The Games and Interactive Media major will provide a depth of knowledge, and a uniform core with foundational knowledge in several areas related to games and interactivity, including: sketching, graphics, interactivity, the role of games in society and public policy around games.
Through the Games and Interactive Media curriculum, students gain knowledge of the art, design and programming fundamentals of digital game development, as well as the history, social impacts, and business of games. Students also gain valuable skills in communicating and collaborating in team-based projects while building a strong portfolio of games. We partner with game studios to provide an authentic, real-world experience in our coursework. Learning is project-based, resulting in a portfolio of small and large projects that reflects a broad variety of work.
Our students consistently produce high quality content and work for some of the largest and most respected game design companies in the world (EA, Rockstar, Blizzard, Insomnia, and more). Our students and faculty created Plunder Panic, a team-based multiplayer game that received multiple awards, including the coveted People’s Choice Award at IndieCade 2018.
Educational Objectives of Information Science
- Using the design process to inform the creative act and fuel innovation using current and emerging technologies
- Fluency with the tools, practice, and techniques used in the creation of current and emerging game design and interactive experiences
- Interpretation and critique of games in the context of audiences, users, historical precedents, narrative/storytelling, socio-cultural patterns of use, and ethical implications.
Requirements to Complete the Bachelor of Arts in Information Science Program
- The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
- The University’s Tier II writing requirement
- Core courses (12 credits)
- Two courses from the following (6 credits)
- MI 201, MI 220, MI 301, MI 305, MI 320, MI 355
- Six focus area courses (18 credits)
- At least four must be from the same focus area and at least one must be from a different focus area.
- Media and Information electives