Interactive design and game development focuses on the design and development of interactive media and entertainment, including dynamically driven rich-media Internet applications, video games, virtual online environments and ubiquitous computer applications.

The SCAD-eLearning graduate certificate and M.A. degree in interactive design and game development prepares students for careers in interactive art and design, particularly with large design firms, advertising agencies, product manufacturers and education. The online method of course delivery is compelling, as students are educated in the electronically mediated environment in which they typically work or plan to work. Students are prepared for or may enhance their careers in interactive design, art direction, creative technology, exhibit design and projection media.

Game Developers eXchange at SCAD-Atlanta – April 10-11
GDX brings together the gaming community, educators and students with game development experts who share their behind-the-scenes knowledge of the game industry.


Graduate Certificate in Interactive Design

(Baccalaureate degree required)
Students develop skills that allow them to create interactive art and design to meet a variety of vendor industry standards. These include content and design for open-source as well as for closed proprietary systems. Students utilize various applications and programming techniques.
 

Curriculum		25 hours
Course I	ITGM 705	Interactive Design and Media Application
Course II	ITGM 709	Visual Interface and Information Design
Course III	ITGM 715	Interactive Web Design
Course IV	ITGM 719	Scripting for Interactivity
Course V	ITGM 727	Databases and Dynamic Web Site Programming

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media: Concentration in Game Development

Foundation Studies		25 hours
DRAW	100	Drawing I
DRAW	101	Drawing II
DSGN	100	2-D Design
DSGN	101	Color Theory
	**	Studio Elective

General Education		90 hours
ARTH	100	Survey of Western Art I
ARTH	110	Survey of Western Art II
ARTH	207	20th-century Art
	**	Art History/Architectural History Elective
	**	Art History/Architectural History Elective
CMPA	110	Advanced Survey of Computer Art Applications
ENGL	123	Composition
ENGL	**	English Elective
ENGL	**	English Elective
COMM	105	Speech and Public Speaking
PHIL	301	Aesthetics
	**	Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirement§§
	**	Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirement§§
	**	Social/Behavioral Sciences Requirement§
	**	Social/Behavioral Sciences Requirement§
	**	General Education Elective§
	**	General Education Elective§
	**	General Education Elective§

Concentration

		45 hours
ITGM	120	Introduction to Interactive Design and Game Development
ITGM	130	Digital Design Aesthetics
ITGM	240	Modeling, Materials and Lighting
ITGM	260	Interactive Design
ITGM	303	Programming for Interactivity+
ITGM	315	C++ Programming I+
ITGM	352	Environment and Level Design
ITGM	402	Game Design Criticism and Analysis
	**	Film and Digital Media Elective
	**	Film and Digital Media Elective
Electives	**	20 hours
Total Course of Study		180 hours

+		Select one of these two courses.
**		Consult your faculty adviser in selecting elective courses.
§		Consult the general education requirements in the academic programs and policies section.
§§		Consult the mathematics competency requirement in the academic programs and policies section.

Course numbers and titles are subject to change.


Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media: Concentration in Interactive Design

Foundation Studies		25 hours
DRAW	100	Drawing I
DRAW	101	Drawing II
DSGN	100	2-D Design
DSGN	101	Color Theory
	**	Studio Elective

General Education		90 hours
ARTH	100	Survey of Western Art I
ARTH	110	Survey of Western Art II
ARTH	207	20th-century Art
	**	Art History/Architectural History Elective
	**	Art History/Architectural History Elective
CMPA	110	Advanced Survey of Computer Art Applications
ENGL	123	Composition
ENGL	**	English Elective
ENGL	**	English Elective
COMM	105	Speech and Public Speaking
PHIL	301	Aesthetics
	**	Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirement§§
	**	Natural Sciences/Mathematics Requirement§§
	**	Social/Behavioral Sciences Requirement§
	**	Social/Behavioral Sciences Requirement§
	**	General Education Elective§
	**	General Education Elective§
	**	General Education Elective§

Concentration

		45 hours
ITGM	120	Introduction to Interactive Design and Game Development
ITGM	130	Digital Design Aesthetics
GRDS	205	Typography I
ITGM	260	Interactive Design
ITGM	303	Programming for Interactivity
ITGM	353	Interactive Web Design
ITGM	403	Information and Interfaces
	**	Film and Digital Media Elective
	**	Film and Digital Media Elective
Electives	**	20 hours
Total Course of Study		180 hours

**		Consult your faculty adviser in selecting elective courses.
§		Consult the general education requirements in the academic programs and policies section.
§§		Consult the mathematics competency requirement in the academic programs and policies section.

Course numbers and titles are subject to change.


Master of Arts Degree in Interactive Design and Game Development

(Baccalaureate degree required)
Courses in art and design are balanced with studies in technology, human systems, business, society and internationalization. Students explore the interactive design and game industries in depth, honing creative-thinking and problem-solving skills, and focusing on research and development.
 

Curriculum		45 hours
ARTH	701	Contemporary Art
ITGM	705	Interactive Design and Media Application
ITGM	706	Nonlinear Storytelling+
ITGM	709	Visual Interface and Information Design+
ITGM	710	Character Development++
ITGM	715	Interactive Web Design++
ITGM	719	Scripting for Interactivity+++
ITGM	721	Environments for Games+++
ITGM	723	Human-centered Interactive Design
ITGM	748	Interactive Design and Game Development M.A. Final Project
	7**	Film and Digital Media Elective
	7**	Film and Digital Media Elective
Total Course of Study		45 hours

+		Select one of these two courses.
++		Select one of these two courses.
+++		Select one of these two courses.
**		Consult your faculty adviser in selecting elective courses.

Course numbers and titles are subject to change.

Course descriptions are available online.


Technical Requirements

In addition to the general technical requirements for SCAD-eLearning, students enrolled in online interactive design programs must purchase or have regular access to the following applications and/or peripherals:

• Dreamweaver
• Fireworks and/or Photoshop
• Flash
• Maya and/or 3-D Studio Max

Students must use file transfer and compression utilities as well, and are encouraged to have a CD-R/DVD-R drive.

Testimonials

Patricia Molina, Miami, Fla., M.A., interactive design and game development:
“During my absence from the job market for several years, technology took the world by storm. So many fascinating new fields were emerging. If I wanted to be part of it, I needed to try to learn on my own, or return to school to earn a degree that would give me the know-how and the tools for building an attractive portfolio. Now, a few months from graduation, I think this degree will jump-start my career change, and I feel confident about getting the job I want as an interactive media designer.”


Charmaine Bachman, Iowa City, Iowa, M.A., interactive design and game development:
“Although I have a B.F.A. degree in graphic design and learned Web design on the job, the master’s degree I’m earning through SCAD- eLearning gives me the education and information I might have missed. I am learning better methods and am thinking critically about the ethical and aesthetic impact my profession has on consumer and target markets. This improves my chances of getting a position as a creative director. Because SCAD is so well known, my education and degree will make a difference to potential employers.


Kate Morgan, Allentown, Pa., M.A., digital photography:
“SCAD-eLearning provides an international cast of classmates who bring great perspective to each class. Critiquing each other’s work and learning about different cultures of perception and design are amazing assets to this online environment. It adds so much to the traditional dynamics of a classroom setting.”