B.S. Interactive Media Design
120
Credit Hours
75%
Max Transfer Credit
Class Type
100% online, 6 & 12-week courses
Cost Per Credit

Design your professional path with an interactive media degree

Whoever said you can't make a career out of gaming was wrong. Proof in point? Graduates of Franklin’s B.S. Interactive Media Design (IMD) degree program. From gaming to mobile apps to websites, our IMD bachelor’s degree program can open up a variety of technical, artistic and management career paths. From needs analysis to deployment, from technical and non-technical, this degree-completion program equips you to deliver interactive solutions throughout the development lifecycle.

Program Availability

On Site

Finish Faster

Get 24 hours of technical credit.

Project-Based Curriculum

Showcase actual client work when you create your professional portfolio.

Dual Equipped

Learn the technical and non-technical sides of interactive development.

100% Online Classes

Earn your degree around your schedule.

Leading Technologies

Get hands-on experience with popular programming languages and software.

Accredited Online University

Nearly 80% of our students take online courses.

Program Overview

Deliver innovative interactive, instructional, and mobile solutions to the world

From needs analysis to deployment, Franklin’s transfer-friendly Interactive Media Design (IMD) degree completion program equips you to deliver interactive solutions throughout the entire development lifecycle. Unlike some programs, Franklin’s IMD 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.

Transfer up to 90 credits - including 24 technical credits

Because Franklin University’s interactive media design program is specifically designed for transfer students, if you’ve taken interactive media, 3D graphics or visual communication courses, you can transfer up to 90 credits - including 24 hours of technical credit -  toward your IMD major.

Here, you’ll learn what it takes to work with high-performing interactive teams. Franklin's IMD 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.

Sharpen your skills with industry-standard software and technologies

At Franklin, you’ll also hone your interactive media design and development skills using popular software and technologies, such as Adobe® Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, HTML, CSS, and Javascript to create a variety of interactive solutions, including mobile interfaces for iPhone® and Android®.

This program’s practicum simulates an actual design firm with the instructor as the organizational leader and students like you filling other critical roles. Throughout, you’ll collaborate on the design and development of interactive solutions for practical, real-world problems.

Create a professional portfolio to showcase your work

You’ll emerge from the game and interactive media design major with a professional portfolio of work created for actual clients, along with ample experience collaborating with design teams. Your Franklin education will open up potential career advancement opportunities with advertising agencies, web design firms, and corporations with internal design departments.

Top industry professionals evaluate and influence our program continually, and our faculty teach industry best practices based on their own successful careers designing and leading interactive teams.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

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Predrag N.

B.S. Interactive Media Design '21

"Thanks to Franklin University's instructors who passed on their knowledge and work ethics and selflessly supported me along my journey."

Future Start Date

Start dates for individual programs may vary and are subject to change. Please request free information & speak with an admission advisor for the latest program start dates.

Your Best Value B.S. Interactive Media Design

Choose Franklin's  B.S. Interactive Media Design and get a high-quality degree that fits your life and budget.

Keep the Credit You've Earned

72
AVG TRANSFER HOURS

On average, students transfer in 1/2 of the credits required.

Transfer MORE Credits, Pay LESS tuition*

$11,940
|
$19,104
Max Transfer Credits
Avg Transfer Credits
*$398 per credit, 120 Total Credits, 90 maximum transfer credits, 72 average transfer credits.

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Curriculum & Course Descriptions

120 Semester Hours
Fundamental General Education
English Composition
ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics
MATH 160 - College Algebra (4)

This course is designed to prepare students for Applied Calculus and Discrete Mathematics and to provide the mathematical background needed for the analytic reasoning used in other courses. Topics include functions and their graphs, including exponential and logarithmic functions; complex numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; basic principles of counting and probability; and other selected topics. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

OR MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

Choose MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite for MATH 160. Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite to MATH 215. Course can count as a University Elective.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines. Courses must be from two different disciplines.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Arts & Humanities

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education
PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

PF 106 - Introduction to Spreadsheets (1)

This course focuses on using spreadsheets to solve business problems.

ENG 220 - Research Writing: Exploring Professional Identities (4)

This is an intermediate course focusing on the composition of research papers. Students in this course prepare to be active participants in professional discourse communities by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their own fields of study and work. By calling attention to the conventions of disciplinary writing, the course also prepares students for upper-division college writing and the special conventions of advanced academic discourse. Course activities include three extended research papers, semi-formal writing addressing interdisciplinary communication, and readings fostering critical engagement with disciplinary conversations.

Technical Credit

3 credits from the following types of courses:
Web Design Fundamentals

3 credits from the following types of courses:
Graphic Design Fundamentals

3 credits from the following types of courses:
Interactive Design Fundamentals

15 credits from the following types of courses:
Interactive media or from the following related areas: Web Design, Interactive Media, or Media Design

Major Area Required
COMM 335 - Communication in Groups and Teams (4)

The course examines current theories and best practices of working collaboratively in professional contexts. Students apply these concepts to analyze their own work experience, generating strategies for how to improve their performance in work groups. Students will learn basic project management skills and work in online virtual teams to complete a final communication project.

COMP 325 - Human-Computer Interaction (4)

This course covers a broad range of important topics within Human-Computer Interaction and its implications for the design of interactive systems. By understanding the user's viewpoint and technology's effect on people, we can better plan for the selection, design, implementation, and use of technology so that the effects are positive rather than negative. The focus is on the design of interactive systems and human-computer interfaces. The course will cover the current literature and the knowns and unknowns of Human-Computer Interaction and design. The design process is centered on the user and is based on a multidisciplinary approach that synthesizes computer science, cognitive science, and psychology. Human-computer interface designers also use analytical and empirical techniques to assess, predict, and evaluate whether a design meets user requirements. During this course, you will focus on 3 major types of assignments: Written assignments on HCI principles and system design. A project during which you will demonstrate your ability to apply HCI principles to design a software interface. A journal where you will record and reflect on your observations related to your studies in the course.

GRPH 310 - Advanced Graphic Design (4)

In this course, a strong focus is placed on preparing students to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences through graphic design. Students will learn to apply these principles using traditional methods supported by computer technology.

IMD 300 - Digital Media Design (4)

This course explores motion graphic design using Adobe After Effects. The focus will be on creating video that can be used in interactive media projects, web sites, and social media contexts. The course examines common practices and methods of creating professional quality media using current technologies. Students work individually and in teams to design, develop, and implement digital media for projects.

IMD 400 - Interactive Media for Training & Instruction (4)

This upper-level Interactive Media Design course provides practical application and experience in the creation of digitally mediated communication for training and instructional purposes. Students work individually and within teams to produce professional-quality media used for interactive training and instruction. The course provides hands-on experience identifying a training opportunity, followed by the design of a suitable innovation, and ending with the implementation of a solution. Students use computer software and technology to integrate text, graphics, video, audio, and animation in to produce interactive training and instruction.

IMD 430 - Interactive Media for Entertainment (4)

This upper-level Interactive Media Design course provides practical application and experience in the creation of digitally mediated communication for entertainment. Students work individually and within design teams, filling the necessary roles to produce professional quality entertainment media. The course provides hands-on experience conducting a needs analysis, followed by the design of a suitable innovation, and ending with the implementation of a solution. Students use computer software and technology to present text, graphics, video, audio, and animation in an integrated environment that produces an interactive and engaging media product.

IMD 450 - Interactive Media for Advertising (4)

This upper-level Interactive Media Design course provides practical application and experience in the creation of digitally mediated communication for advertising purposes. The course provides students with the knowledge and experience to design interactive media used in advertising to satisfy marketing objectives. The course provides hands-on experience conducting a needs analysis, followed by the design of a suitable advertising innovation, and ending with the implementation of a solution. Students utilize computer software and technology to present text, graphics, video, audio, and animation in an integrated way to produce interactive marketing materials.

IMD 490 - Interactive Media Design Practicum (4)

In this course, students create interactive media products for actual clients, thus gaining the most practical experience possible in an education setting. The practicum is organized like an actual design firm with the instructor as the organizational leader and students filling different roles in the organization. Students are placed in design teams based on their experience and talents. Within the teams, they collaborate to design and develop solutions to practical problems that require interactive media solutions. These problems may be training, marketing, or entertainment oriented or a combination of all three. IMD490 and IMD495 make up the final IMD capstone course progression and as such the two courses must be taken in sequential order and in separate terms.

IMD 495 - Interactive Media Design Capstone (4)

This is the first practicum course in the Interactive Media Design program. It provides experience in an on-going interactive media design project. A student at this level will be given an assignment in a team similar to that of a new hire in industry. The interactive media design project will require the student to apply industry best practices in completing an assignment for the project.

University Electives

23 credits from the following types of courses:
Any undergraduate courses offered by the University except developmental education courses.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

Academic Minors

Personalize your degree with a minor. Explore available minors, learn how minors can benefit you, and find out what requirements you must meet to earn a minor.

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Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

B.S. Interactive Media Design Program Details

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Career Opportunities

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers focus on learning objectives, learning activities and assessments to create effective courses, curricula or training materials. 

Interactive Designer

Interactive Designers collaborate in the creation of digital experiences by recommending ways to design the experience that bridge the gap between human need and computer capability.

Interactive Media Designer

Interactive Media Designers integrate audio, video, animation, graphics, and other multimedia components into technology-based, consumable media such as CDs, DVDs, websites, TV, and movies.

Interface Designer

Interface Designers employ visual design, creative, and marketing skills to make applications both understandable and appealing to users.

Media Designer

Media Designers conceive and create marketing, advertising, sales, and product materials in order to inform, educate, or entertain an intended audience.

Mobile Applications Designer

Mobile Application Designers design and develop technology programs, games and tools for hand-held devices such as cell phones, iPads, and personal digital assistants.

Social Media Specialist

Social Media Specialists leverage social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter on behalf of clients and/or companies to create, maintain and/or grow a following to maximize engagement with the organization, product, service, or brand.

Web Designer / Developer

Web Designers / Developers translate business objectives into interactive, web-based content and experiences that communicate information about an organization and/or its products and services.

Employment Outlook

16%

From 2021-2031, jobs in Interactive Media Design are expected to increase by 16%

All Occupations

2021
2,414,326 jobs
2031
2,788,483 jobs
Show Details >

Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

2021
1,600,098 jobs
2031
1,924,125 jobs

Graphic Designers

2021
261,356 jobs
2031
268,423 jobs

Computer Occupations, All Other

2021
420,138 jobs
2031
452,283 jobs


Source information provided by Lightcast.

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