Games and Interactive Media Major

Program Overview

The B.A. in Games and Interactive Media is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the gaming industry. Through a combination of theoretical and practical courses, students develop critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills essential for success in game design, development, and related fields. The program emphasizes experiential learning and offers opportunities for collaboration with industry professionals, preparing graduates for a range of careers in the dynamic gaming industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The B.A.
in Games and Interactive Media is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic field of interactive media, game studies, and game design and development.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving gaming industry.
It seeks to develop critical thinkers, creative innovators, and effective communicators who can contribute to the advancement of this dynamic field.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Introduction to Game Studies
• Introduction to Game Design
• Digital Media Foundations
• Game History and Culture
• Year 2:
• Game Development I
• Game Storytelling
• Game Theory and Analysis
• Game Industry Studies
• Year 3:
• Game Development II
• Game Marketing and Communication
• Game Production and Management
• Game Studies Seminar
• Year 4:
• Game Design Thesis Project
• Game Development Capstone Project
• Game Studies Electives
• Internship (optional)

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Class participation
• Written assignments (essays, research papers, etc.)
• Projects (game design documents, prototypes, etc.)
• Presentations
• Quizzes and exams
• Criteria:
• Understanding of key concepts and theories
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Technical proficiency

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Workshops
• Hands-on projects
• Simulations
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced professors, researchers, and industry professionals.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry partners.
• The program offers a variety of special topics courses and electives that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Game designer
• Game developer
• Game journalist
• Esports caster
• Game community manager
• Game marketing specialist
• Game production assistant
• Game quality assurance tester
• Game researcher
• Opportunities:
• The program prepares students for a range of careers in the gaming industry, including game development, game marketing, game journalism, and esports.
• Graduates can also pursue further education in fields such as game design, computer science, or business.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates of the program have been employed by companies such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Nintendo, and Microsoft.
• Many graduates have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in academia.