Are you interested in computer programming? Do you enjoy playing video games? Would you like a career in a growing industry? If so, consider studying game and interactive media design in college! Game/interactive media design majors use animation and computer programming to create their own video games and other interactive media.
Education
According to the College Board, this major most often leads to a bachelor’s degree. High school classes like website design, creative writing and AP Studio Art will help prepare you for the college program. In college, expect to take classes like level design, storytelling for games, and 3-D modeling/animation.
What to know before you apply
Do you know the difference between a bachelor of fine arts, a bachelor of arts, and a bachelor of science? Well, game/interactive media designers can earn any of those degrees, and each could influence your career trajectory. Find out which degree would be most helpful for you. Also, are you more interested in the art/design in video games, or the programming and coding? If you have a preference, make sure that the prospective program offers that concentration. Finally, find out what recent graduates are up to. Their post-graduation experiences could help you when you are making career plans.
Colleges offering similar majors:
• Butler University: Indianapolis, Ind.
• Erskine College: Due West, S.C.
• Keuka College: Keuka Park, N.Y.
• SUNY Fredonia: Fredonia, N.Y.
• Westwood College: Upland, Calif.
Salary
A game and interactive media design education will prepare you for careers in graphic design, computer programming, and web design. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earned an average salary of $48,690 in 2011, while computer programmers earned $76,010. Web designers earned a median salary of $55,000 in 2012.
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