Game & Interactive Media Degrees: What Coursework is Included in a Typical Game & Interactive Media Program?

Coursework for Game & Interactive Media Programs

What Coursework is Included in a Typical Game & Interactive Media Program? ACR Takes a Look.

Types of Courses for Game & Interactive Media Programs
Building Virtual Worlds
Design and Layout
Game and Interactive Media Development
Game Design Studio
Integrated Media Arts
Media and Information Technologies and Industries
Media, Sketching, and Graphics
Story, Sound, and Motion
Understanding Media and Information
Web Design and Development

What is Game & Interactive Media?

Game & interactive media is the creation of video games and interactive media programs using advanced computer programming and animation techniques. Video games are electronic games played by means of images on a video screen and often emphasizing fast action. Video games are typically played using an Xbox, Nintendo, or other video game console. Computer games do not require a console such as Xbox. You just need computer to play. And for online games, just add an internet connection.

Interactive media is the integration of digital media including combinations of electronic text, graphics, moving images, and sound, into a structured digital computerized environment that allows people to interact with the data for appropriate purposes. The digital environment can include the internet, mobile communications, and interactive digital television.

What are the Types of Courses for Game & Interactive Media Programs?

Curriculums for game & interactive media degree programs may vary by school and type of program. For example, some accelerated programs skip general education courses, allowing students to begin working on creating games from day one. Other programs are immersive, requiring eight hours of study and production each day. Whether the program is traditional, accelerated, or immersion, students must learn and master the same types of technology and software and take many of the same major courses. Just a few of the different types of technologies used in the game & interactive media industry include 3ds Max, Adobe Flash, Maya LT, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Photoshop.

The following major core is an example of what students can expect from a top game & interactive media program:

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Advanced Web Development and Database Management
Bringing Media to Market
Building Innovative Interfaces
Building Virtual Worlds
Creative Thinking
Design and Layout
Digital Footprints: Privacy and Online Behavior
Game and Interactive Media Development
Game Design and Development
Game Design Studio
Games and Interactivity
Integrated Media Arts
Media and Information Technologies and Industries
Media, Sketching, and Graphics
Story, Sound, and Motion
Understanding Media and Information
Web Design and Development

What Can I Do With a Degree in Game & Interactive Media?

Game & interactive media artists work in everything from advertising to game design. Possible jobs include game artist, game designer, game tester, game developer, 2D/3D artist, technical designer/artist, producer, programmer, web/user interface/user interaction designer, usability engineer, information architect, user experience designer/researcher, technical writer, web and mobile app developer, brand identity designer, communications specialist, computer graphic designer, creative art director in media, graphic artist, layout artist, logo designer, multimedia designer, publications designer, and web designer.

Programs to Consider: