Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media Design
Lawrence Township, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 37,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Rider practices rolling admissions
** additional fees may apply
Introduction
Students will learn to analyze, conceptualize and create video games and related components, such as animation, audio, non-linear stories, software interfaces, and user experience. All students complete courses in media theory, basic computer coding languages, visual art and design, and general education courses. They will choose an emphasis on visual design, audio design, narrative design, or a combination of the three. Culminating in a multi-disciplinary, year-long project, the degree will equip students with the skills, theoretical framework, and experience necessary to enter the gaming industry or pursue work in the related interactive media fields.
Work for play
Put theory to practice, starting in your freshman year, using our industry-standard software and design suites in our new, state-of-the-art game design labs. Then, bring your vision to the marketplace as Rider’s central Jersey location offers unparalleled access to internships in New York City and Philadelphia — two thriving centers of established and start-up gaming companies.
Transferable skills:
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Storytelling
Curriculum
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
Year 1
Fall Semester
- CMP 120 Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric
- CIS 200 Application Development with JavaScript
- COM 105 Communication, Culture and Media
- GAM 200 Game Design
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- ART 150 Digital Foundations
Spring Semester
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- GAM 150 Intro to Game Studies
- GAM Elective
- COM 131
- Fundamentals of Video Production
or FTV 135 Filmmaking I - ART 106 Survey of Art History II
- CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research
Year 2
Fall Semester
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- GAM 201 Game Development I
- Minor/Free Elective
- Three General Education Courses
Spring Semester
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- GAM 301 Game Development II
- COM 302 Communication Ethics
- One Minor/Free Elective Course
- Two General Education Courses
Year 3
Fall Semester
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- GAM 310 Special Topics in Game Design
- GAM Elective
- Two General Education Courses
- One Minor/Free Elective Course
Spring Semester
- GAM 310 Special Topics in Game Design
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- GAM Elective
- Two General Education Courses
- Two Minor/Free Elective Courses
Year 4
Fall Semester
- GAM 401 Game Workshop I
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- Four Minor/Free Elective Courses
Spring Semester
- GAM 402 Game Workshop II
- GAM 100 Game & Interactive Media Forum
- GAM elective credits
- Two Minor/Free Elective Courses
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
At Rider, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all, and our aid packages are no exception. In fact, 99% of students receive Rider-funded scholarships and financial aid. Let us work closely with you and your family to find scholarships and aid that are right for you.
| 99% of students receive Rider-funded scholarships and financial aid | $21.8 Average student assistance package | $71.2 million Total institutional funds awarded by Rider for the 21–22 school year |
Career Opportunities
| 3.2 billion gamers worldwide in 2021* | 7,800 job openings on average each year for the next decade** | $78,790 median salary for multimedia artists in 2021** |
*Source: Statista
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Game and interactive media design is a multibillion-dollar industry leading to high-demand careers for out-of-the-box thinkers who can turn their dreams into exciting, immersive experiences. After graduation, you may find yourself working for play in one of these many career paths.
Common careers:
- Animator
- Visual artist/designer
- 3D modeling artist
- Game designer/Level designer
- Writer
- Audio/sound effects developer
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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