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Game Design and Interactive MediaMajor

A hybrid program of the College of Creative Arts and Reed College of Media, this major blends art, coding and design with an understanding of media platforms.

Overview

What is Game Design and Interactive Media at WVU like?

Description

Game Design and Interactive Media is perfect for students interested in using graphics, animation, images, video, audio, mobile apps, etc. to tell captivating stories. This major combines courses in journalism and strategic communication, art and design, and coding to provide you with the creative and analytical skills to evolve with this ever-changing industry.

Demand is growing for interactive audiovisual media experiences, mobile application and video game production. In this major, you will be exposed to the latest innovations in digital media to create visually stunning and timely interactive experiences.

At a Glance

Next Steps

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Fast Facts

What makes Game Design and Interactive Media at WVU unique?

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Graduates are highly adaptive professionals who can acquire, practice and transfer evolving skill sets with ease. Potential jobs include project managers, multimedia artists, interactive media developers and communicators, animators and web designers. They may also work as program managers who coordinate graphic designers, programmers and developers to share a client’s message in a cohesive way on a variety of platforms.

There are opportunities for graduates with interactive design skills in a variety of industries. Our students have been hired by the National White Color Crime Center, WVU Health Sciences and marketing firms. The program is also beneficial for entrepreneurial-minded students who are interested in producing and selling their original work.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Courses

What are the courses like in Game Design and Interactive Media at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Game Design and Interactive Media major.

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Popular Courses

ART 234:
Digital Photography

This course will explore the fundamentals of photography using digital cameras and Adobe Photoshop software. Emphasis will be placed on processes in the digital darkroom, specialized lighting methods and concept development.

ART 270:
Introduction to Electronic Media 1

Class provides introduction to fundamentals of digital media. Explores digital photography, animation multimedia. Covers use of various software, focuses on sound, technical foundation and esthetic proficiency in these media.

ART 372:
Interactive Design

Interactive Design is a multimedia studio art course addressing core principles of interactivity, non-linear narration, and interaction design in art and culture.

JRL 210:
Visual Journalism and New Media

Theory and principles of visual communication and image culture.

JRL 322:
Gaming Design and Digital Narrative

This course covers an introduction to the principles and practice of game design as a tool for interactivity, database storytelling, and audience building within journalism. The course will analyze case studies and provide hands-on development and application of game mechanics and game dynamics within journalism and strategic media across web, mobile, tablet and emergent augmented reality platforms.

JRL 431:
Multimedia Storytelling

Online media storytelling/production techniques for journalists and advertising and public relations practitioners. Includes software basics and use of audio, video and still photography to engage and inform audiences. Ethical and legal issues related to visual communications also are discussed.

Cost and Aid

How much does Game Design and Interactive Media at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Credit $433
Per Semester $5,196
Fall and Spring Semesters $10,392
Non-Resident
Per Credit $1,167
Per Semester $14,004
Fall and Spring Semesters $28,008
International
Per Credit $1,167
Per Semester $14,304
Fall and Spring Semesters $28,608
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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Game Design and Interactive Media at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Game Design and Interactive Media major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2022-23 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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