students gather around monitors to play student designed games

Game and Interactive Media Design Bachelor's Degree

  • BA

About the Game and Interactive Media Design Major

Ready to bring your ideas to life? In the Game and Interactive Media BA program at Columbia College Chicago, we’ll help you dive into dynamic and multidisciplinary field of game and interactive media design, which combines creativity, technical expertise, and collaboration. We’ll prepare you for success in game development, simulations, immersive experience, software programming, and other interactive technologies. You can choose from one of several concentrations that will focus on your area of interest. Get ready to level up your skills and make your mark in the gaming industry. In all these areas, students participate in a senior capstone course to collaboratively develop work for their portfolio. 

Examples of Game Art Careers

  • Animator
  • Asset modeler
  • Character artist
  • Computer graphics artist
  • Gameplay programmer
  • Game designer
  • Technical designer
  • UI (user interface) designer

The Student Experience

Start building games your first semester, using industry-standard software tools throughout your studies. The curriculum mirrors the collaborative environment of the gaming industry, equipping you with essential technical skills and team experience that make you a valuable candidate for employers.

  • Immerse yourself in game developmentYour first year includes introductory classes that cover various industry genres, career paths, and toolsets. You'll learn the foundational theories of interaction and development, quickly applying your knowledge through practical assignments such as coding and prototyping. 
  • Focus on your interests

    During your junior and senior years, you’ll focus on your area of interest, allowing you to collaborate with peers from different disciplines to develop a complete game or interactive project, managing every aspect from concept to delivery, resulting in portfolio-ready pieces. 

  • Learn from experienced faculty

    Many of our professors bring to the classroom their experience working in the gaming industry. You probably know some of their work.

  • Engage with industryBeyond engaging with faculty who are industry professionals in their own right, students experience guest lectures, industry events and fairs, and can potentially participate in national conferences and festivals.
  • Join student organizations

    Engage with clubs focused on your interests in gaming and art, where you can collaborate on projects and network with peers and industry leaders.

a game art student works on a tablet

Career Readiness

From connecting you to internships to helping you develop door-opening bodies of work to making an important professional connection, Columbia helps students launch their careers.

  • Leverage a strong alumni network

    Our alumni are employed at prestigious gaming firms, including BioWare and NetherRealm Studios, and are well-equipped for careers in various sectors. They often return to share insights and network with current students, enhancing your career opportunities.

  • Gain real-world experience

    The Career Center provides guidance in securing internships tailored to your interests and professional goals. With support from faculty, you’ll develop a robust portfolio and resume that stand out in the competitive job market.

Alumni Spotlight

Alex Damarjian headshot

Alex Damarjian, PhD MAT ‘06

Alum Alex Damarjian ’06, technical artist for Netflix and professional game developer with experience at Amazon, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network.

98%

of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.

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