Bachelor's Degree in Interactive Media
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media program at Harrisburg University equips students with the technical, artistic, and managerial skills to harness the power of interactive media. Through hands-on, project-based instruction, students explore concepts like interactivity, digital culture, and virtual reality. The program offers concentrations in Advanced Media Production, User Experience Design, and Purposeful Game Design, preparing graduates for careers in interactive media, digital marketing, and game development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media program at Harrisburg University prepares students to harness the technical, artistic, and management aspects of interactive media to maximize impact. The program combines concepts of new media, interactivity, interaction design, human-computer interaction, digital culture, cyberculture, and areas such as interactive narrative, video games, social media, virtual reality, and augmented reality. It emphasizes hands-on, project-based instruction, focusing on applying existing technical skills within high-growth career segments such as training, advertising, and entertainment. The program also combines media and information technology and platforms, business acumen, and creative expression, preparing students to apply new media theories and practices in a changing digital and media world.
Outline:
Core Courses (26 semester hours):
- CISC 120: Programming I
- IMED 110: Introduction to Digital Design
- IMED 140: Introduction to Interactive Media
- IMED 170: Visual Design Fundamentals
- IMED 210: Effective Copywriting
- IMED 230: Foundations and Strategies of Marketing
- IMED 240: Interactive Media I
- IMED 305: Digital Media I
- IMED 333: Social Media Marketing
- IMED 340: Interactive Media II
- IMED 370: Producing Creative Projects
- IMED 440: Interactive Studio
- IMED 455: Professional Practice in Digital Marketing
Concentrations (24 semester hours):
Advanced Media Production (AMP):
- Focuses on developing and deploying digital media assets across the spectrum of interactive products and services.
- Provides training in digital production, assessing new and emerging technologies, and preparing for careers in areas such as mixed reality, 3D printing, interactive kiosks, social media, and mobile device integration.
User Experience Design (UXD):
- Prepares students to design effective and engaging digital products, services, and experiences for the entire gamut of digital technology, including mobile apps, websites, games, kiosks, and other digital systems and services.
- Trains students in multi-method human-centered research, usability testing, business and technology analysis, and design thinking.
Purposeful Game Design (PGD):
Teaching:
Provides hands-on, project-based instruction with a focus on applying existing technical skills within high-growth career segments. Led by experienced faculty with expertise in various aspects of interactive media, including design, development, and management.
Careers:
Prepares graduates for careers in interactive media, including:
- Interactive media designers
- Web designers
- Game designers
- Social media managers
- Content creators
- Digital marketing specialists
- User experience designers
- Project managers
- Multimedia producers
Overview:
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is a private, non-profit university founded in 1964.
- HU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, and healthcare.
- HU has been recognized for its innovative teaching methods, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to student success.
Student Life:
- HU offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports teams, and student organizations.
- HU has a strong student support system, including academic advising, counseling, and health services.
- HU's campus is located in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and offers a variety of amenities, including a library, fitness center, and student union.
Academics:
- HU offers a variety of academic resources, including a library, writing center, and math lab.
- HU's faculty are experts in their fields and are committed to teaching and research.
- HU uses a variety of teaching methodologies, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on learning.
- HU offers a variety of academic support services, including tutoring, academic advising, and disability services.
- HU offers a number of unique academic programs, including a dual-degree program with Penn State University and a cybersecurity program that is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency.
Top Reasons to Study Here:
- HU has a strong reputation for academic excellence and is ranked among the top universities in the region.
- HU has specialized facilities, including a state-of-the-art engineering lab and a cybersecurity research center.
- HU has strong industry connections and offers a variety of internship and co-op opportunities.
- HU has a notable alumni network, including leaders in business, government, and academia.
Services:
- HU offers a variety of services to support students, including counseling, health, housing, library resources, technology support, and career development.
- HU's counseling center provides a variety of services, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and substance abuse counseling.
- HU's health center provides a variety of services, including primary care, immunizations, and sports medicine.
- HU's housing office provides a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses.
- HU's library provides a variety of resources, including books, journals, and electronic databases.
- HU's technology support center provides a variety of services, including computer repair, software support, and network access.
- HU's career development center provides a variety of services, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
