Interactive Media & Game Development Major with Concentration in Design

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Program of Study
Interactive Media and Game Development
Degree Type
Concentration

Associated Degree

Concentrations are a formal degree designation (noted on a student’s transcript), earned by completing a topic-specific selection of 6/3 units drawn from the IMGD Focus Pair and IMGD Electives. 

In accordance with WPI policy, a student’s contribution to their Major Qualifying Project (MQP) must incorporate substantial content/effort in their area of concentration.

Students taking the IMGD Design Concentration must satisfy the requirements below: 

Program Educational Objectives 

The educational objectives of the IMGD program are: 

  • To prepare students for technical and/or creative roles in the interactive media and game industries.
  • To provide a solid base of IMGD-related technical and/or creative expertise, strong written and oral communication skills, and substantial experience in collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
  • To cultivate an understanding of the social and ethical issues relevant to interactive media and games, together with a sense of personal responsibility and professionalism.
  • To develop personal traits necessary for continuous career growth, including
  • The ability to integrate theory and practice.
  • The ability to think analytically and critically in order to define, analyze and solve technical and/or creative challenges.
  • The ability to learn new skills in response to evolving technology and a dynamic professional environment. 

Program Outcomes 

The specific outcomes for the IMGD program are that all graduates will: 

  1. Demonstrate practical skill and in-depth understanding of IMGD-related technologies, concepts, tools and aesthetics.
  2. Have a base of knowledge in computer science, mathematics and the natural/engineering sciences.
  3. Have a base of knowledge in IMGD-related design, audio, cultural narratives and visual arts.
  4. Be aware of social and philosophical issues pertaining to interactive media and games.
  5. Be able to creatively express and analyze artistic forms relative to IMGD.
  6. Communicate effectively orally, in writing, and in visual media.
  7. Successfully complete individual projects.
  8. Successfully complete a group project with students from other IMGD disciplines.
  9. Successfully complete team-based, full-term IMGD projects.
  10. Successfully complete a team-based, multi-term IMGD project. 

Program Distribution Requirements for the IMGD Design Concentration

IMGD Design Focus Pair (2/3 Units)

IMGD Electives Design Focus (Minimum 4/3 Units)

Note: Other IMGD-related writing courses may be used to satisfy this requirement, subject to program approval. 

Notes: Students may take IMGD 4200 OR IMGD 5200 to satisfy this requirement, but not both. Students may take MIS 4741 OR MIS 583 to satisfy this requirement, but not both.  Other 3000+ level IMGD-related design courses may be taken to satisfy this requirement, subject to program approval.

Major Qualifying Project (Minimum 3/3 Units)

Students pursuing the Design Concentration must contribute substantially to the design aspects of their Major Qualifying Project.