2024-2025 Catalog: September 2024 Edition
Interactive Media Arts
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 Return to: School of the Arts: Programs, Degrees and Certificates
Dean: Joseph Poshek
Academic Chair, Visual Arts: Terry Chatkupt
Faculty: Patricia Beckman-Wells, EdD
Courses
The Interactive Media Arts curriculum prepares students for emerging technologies used in Games, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed realities, Virtual Film Production, Projection Mapping, and related industries. We concentrate on creating digital art assets and stories enhanced by a game engine, industry-standard art asset creation software, Artificial Intelligence, and programmed interactivity to prepare students for the coming explosion of growth in this industry. No prior experience is necessary.
The Interactive Media Arts curriculum is award-winning. We have won multiple IEEE Gamesigs (competing against major Universities), a Commendation from the City of Irvine, and a Distinguished educator award from the Greater Irvine Chamber.
The Interactive Media Arts (IMA) curriculum is predominately project-based and includes courses in 3D/2D Animation, Game Design, Character Design and Layout, Environmental Design, 3D Modeling, Virtual Filmmaking, Interactive Live Event Design, Visual Programming, and Story as they pertain to emerging technologies. Students are not expected to have digital experience prior to joining the classes.
Our IMA program enjoys strong relationships with area studios, and several artists from these studios participate in the curriculum as instructors, guest speakers, and guests. These CSU and UC transferable studio-based art courses are intended to prepare students for industry, as well as provide a foundational understanding of the aesthetic and technical aspects of emerging technologies.
Majors
Certificates concentrate on pipeline production positions of employment so that the student may concentrate on skill-driven academic success that is pertinent to the local job market. If the student has an interest in a Baccalaureate, we provide the student with a targeted focus when transferring to a four-year college or university. The student may take as many tracks as they are interested in, as all provide the student with a more well-rounded understanding of emerging technologies and an expanded, original creative portfolio. The current Interactive Media Arts certificate program includes three one-year certificates of proficiency in 3D Animation, 2D animation, and General Game Design. These certificates are intended to produce relevant hires for the games, emerging technology, and entertainment industries as well as any industry adopting new technologies. Each certificate culminates into a portfolio course wherein a student may choose a pipeline position emphasis or participate in a group project. Students completing portfolio have enjoyed tremendous success in the IEEE Gamesig as top ten finalists and semi-finalists.
Potential Careers
Examples of careers in interactive media arts and emerging technology:
- Digital Filmmaker for games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
- Animator for games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
- 3D Modeler for games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
- Game designer for games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
- Pre-visualization artist for games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
- 3D Asset Manager for games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
- Interactive display designer for theme parks and all emerging technologies.
- Producer of games, film, virtual reality, webgl, and all emerging media.
ProgramsAssociate in ScienceCertificate of AchievementCertificate of Proficiency
Return to: School of the Arts: Programs, Degrees and Certificates
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