The Interactive Media Game Design option at QCC utilizes the latest in computing technologies to prepare students for the ever changing digital world. Learn the process of developing a video game from the pre-production stage all the way through finalizing post-production goals and objectives.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

This program will prepare you to enter the game design field or advance your education by means of transfer to a four year institution. You will leverage industry standard hardware and software to gain the knowledge required to join an ever changing gaming industry.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

61-62 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 50% or more online.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • English: Placement into college level English.
  • Mathematics: MAT 100 with a grade of “C” or higher or appropriate placement score.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in four semesters.
  • Complete ENG 101.
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Digital Design Concepts IIMD 114F/SU3Placement into college level English
Digital Imaging and MediaIMD 154F/SU3Placement into college level English
Drawing the Human FormIMG 100F/S3Placement into college level English
Fundamentals of Game Design and DevelopmentIMG 101F3Placement into college level English
  Total15 

Semester 2 (Spring)

Introduction to Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 111F/S/SU3 
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Digital Design Concepts IIIMD 115S/SU3IMD 114
Digital Illustration and AnimationIMD 155S/SU3IMD 154
Introduction to Game DesignIMG 102S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total15 

Semester 3 (Fall)

  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Introduction to Programming with C++CIS 121F/S3Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score, Coreq: CIS 105 or CIS 111
Motion GraphicsIMD 275F3IMD 154, IMD 155
Intermediate Game DesignIMG 203F3IMD 155, IMG 100, IMG 101, IMG 102
3D Modeling for Game DesignIMG 272F3Placement into college level English
College Mathematics I: Pre-CalculusMAT 123F/S/SU3MAT 100 or approp place score
  Total15 

Semester 4 (Spring)

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Interactive Game Design PortfolioIMG 288S4IMG 203, IMG 272
College Mathematics II: TrigonometryMAT 124F/S/SU3MAT 123 or approp place score
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
Science Elective or Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU3-4 
  Total16-17 
Total Credits Required:  61-62 

Program Goals:

The Interactive Media - Game Design Option is a multi-faceted computer-based program designated for students seeking a game design career in the global marketplace. Game Design Option majors map out and develop the gameplay that defines a player’s unique game experience. It is a complex science that combines artistic talent with high mathematics and computer programming ability. Students develop an extensive game design portfolio of individual and collaborative work using state-of-the-art technology resources.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the skills necessary to compete for entry-level positions in the game industry: game-play tester, conceptual artist, texture artist, 3D modeler, and graphical user interface designer.
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary upon graduation to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in game design.
  • Understand and apply theories of graphical environment design, character design, animation, and interface design to the development of interactive media and game design.
  • Design and create 2D and 3D graphical environments for game design and create prototypes of computer games for a variety of environments.
  • Develop skills in operating computer game development tools and assessing their advantages and disadvantages while understanding the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of a game design professional.
  • Use theoretical concepts and perspectives to explain and evaluate the development of games in various settings and apply principles of game design and group work to project work.
  • Learn to use professional-level application software for game design.
  • Critically evaluate various approaches to game design and identify the elements that are likely to make for effective games and author game design documents.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

  • The Interactive Media - Game Design Option is a first-come, first-served program that restricts enrollment in required course offerings to 20 full-time students per academic year, beginning each Fall semester. Required courses in this program will only be offered Monday through Thursday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., so plan accordingly.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • English: Placement into college level English.
  • Mathematics: MAT 100 with a grade of “C” or higher or appropriate placement score.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 50.0411.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Additional Information:

  • Accepted students must register simultaneously for all required courses in each semester. Early application is recommended.
  • Required IMD and IMG courses in this option will only be available late afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
Program Page

The Interactive Media (Applied Arts) Program at Quinsigamond was established in 1993, as one of the first multi-faceted computer based programs designated for students seeking a design career in digital media in the regional marketplace.

The Interactive Media, Associate in Science Degree offers a fully integrated curriculum with state of the art computer software and hard-ware technologies. Assignments in APA designated courses utilize Macintosh computer systems to integrate with new media design and Internet and mobile technologies.

Upon completion of the program students will have spent over 2000 hours on the computer learning the foundation for proficiency in 12 design based software programs for computer generated publications in print and electronic publications.

Currently, digital design specialists utilize computer-based technologies to produce designs, symbols, typography, illustrations, animations, 3-D imagery, motion graphics, and video for use in print and electronic publications to help communicate ideas in the global marketplace.
Web publishers, print and online newspapers and magazines, ad agencies and manufacturers all use in-house or freelance digital New Media designers in the branding, promotion and sales of their products. The popularity and worldwide availability of social networking, HD television, digital video and photography, animation, and the expanding global web universe of sights and sounds are creating new and exciting career opportunities for New Media Designers.

Recently, the APA program has introduced new courses in 3-D Modeling using Maya software and Video Fundamentals. Digital multimedia production integrates and merges text, graphics, sound, animation, photography and video to create, produce and communicate a unique product branding experience.

Prof. George Fitch
Program Coordinator, Faculty
gfitch@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Mary Gallagher Newman
Faculty
mnewman@qcc.mass.edu

Ms. Gallagher Newman graduated from Norwich University and the Institute for Educational studies with an MA in Integrative Education in the Creative Arts.

With a professional background in advertising design, illustration and corporate branding, Ms. Gallagher Newman travels extensively consulting for global not for profit humanitarian organizations. She attends conferences regularly and presents papers on topics ranging from cultural identity in New Media and technology in higher education.

Awards and Honors: Christa McAuliffe Honor for Teaching Excellence 2006 Framingham State College, Thomas Jefferson Award Worcester Public Schools 2003

  • Publications: Applying Digital Design Concepts Using Adobe Illustrator
  • Memberships: AIGA
Prof. Roshanak Bigonah 
Faculty
rbigonah@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Joanne Evans
Faculty
jevans@qcc.mass.edu

JoanneEvans attendedThe School of the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College majoring in Art, English, and Graphic Design.

She has a Masters in Education from Worcester State University. She works as a freelance graphic designer and as an author and illustrator of children’s books. Her watercolor paintings have been included in numerous regional exhibits.

jroachevans.com

Mauro DePasquale 
Staff: Lab Monitor and Tutor
m.depasquale@live.com


Mauro DePasquale, holds an MBA in Marketing Ethics from Anna Maria College. His undergraduate degrees are in Graphic Design, Art and Business. Mauro has over a decade of experience working as a freelance multimedia artist specializing in graphic design, video, creative writing, marketing, audio production and music performance.

www.mauromultimedia.com

Debra Roberge
Staff: Lab Monitor and Tutor
Contact: droberge@qcc.mass.edu

Eddie Rath
Staff: Acting Learning Resource Manager
Contact: erath@qcc.mass.edu

Master of Fine Arts Candidate: Interdisciplinary Studies, Time-Based Media (In Progress, Class of 2016), Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Bachelor of Arts: Communication Arts, Anthropology (2011). University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

Occupations in which our graduates are currently employed:

  1. New Media Design (formally Graphic Design):       

    • Advertising Agencies
    • Corporate Identity Promotion - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Newspaper - Advertising & Publications
    • Publishers - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Graphic Design Agencies
    • Printing Industry  - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Manufactures - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Public and Community Organizations – In-house Graphic Designer
  2. Digital Photography:

    • Production Photographer for food products and various consumer products
    • High school Yearbook Photographer
    • Corporate Identity and yearly report photographer
    • Photo retouching – color correction and manipulation
    • Production specialist – development and printing
    • Photo Promotional and Reproduction sales
  3. Digital Prepress and Preflight:

    • Software Specialist - File preparation
    • High Resolution Scan Operator
    • Color Specialist - Electronic Plate maker
    • Internet File Specialist
    • Digital Printing
    • Software Troubleshooting
  4. Educational Computer Lab Managers

  5. Web page and Web site Designer / Maintainer / Administrator

    • Web content provider-Video, Animation and Motion graphics
  6. Digital Video production for Television and Internet

  7. Gaming production and design