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College of Arts & Sciences

Interactive Media Studies

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Why pursue an interactive media studies degree at North Central College?

Interactive media studies skills provide individuals depth in interactive and digital design. Professionals with technical skills in web design, graphic design, video production, photography and digital writing are highly sought after in a world where everything is digital. This program is designed to allow you to choose a track: convergent media or technology, which allows you to show off your creative flare or technical computer skills. At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the media industry. In convergent media, you’ll learn to create visual, written and interactive media for a variety of digital platforms. In technology, you’ll explore the intersections among web programming, gaming and design, with emphasis on computer science components. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, Interactive Media Studies is sure to provide a range of rewarding employment opportunities.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Engaging consumers and enhancing user experience (UX) using text, graphics, video or sound
  • Working in twenty first century industries with interactive products and services like social media, video games, smartphones or virtual reality
  • Combining your creative and technical talents to provide clients with successful design, videography, photography and digital imaging results

then a degree in INTERACTIVE MEDIA STUDIES might be for you. 

Why study interactive media studies at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics: 

  • Advanced Digital Audio Production
  • Animation
  • Digital Art and Design
  • Digital Media Writing
  • Global Media in a Digital Age
  • Graphic Design
  • Media Law and Ethics
  • Photo Journalism
  • Photography
  • Video Production
  • Writing for The Web
  • Web Design
  • Web Programming

Meiley-Swallow Hall

Take a virtual tour of the Mac Lab in Meiley-Swallow Hall, where students can learn to merge various digital media.

Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As an interactive media studies major, you can: 

  • Obtain hands-on experience in creative design, media production and many other opportunities through our unique practicum courses.
  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Develop an interactive design portfolio with samples of your visual effects, animation and/or motion graphics.

More Department information

Interactive Media Studies, Convergent-Media Track, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.

Core Courses

Web Design

Practica

Two semesters from any of the following:

Capstone

One of the following:

Convergent Media Courses

One of the following:

Multimedia Production Skills

Three of the following, no more than two from the same department:

Advanced Analysis, Context and Writing

Two of the following, no more than one from the same department:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Interactive Media Studies, Interactive Media Technology Track, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.

Core Courses

Practica

Two semesters from any of the following:

Capstone

One of the following:

Technology Courses

Technology Electives

Four of the following, at least one at the 300-level or above:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Interactive Media Studies Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.

A minimum of 24 credit hours, to include:

Core Courses

One of the following:

Electives

A minimum 12 credit hours from the IMS Convergent Track listed below, at least one at the 300-level or above and no more than one course from a single subject prefix:

Interactive Media Studies Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

  • Intern, Naperville Community Television
  • Intern, Wizdom Systems Inc., Naperville
  • Sports news intern, Fox News Chicago
  • Interactive media manager, The Union, Naperville
  • Graphic designer, Sightmark Inc / SpeediSign, Naperville
  • Gaming website editor, GamesRadar/Future US, South San Francisco, CA
  • Web developer, Automotive Internet Media, La Grange, IL 
  • Production design, Sourcebooks Inc., Naperville
  • Interactive media studies in food marketing, Future Ceuticals, Momence, IL
  • Graphic designer, Fastsigns, Naperville
  • Intern, New Home Star
  • Intern, Pesola Media Group
  • Intern, Neary Martin
  • Intern, Flavorchem, Downers Grove, IL

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college or university is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.