Whatever your passion, a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology can help you harness the technical, artistic and management aspects of this dynamic career to maximum impact.
The B.S. in Interactive Media includes the concepts of new media, interactivity, interaction design, human-computer interaction, digital culture, cyberculture, and areas such as interactive narrative, video games, social media, virtual reality, and augmented reality wherein user and machine both take on an active role. Interactive media is not limited to electronic media, digital media, game design or digital communications.
From needs analysis to deployment, HU’s Interactive Media degree program equips you to deliver interactive solutions throughout the entire development lifecycle of a project. The major exposes you to both the technical and non-technical aspects of interactive development. From mobile, graphic, rich media, web, and interaction design to front-end development, our program combines project management expertise with solid design and technology skills.
Here, you’ll learn what it takes to work with high-performing interactive teams. Our degree program offers hands-on, project-based instruction, and focuses on helping you apply your existing technical skills within high-growth career segments such as training, advertising, and entertainment.
This program also combines media and information technology and platforms, business acumen, and creative expression and prepares students to apply new media theories and practices in a changing digital and media world, combine interactive theory, media production, programming, web design and animation to create multimedia projects and productions, and think innovatively and creatively.
Program Goals
A graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media program is prepared to:
- Research situations, compile data, and deploy evidence to support design processes;
- Integrate into varied teams in a professional capacity to produce high quality results;
- Use information to accomplish a purpose and communicate effectively and professionally to peers, clients and audiences;
- Evaluate needs, practice innovative thinking and create solutions that address explicit concerns towards specific opportunities; and,
- Ideate, design and produce engaging products, services and experiences in a professional manner.
Program Concentrations
Advanced Media Production
The Advanced Media Production (AMP) concentration is designed for students with a passion for technology, creativity and problem solving. Drawing from information science, software development and project management, the concentration trains students in the art of digital production, where they learn to develop and deploy digital media assets across the spectrum of interactive products and services. In addition to production skills, students also focus on assessing new and emerging technologies to prepare for careers which require innovative solutions in areas as diverse as mixed reality, 3d printing, interactive kiosks, social media, and mobile devices integration.
User Experience Design
The User Experience Design (UXD) concentration is an interdisciplinary option for technology-focused, creative, and curious design-oriented students. UXD prepares students to design effective and engaging digital products, services, and experiences for the entire gamut of digital technology, including mobile apps, websites, games, kiosks, and other digital systems and services. Through classes and hands-on activities, UXD trains students in multi-method human-centered research, usability testing, business and technology analysis, and design thinking. UX students learn a blend of theory, methods, skills, and processes, in a hands-on real-world studio environment via the university’s User Experience Center. As one of the fastest growing careers in the technology field, the career prospects from the UXD concentration option are enormous: UXD equips students to become qualitative and quantitative UX researchers, interactive systems designers and producers, and system analysts.
Digital Marketing and Engagement
The Digital Marketing and Engagement (DME) concentration is designed for students eager to explore the intersections of digital communication, marketing innovation, and audience engagement. Merging insights from marketing, psychology, and digital analytics, this concentration develops students’ abilities to create influential marketing campaigns and engage effectively with digital audiences. Key areas of study include consumer behavior, data-driven marketing strategies, and digital content creation, with a focus on optimizing engagement across diverse digital platforms like social media, email marketing, and online advertising.
Students in the DME concentration benefit from a pragmatic approach to learning, applying their skills in real-world contexts by collaborating with various programs and functional areas across the university as well as with organizations within the local community. This hands-on experience is vital, preparing students for impactful careers in digital marketing management, social media strategy, content development, and customer engagement analysis. The practical application ensures that graduates are not only versed in the latest digital marketing techniques but are also adept at implementing them effectively in a constantly evolving digital landscape.
Program Lead
Full Time Faculty
Nathan Aileo
Assistant Professor of Human Centered Interaction Design
Charles Palmer
Associate Professor and Program Lead of Interactive Media, Executive Director, Center for Advanced Entertainment & Learning Technologies
Corporate Faculty
Anthony Ortega
Production Coordinator (CAELT) & Corporate Faculty (IMED)
Program Courses
This program requires a total of 50 semester hours: 26 semester hours from the core courses listed below and 24 semester hours completed in one of the following concentrations: Advanced Media Production, User Experience Design, and Purposeful Game Design. The semester hour value of each course appears in parentheses ( ).
CISC 120 –
Programming I
(4 credits)
This course introduces the concepts and techniques of computer programming. Emphasis is placed on developing the student’s ability to apply problem-solving strategies to design algorithms and to implement these algorithms in a modern, structured programming language. Topics include fundamental programming constructs, problem solving techniques, simple data structures, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), program structure, data types and declarations, control statements, algorithm strategies and algorithm development.
IMED 110 –
Introduction to Digital Design
(2 credits)
This foundational course introduces the student to the essentials of visual computing, graphic design, web technologies, and more, focusing on skills such as image manipulation, HTML/CSS design, interactive experiences, and 3D modeling. Designed for aspiring creatives and digital innovators, it offers a hands-on approach to exploring various design disciplines, setting the stage for specialized advanced studies. IMED 110 is the gateway for the student to unlock their potential within the interactive media landscape.
IMED 140 –
Introduction to Interactive Media
(2 credits)
Interactive media encompasses a broad range of disciplines, technologies, processes and experiences. This course will introduce students interested (and enrolled) in the primary areas offered in the Interactive Media program including interactive experience design, media production, and digital games design. This course will be co-taught by several IMED faculty members based on their areas of expertise.
IMED 170 –
Visual Design Fundamentals
(3 credits)
This course introduces the basic concepts of design or print and time-based digtial media. The principles of composition and color theory, and how these are affected by movement, duration and display, are covered. Vector and bitmap manipulation tools are explored in relation to graphic rpoduction across the design fields. Offered Semester I (Fall), annually.
IMED 210 –
Effective Copywriting
(3 credits)
This course unveils the strategic art of persuasive writing in the realm of marketing, guiding the student through the nuances of crafting compelling copy that transcends mere storytelling. This course delves into the core principles of copywriting, emphasizing the creation of content that captivates and entertains but also prompts the reader to act. The student will learn the foundational elements, objectives, and methodologies for developing impactful copy that enhances brand visibility, encourages consumer engagement, and drives campaign success. Through a structured step-by-step process, this course equips future marketers with the skills to create attention-grabbing content that effectively communicates the value of an offering.
IMED 230 –
Foundations and Strategies of Marketing
(3 credits)
IMED 230 provides a comprehensive introduction to the essentials of digital marketing, equipping the student with a solid foundation in the field’s core principles and strategies. This course is meticulously designed to enhance the student’s understanding of marketing within a business framework, focusing on critical concepts such as market segmentation, targeting, crafting unique value propositions, and the importance of metrics for success. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical exercises, the student will develop the analytical skills necessary to construct and present a digital marketing plan tailored to a company of their choice.
IMED 240 –
Interactive Media I
(4 credits)
The fundamental theory and practice of new media is explored in this course. It prepares the student for creative expression and technology application in all aspects of multimedia for effective message communication, whether it is for a specific product, a game or entertainment site, instruction, or eCommerce. New and emerging interactive digital media is used to create, store, transmit and sell products and services. The student may work on a project to enhace a local employer to recruit and expand business. Offered Semester II (Spring), annually.
IMED 217 –
Digital Media I
(3 credits)
This course immerses the student in the vibrant world of digital media production, offering a unique blend of creativity and practical application. This course is structured to provide an engaging hands-on environment where the student is tasked with producing a diverse range of digital media projects. Utilizing state-of-the-art hardware, cutting-edge software, and versatile web-based tools, the student will cultivate the creative and critical thinking skills essential for thriving in digital production careers. Additionally, this course encourages the student to pursue the Adobe Certified Professional certification, adding a valuable credential to their professional toolkit. By the end of this course, the student will have not only developed a robust portfolio of digital works but also prepared themselves for advanced opportunities in the digital media landscape. This course is a pivotal step for the student aiming to excel in the digital production domain.
IMED 333 –
Social Media Marketing
(3 credits)
IMED 333 delves into the strategic role of social media in digital marketing, equipping the student with the skills to navigate various platforms and implement best practices effectively. This engaging course emphasizes the creation of a social media strategy and the application of knowledge through a capstone project, where the student designs a
simulated ad campaign on Facebook. Tailored for individuals with basic internet and Google Workspace skills, it offers a practical approach to mastering social media marketing tools and techniques.
IMED 340 –
Interactive Media II
(4 credits)
This course focuses on analyzing, managing, producing, and deploying interative media projects. Topics include: initial planning, proposal writing, information architecture, interface design, project management, user testing, and installation. The student develops various project ideas and presents a final design concept to potential museum, hospitality, theme park or government agency client. Software, hardware, and resources vary based on technical aspects and unique aesthetics of an interactive encounter. Offered Semester II (Spring), annually.
IMED 370 –
Producing Creative Projects
(3 credits)
This course evaluates design and development procedures used across creative industries. The student is introduced to effective team and process management procedures utilized through the lens of interative experiences and software development. These topics are further developed through guest lectures, collaborative learning exercises and the development of individual project plans, which primarily focus on the people, pixels, and processes used in interactive media development.
IMED 440 –
Interactive Studio
(4 credits)
This course is an upper-level production course focusing on the creation of innovative, workable prototypes using a variety of interactive techniques and emerging technologies. New media (games, digital simulations, mobile applications, and social experience design) is the latest development genre and are analyzed as cultural artifacts. The aesthetics of user experience, personal interaction, and delivery systems are covered along with an analysis of leadership techniques used in independent and AAA production firms.
IMED 455 –
Professional Practice in Digital Marketing
(3 credits)
IMED 455 is a studio-style practicum crafted to arm graduating undergraduates with the real-world skills and experience needed to thrive in digital marketing careers. This course offers an immersive dive into actual projects and scenarios, providing the student with an in-depth understanding of industry best practices, the latest emerging trends, and the professional standards expected in the digital marketing field. Through collaborative group projects, sessions with guest speakers from the industry, and networking opportunities, the student will gain practical experience and begin to build a solid professional network. Designed for those on the cusp of launching their careers, IMED 455 lays the groundwork for professional success in digital marketing.
IMED 460 –
Mixed Reality Development
(3 credits)
This course covers the design and development of augmented and virtual reality experiences. Students will use the studio model to learn and explore the unique affordances and design opportunities inherent in mixed reality platforms. An understanding of the concepts and techniques of computer programming is required.
IMED 465 –
Generative AI Tools and Practices
(3 credits)
This course explores the rapidly evolving field of generative AI and its applications in content creation and interactive media. The student will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools while developing a critical understanding of their impact on creative processes. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and projects, the student will explore various generative AI technologies, their practical applications, and ethical considerations. Topics include text-to-image generation, natural language processing, and AI-assisted design. The course emphasizes both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving, preparing the student for the growing integration of AI in media production and STEM fields. By the end of the course, the student will have developed a portfolio demonstrating their ability to leverage generative AI tools in innovative content creation projects.
IMED Computer Requirements
Students enrolled in the Interactive Media Program have computing needs that differ from the standard university requirements. For all courses involving face-to-face or ‘in-class’ instruction, students are required to have a laptop computer the meets IMED minimum specifications. For any fully online course or for any secondary machine, students are free to use desktop computers that meet these requirements. If you already have a computer and want to continue using it at Harrisburg University, please be aware of our minimum requirements for system operation and connectivity.
Minimum System Requirements
- Processor: 3.0 GHz or greater (2-core or greater)
- RAM: 8 GB or greater
- Hard Drive: 512 GB or greater, SSD (Solid State Drive) highly recommended
- Integrated webcam or high-quality external camera for video communication
- Quality microphone (Headsets are recommended) for audio communication.
- Wireless: 802.11 N or AC
- Display: 1280×760 Resolution
- Security Software with current definitions
Recommended System for 2023-24 Academic Year
• https://bit.ly/IMED-Fall23
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