Interactive Media Bachelor's Degree Program Options
Emerging technologies in social media, website design and game development have helped companies increase brand visibility in recent years. Individuals interested in working in the field of interactive media are able to enroll in bachelor's programs to formalize their training in the field.
Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media
Prior to the popularity of the Internet, interactive media meant videogames or 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books. Today, interactive media applications range from guided walking tour iPhone applications to websites. Students in 4-year bachelor's degree interactive media tracks learn about media design, flash animation and design for the Web. Programs simultaneously teach students to tell stories and understand how humans prefer to interface with computers. Applicants must have completed high school; recommended subjects include math, visual arts and communications.
Program Coursework
Modern interactive media takes many forms, from socially conscious games to music videos which can be tailored to a single viewer based on information submitted. Because of the constantly-changing and expanding nature of technology, programs need to teach a wide variety of topics, such as:
- Web page design
- Digital photography
- Scripting languages
- Media law
- Interactive animation
- Computer-human interaction
Career Outlook
As of 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorized interactive media with graphic designers in general (www.bls.gov). Employment projections for the 2008-2018 decade showed an anticipated 13% rise in job opportunities for graphic designers, which is about average. However, applicants who offer interactive media skills, such as website design and animation, are expected to have the best job opportunities.
Interactive components can intersect with most of today's media forms, including mobile phones, television, DVDs, websites, social networking and computer games. Professionals who are proficient with the technology and able to envision and produce visually effective designs, animations or effects should be qualified to work in design, art, developer or animation roles.
Continuing Education Information
While not all programs include courses in game development, some graduate-level programs allow students to pursue interactive media mixed with film and game development. Programs are available as Master of Fine Arts or Master of Science tracks; applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and have a background in interactive media to apply.
Related to Interactive Media Bachelor's Degree Program Options
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Careers in the Media and TV: Job Options and Requirements
Workers in television media work in all aspects of television broadcasting. Media and TV job options include a wide...
Introducing the 2011 Youth Media Awards Winners
The American Library Association has announced the winners of the 2011 youth media awards. These include the Newberry,...
Kids' Media Consumption Linked to Poor Grades
Last week the Kaiser Foundation released a report showing that mobile technology has led to a significant increase in...
Interactive Media Masters Degree Program Information
Interactive media allows users to interact with data, including images, animations, videos, audio and text, in a...
Media Production Specialist: Job Description and Career Information
- Media Director: Job Duties, Salary and Requirements
- Become a Media Analyst: Education and Career Roadmap
- Media Technician: Job Description, Salary and Outlook
- Top School with Degrees in Computer Networking and Telecommunications - Madison, WI
- Top Ranked Marketing Degree Program - Phoenix, AZ
- List of Free Online Courses for Educators
- Top Ranked Psychology Degree Programs - Chicago, IL


