Media Design School Joins Strayer
Move benefits students and creates a new global leader in creative tech education
Media Design School (MDS) has joined Strayer, a university based in the United States, becoming Media Design School at Strayer.
This exciting move follows regulatory approvals from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Strayer’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education* (MSCHE).
Established in New Zealand in 1998, MDS has grown from an early leader in developing web and eCommerce talent to a preeminent tech school with deep industry and employer relationships, dedicated to the creative sector including gaming, animation and visual effects.
Strayer, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has a legacy of delivering flexible, student-focused education that spans over 130 years.
With MDS as part of the Strayer family, we’re able to expand our portfolio in technology and creative arts, serve more learners globally and grow our alumni community,” said Dr. Toni Farmer-Thompson, President of Strayer. “Strayer and MDS share a strong commitment to innovation, preparing students for the future and providing new opportunities for students, alumni and faculty.”
As part of Strayer, MDS is tapping into new resources, international networks and future-focused tools that will help it strengthen its impact and potentially expand to new locations.
By joining Strayer, students will maintain the benefits of a globally recognised creative tech school in New Zealand while gaining access to new collaborations and educational pathways through the Strayer network,” said Steve Dorner, Executive Dean of Media Design School. “While MDS’s name has changed, the experience provided and recognition that MDS students represent the very best talent in the world, will remain the same.”
Going forward, Strayer’s leadership team will work closely with MDS faculty and staff to ensure a successful transition, and to create a much greater force in educating future leaders in technology, creative and design fields.
* MSCHE is recognised by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. Strayer does not meet all of the characteristics and roles of universities as defined in the Education and Training Act 2020. Media Design School at Strayer remains a New Zealand Private Training Establishment (PTE).
