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Interactive Media

FACULTY Professor Ham (chair), Lamoureux; Assistant Professors Cavanah, Wiley; Instructors in Residence Abzug, Doran, Ford.

The Interactive Media program offers majors in:

Minors in Game Design, Game Development, Interactive Media, and User Experience Design are also available. Game Design and Game Development minors are open only to Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors. The User Experience Design minor is open only to Animation, Game Design, and Interactive Media Majors.

Mission

Bradley University’s Interactive Media Program prepares its learners to be critical thinkers in a continually evolving field that requires interdisciplinary, theoretical, and application knowledge in the design, development, and production of interactive media.

The Department of Interactive Media at Bradley University maintains a strong focus on creative and conceptual problem solving in the authoring of material for aspiring new-media professionals within a sound theoretical framework. Students will learn the importance of content research and project planning while becoming familiar with aesthetic conventions and the production environment within each of the component media types. Interactive Media majors and minors incorporate the various media items into stand-alone projects with authoring tools designed for the Internet and modern media devices.

Admission Requirements

  1. Bradley students transferring into the program must have a 2.25 grade point average for at least 12 hours of coursework in order to declare a major in the Department of Interactive Media.
  2. Students transferring from other institutions must have a 2.25 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be admitted to one of the department's majors. External transfer students not having a 2.25 overall grade point average must earn a 2.25 at Bradley for at least 12 hours of coursework before declaring one of the department's majors.
  3. Courses taken at other institutions must be evaluated by the Admissions Office and then by the department chair. Due to the fast pace at which technology changes, Interactive Media courses considered for required or elective transfer credit must have been completed within four years from the proposed admission date for the student.
  4. Current Bradley students and external transfer students who meet program admission requirements and who wish to change to or add an Interactive Media major must first meet with an advisor or the department chair for an initial academic advisement session and orientation to the department.
  5. Students interested in entering the BFA program in Animation & Game Design begin as freshmen by declaring an Animation or Game Design BA/BS major. In the Spring of their sophomore year, prospective BFA students may apply to the BFA program. Admission will be based upon portfolio review, how they have performed in their courses and an interview with Animation & Game Design faculty. Students who are not admitted to the program may be invited to reapply the following semester or may be encouraged to continue in their current BA/BS major.
  6. Students who wish to apply courses taken at other institutions to a major's requirements must submit a portfolio and complete a technology‐based assessment so that the Department of Interactive Media can determine proper course placement. Please contact the Department of Interactive Media for details.
  7. Internal and external transfer students may need at least one extra semester to complete graduation requirements because of prerequisites and core course requirements in the major. Students choosing to switch between majors may also need at least one extra semester to complete graduation requirements.
  8. Due to the strong technology component of this major, all students are required to meet current department hardware and software requirements. These requirements help ensure that majors are immersed in current technologies and become fluent in standards required to be successful in Interactive Media.
  9. Students choose one major within the department. Students may not major in more than one major within the department.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Students majoring in Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media, or User Experience Design must have a grade point average of 2.50 for all required courses that are used to fulfill the major's requirement. Students must also earn a C or better in each course necessary to fulfill the requirements of the major. Both requirements include courses required for the concentration and courses outside the Department that are required for the major.
  2. Students in the Animation & Game Design BFA program must earn a grade of “B” or better for each course that is used in fulfilling the major’s requirements.
  3. Students may not enroll in Interactive Media courses for which a required course is a prerequisite unless they have earned a C or better in the required course.
  4. The Department reserves the right to retain some student work for the University permanent collection. Works produced by the Department are retained by the Department at the discretion of the instructor.

Majors

The Department of Interactive Media offers five majors:

  • Animation
  • Animation & Game Design (BFA)
  • Game Design
  • Interaction Media
  • User Experience Design

Animation Major

A grade of “C” or better is required in each of these courses for graduation as an Animation Major. Students must also have a 2.50 GPA (cumulative) in all courses that are used to fulfill the major's requirements.

Course Requirements (56-57 hrs.)

  • IM 110 Introduction to Interactive Media Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 120 Concepting and Storytelling for Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 150 Foundations of Interactive Design - 3 hrs.
  • Either IM 160 Introduction to Scripting Languages - 3 hrs. or CS 101 Introduction to Programming - 4 hrs.
  • ART 101 Drawing I - 3 hrs.
  • ART 102 Drawing II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 226 Interactive Media Practicum I - 4 hrs.
  • IM 240 Two-Dimensional Animation I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 241 Two-Dimensional Animation II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 243 History of Animation - 3 hrs.
  • IM 340 Three-Dimensional Animation I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 341 Three-Dimensional Animation II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 355 New Media Theory - 3 hrs.
  • IM 426 Interactive Media Practicum II - 4 hrs.
  • IM 440 Animation Capstone I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 441 Animation Capstone II - 6 hrs.
  • IM 450 Issues in New Media Theory - 3 hrs.

Animation and Game Design Major (BFA)

A grade of “B” or better is required in each of these courses for graduation as Animation and Game Design Major. Admission to the BFA program requires a portfolio submission and review of the students work by the Animation and Game Design faculty. Students should apply to the BFA program upon completion of IM 241 Two-Dimensional Animation II and IM 289 Game Production (typically upon concluding the second semester of the sophomore year.) Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 for the Animation & Game Design requirements that they have completed an overall GPA of 2.5. 

Course Requirements (83-84 hours)

  • IM 110 Introduction to Interactive Media Design - 3 hrs.
  • ART 142 Survey of Art History II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 120 Concepting and Storytelling for Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 150 Fundamentals of Interactive Design - 3 hrs.
  • Either: IM 160 Introduction to Scripting Languages - 3 hrs. or CS 101 Introduction to Programming – 4 hrs.
  • ART 101 Drawing 1 - 3 hrs.
  • ART 102 Drawing 2- 3 hrs.
  • ART 230 Life Drawing - 3 hrs.
  • IM 226 Practicum - 4 hrs.
  • IM 240 Two-Dimensional Animation 1 - 3 hrs.
  • IM 241 Two-Dimensional Animation II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 242 Game Art - 3 hrs.
  • IM 243 History of Animation - 3 hrs.
  • IM 288 Game Design 1 - 3 hrs.
  • IM 289 Game Production 1 - 3 hrs.
  • IM 340 Three-Dimensional Animation I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 341 Three-Dimensional Animation II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 342 Animation for Games - 3 hrs.
  • IM 355 Interactive Media, Theory, & Practices - 3 hrs.
  • IM 380 Critical Game Studies - 3 hrs.
  • IM 388 Game Design II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 389 Game Production II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 426 Practicum - 4 hrs.
  • IM 450 Critical Issues in Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 430 Animation & Game Design Thesis I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 431 Animation & Game Design Thesis II - 6 hrs..

Game Design Major

A grade of “C” or better is required in each of the courses used to fulfill the Game Design Major’s requirements. Students must also have a 2.50 GPA (cumulative) for the courses that are used to fulfill the major’s requirements.

Course Requirements (49-50 hours)

  • IM 110 Introduction to Interactive Media Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 120 Concepting and Storytelling for Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 150 Fundamentals of Interactive Design - 3 hrs.
  • Either IM 160 Introduction to Scripting Languages - 3 hrs. or CS 101 Introduction to Programming - 4 hrs.
  • IM 180 Introduction to the Game Industry – 1 hrs.
  • IM 226 Practicum – 4 hrs.
  • IM 280 Quality Assurance in Games – 1 hr.
  • IM 288 Game Design I – 3 hrs.
  • IM 289 Game Production I – 3 hrs.
  • IM 355 Interactive Media Theories, Concepts, and Practices - 3 hrs.
  • IM 380 Critical Game Studies - 3 hrs.
  • IM 388 Game Design II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 389 Game Production II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 426 Practicum – 4 hrs.
  • IM 459 Computer Game Capstone Project - 3 hrs.
  • IM 489 Game Capstone II - 6 hrs.

Interdisciplinary Electives (6 hours)

Choose two of the following:

  • IM 450 Critical Issues in Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 452 Computer Game Modification – 3 hrs.
  • IM 455 Computer Graphics – 3 hrs.
  • IM 456 Computer Game Engine Programming – 3 hrs.
  • IM 458 Sound Design – 3 hrs.

Interactive Media BA/BS Major

A grade of “C” or better is required in each of these courses for graduation as an Interactive Media Major. Students must also have a 2.50 GPA (cumulative) in all courses that are used to fulfill the major’s requirements.

Course Requirements (36-37 hours)

  • IM 110 Introduction to Interactive Media Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 120 Concepting and Storytelling for Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 150 Fundamentals of Interactive Design - 3 hrs.
  • Either IM 160 Introduction to Scripting Languages - 3 hrs. or CS 101 Introduction to Programming- 4 hrs.
  • IM 226 Interactive Media Practicum I – 4 hrs.
  • IM 285 Introduction to Video for Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 355 New Media Theory - 3 hrs.
  • IM 365 Web Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 426 Interactive Media Practicum II – 4 hrs.
  • IM 450 Critical Issues in Interactive Media - 3 hrs.

One of the following:

  • IM 243 History of Animation - 3 hrs.
  • IM 380 Critical Game Studies - 3 hrs.
  • ART 332 History of Graphic Design - 3 hrs. 

Interactive Media Electives (9 hours)

The Interactive Media major requires 9 course hours in addition to the 35 hours of core requirements. Any Interactive Media course can be used to fulfill this requirement as can any of the following courses:

    • ART 205 Typographic Design - 3 hrs.
    • ART 206 Graphic Design Methods and Processes - 3 hrs.
    • ART 228 Basic Digital Photographic Imaging - 3 hrs.
    • ART 332 Graphic Design History - 3 hrs.
    • CS 100 Introduction to Programming Concepts and Languages - 3 hrs.
    • CS 101 Introduction to Programming - 4 hrs.
    • CS 102 Data Structures - 3 hrs.

User Experience Design Major

This represents a suggested 4-year progression through the Interactive Media Major. The plan is based on degree requirements effective Spring 2017. Students who started prior to Spring 2017 may have different overall degree requirements. It is acceptable to take courses in different semesters if they are offered, dependent on individual circumstances and goals, as long as course prerequisites are met. Consult with your advisor each semester to ensure you take required courses in the correct sequences.

•  Successful completion of 124 semester hours with 40 hours at the Junior/Senior level are required to graduate from the University.

•  "Bradley Core Curriculum" are specified by the University. "Electives" may be IM courses, CFA courses, minor requirements, or any courses bearing credits toward the overall graduation requirements.

•  A "C" or better is required in each of the courses to fulfill the User Experience Design major's requirements. Students must have a 2.50 GPA (cumulative) for the courses that are used to fulfill the major's requirements.

Course Requirements (53 hours)

  • PSY 101 Principles of Psychology - 3 hrs
  • IM 110 Introduction to Interactive Development - 3 hrs.
  • IM 120 Concepting and Storytelling for Interactive Media - 3 hrs.
  • IM 150 Fundamentals of Interactive Design - 3 hrs.
  • Either IM 160 Introduction to Scripting Languages - 3 hrs. or CS 101 Introduction to Programming
  • IM 226 Practicum - 4 hrs.
  • IM 260 User Interface Design & Development - 3 hrs.
  • IM 261 User Research & Usability - 3 hrs.
  • IM 355 Interactive Media, Theory, & Practices - 3 hrs.
  • IM 360 Advanced Interaction Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 361 Advanced User Experience Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 363 Topics in User Experience Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 426 Practicum – 4 hrs.
  • IM 450 Critical Issues in Interactive Media - 3 hrs
  • IM 460 User Experience Design Capstone I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 461 User Experience Design Capstone II - 6 hrs.

Minors

The Department of Interactive Media offers three minors. An Interactive Media is available to all students, and Game Design minor and a Game Production minor are available to students majoring in Computer Science/Information Systems.

Admission Requirements

  1. Bradley students transferring into the program must have a 2.25 grade point average for at least 12 hours of coursework in order to declare a minor in Interactive Media, Game Design, or Game Production.
  2. Students transferring from other institutions must have a 2.25 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be admitted to a minor in Interactive Media, Game Design, or Game Production. External transfer students not having a 2.25 overall grade point average must earn a 2.25 GPA at Bradley for at least 12 hours of coursework before declaring a minor in Interactive Media, Game Design, or Game Production.
  3. Courses taken at other institutions must be evaluated by the Admissions Office and then by the department chair. Due to the fast pace at which technology changes, Interactive Media courses considered for required or elective transfer credit for these minors must have been completed within four years from the proposed admission date for the student.
  4. Students who wish to transfer from other institutions must submit a portfolio and complete a technology based assessment so that the Department of Interactive Media can determine proper course placement. Please contact the Department of Interactive Media for details.
  5. Internal and external transfer students may need at least one extra semester to complete graduation requirements because of prerequisites and core course requirements in the minor.
  6. Due to the strong technology component of this minor, all students minoring in Interactive Media are required to meet current department hardware and software requirements. These requirements help ensure that minors are immersed in current technologies and become fluent in standards required to be successful in a career in Interactive Media. (Students minoring in Game Design and Game Production are exempt from these requirements.)

Minor Requirements

  1. Students minoring in Interactive Media, Game Design, or Game Production must have a grade point average of 2.50 for all required courses taken in the minor. Students must also earn a C or better in every required course within the minor. Both requirements include courses required for the concentration and courses outside the Department that are required for the minor.
  2. Students minoring in Interactive Media or Game Design may not enroll in Interactive Media courses for which a required course is a prerequisite unless they have earned a C or better in the required course.
  3. Students minoring in both Interactive Media and Game Design may not apply the same coursework to both minors, with the exception of IM 113 and IM 285.
  4. Students may not minor in both Game Design and Game Production.

Game Design Minor

The 18-21 hour Game Design minor is only open to Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors. A grade of "C" or better is required in each of these courses (as well as a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for the courses) for graduation as a Game Design minor. The following courses are required for the minor:

  • IM 113 Introduction to Interactive Media ‐ 3 hrs.
  • IM 150 Fundamentals of Interactive Design ‐ 3 hrs.
  • IM 288 Game Design I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 388 Game Design II ‐ 3 hrs.
  • IM 389 Game Production II - 3 hrs.
  • Choose 2 of the following courses (6 hours total):
  • IM 459 Computer Game Capstone Project - 3 hrs.
  • IM 489 Advanced Game Capstone - 6 hrs.

Game Production Minor

The 18-hour Game Production minor is only open to Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors. A grade of "C" or better is required in each of these courses (as well as a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for the courses) for graduation as a Game Production Minor. The following courses are required for the minor:

  • IM 113 Introduction to Interactive Media ‐ 3 hrs.
  • IM 289 Game Production I - 3 hrs.
  • IM 389 Game Production II - 3 hrs.
  • IM 459 Computer Game Capstone Project - 3 hrs.
  • IM 489 Advanced Game Capstone - 6 hrs.

Interactive Media Minor

The Interactive Media minor is a 21‐hour program consisting of courses that provide an overview of skills in Interactive Media. The minor can be applied to a variety of major programs of study. Coursework will be selected in consultation with the advisor. The following courses are required for the minor:

Authoring (9 hours)

  • IM 113 Introduction to Interactive Media ‐ 3 hrs.
  • IM 285 Introduction to Video for Interactive Media ‐ 3 hrs.
  • ART 205 Typographic Design ‐ 3 hrs.
  • Theory (3 hours) (Choose one):
    • IM 250 Introduction to New Media Theory ‐ 3 hrs.
    • IM 350 Intellectual Property Law and New Media ‐ 3 hrs.

    Electives (9 hours)

    Interactive Media courses, with a minimum of six hours at the 300‐level or higher

User Experience Design Minor

A grade of "C" or better is required in each of the following courses for graduation as a User Experience Design minor. 

  • IM 161 Intro to Web Design - 3 hrs.
  • IM 260 User Interface Design & Development - 3 hrs. 
  • IM 261 User Research & Usability - 3 hrs.
  • IM 363 Concepts in User Experience - 3 hrs.
  • IM 366 Advanced Web Design - 3 hrs.

This is the official catalog for the 2018-2019 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.