you can build the future.