The Mission of the Web Design & Interactive Media Bachelor of Science Degree program is to prepare students to work effectively both individually and in a team creating aesthetically compelling and effective content to be presented and interacted with on the Web and multiple interactive media platforms.
The Web Design & Interactive Media program prepares students to pursue entry-level careers designing and developing web sites and interactive/multimedia software products. Design for the World Wide Web and interactive media is a dynamic and rapidly evolving multi-billion dollar industry that includes products running not only on conventional computers, but also on devices such as interactive kiosks and portable devices. Web Design & Interactive Media is an essential part of businesses worldwide, as well as the education, scientific and entertainment industries.
Students begin the program by developing their skills in drawing and design, while learning the fundamentals of digital imaging, audio and basic Web technologies. Intermediate courses introduce interactive media authoring, video technology and project management skills. Students have the opportunity to continue to develop their web skills, learning programming and scripting techniques such as Actionscript, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and XML for design, animation and data handling. In advanced courses, students have the opportunity to expand their understanding of the structure and technologies of web and interactive media products, and learn techniques for designing and managing large projects.
In the senior project of the Bachelor’s Degree program, students have the opportunity to plan, design and develop substantial projects, often for real clients. Students can also produce professional-quality digital portfolios as interactive media presentations of their own work and abilities.
Faculty members are experienced professionals and educators who bring their knowledge of the field and practical experience into the classroom.
Curriculum
Total Credit Hours: 180 — 12 Quarters
Each class listed is a 3 credit, 4 clock hours per week course. Each quarter is 11 weeks. Three quarters or 33 weeks is defined as an academic year, during which a full time student would earn 48 quarter credits. Web Design and Interactive Media students graduate with a total of 180 quarter credit hours. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Some courses are offered on a rotating basis. Students should consult their Academic Advisor and/or Department Chair when creating their course schedule to ensure they are following the recommended sequence.
IMD121 Information Design Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
A study of the process of solving instructional problems by systematic analysis of the conditions of learning through information. Students draw upon theory and knowledge from psychology, communications, and technology to develop their skills.
IMD122 Design and Typography Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
CC111, CC115, CPU101
Beginning with an introduction to the history and origins of letterforms, this course will explore the construction, function, and application of typography as an element of communications design. Aspects of type including readability, psychology, and aesthetics will be examined. This course will also cover the adaptation of typography for different information delivery systems including print and electronic media.
IMD130 Writing for Multimedia Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: ENG101
ENG101
This course examines the roles of copywriter and scriptwriter in interactive multimedia. Emphasis will be on writing opportunities in the multimedia industry and the process of interactive writing such as establishing the premise, developing the treatment, and defining the audience.
IMD131 Screen Design and Graphics Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
CC133, IMD121
An introduction to the process of designing graphics for use on the screen. Students will formulate design projects specifically for delivery mediums such as kiosks, the Internet, and disc. Parameters relating to color, resolution access speed, and composition will mediate the design process. Students will employ principles of interactive design appropriate for the client and target audience.
IMD211 Interactive Authoring I Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
Students will learn interactive media production skills using an authoring tool. The focus will be integrating animation, audio, and video; building functioning user interfaces; and understanding and using scripting language of the authoring tool.
IMD212 Basic Web Scripting Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: CC132
CC132
Students will create World Wide Web pages utilizing various scripting languages of current/future Web documents, in addition to many of the other effects and extension scripts available for that medium.
IMD213 Project Management Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD121
IMD121
This course focuses on the multimedia project management process and development of the project team as key to the successful achievement of multimedia project goals. The process examines the main elements required in every proposal/plan: time frame and budget. Key areas of multimedia project teams serve to support the fundamental approach that every project team is tailored to achieve project results efficiently and effectively.
IMD221 Interactive Authoring II Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD211
IMD211
This course will cover how to fine tune skills in scripting and storyboarding, and will show how to design a production using interactive multimedia authoring software. This course has an emphasis on the hardware, software and peripherals and interdisciplinary content required for successful composition of interactive multimedia projects.
IMD222 Computer Animation for Multimedia and Web Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
A study of 2D and 3D animation using computer modeling and animation software program as the primary tool. This course will emphasize the creation of animated sequences and GIF animation for multimedia applications.
IMD232 Interactive Authoring III Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD221
IMD221
This multimedia production course includes the design and construction of a complete interactive presentation. Students will be responsible for the preparation of production parameters, objectives, analysis, and preproduction outlines through final production evaluation and editing.
IMD233 Web Site Development I Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD212
IMD212
Corporations and other organizations utilize Web sites to disseminate information about products, services, and events or to provide point-of-purchase sales. Students will plan and design a Web site in this course. The Web site will be designed and developed to sell a product or service, build a brand image, sell goods and/ or provide information to a consumer.
IMD234 Computer-Based Training I Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
This course serves to introduce and provide experience with the design, development, and evaluation of effective Computer-Based Training (CBT). Focus will be on the foundations of CBT, authoring software, generalized authoring options, principles of effective design of CBT, and instructional analysis.
IMD241 Media Law and Ethics Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
CC114, IMD130
This course covers the legal and ethical issues involved in professional practice in media-related professions. This includes business ethics, liability, corporate social responsibility, consumer policy, environmental impact, and intellectual property, including copyrights, patents, trademarks and virtual property. It also introduces issues related to gender, race, age, national origin and cultural differences as they affect both media content and media workplaces.
IMD251 E-Commerce for Web Design Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
This course will introduce the student to the unique theory and tactics of advertising and marketing on the Internet. The student will research actual advertising and marketing campaigns employing the Internet as a media vehicle. Class lectures will include the theories of advertising and marketing, target markets, demographics, media buying, and customer tracking.
IMD311 Sophomore Digital Portfolio Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
Student has successfully completed all non General Education courses in quarters 1-6 inclusive in the Web Design and Interactive Media program
This course is a review and preparation of individual portfolios. The students will work on the packaging and presentation of various projects developed in other upper-level courses. Students will finalize their resume and sample sheet to begin their industry networking process.
IMD312 Introduction to Programming Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: CPU101
CPU101
Corequisite: IMD323
This course introduces programming structures and techniques. Topics learned flow to a variety of programming languages. Students will learn object-oriented topics and approaches, data types, variables, flow and decision control, object construction and use, application and creation, and threading and animation.
IMD313 Instructional Design Theory Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD121
IMD121
This course will introduce the student to the principles of instructional design as applied to computer based training. Skill development will include goal analysis, performance objective writing, instructional strategies, and instructional materials creation.
IMD314 Video for Interactive Media Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
Students will learn how to select and integrate the appropriate video technology into an overall multimedia solution. Accessing video/audio on demand, streaming technologies, and embedding video using authoring tools are the major topics of this course. Students produce a live Webcast as a class project.
IMD321 Computer-Based Training II Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD234
IMD234
This course develops experience with the design and production of instructional materials. Students will design an instructional or training package that satisfies learning principles and utilizes multimedia technologies.
IMD322 Advanced Image Manipulation Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
CC115, CC133
This course examines the process of creating graphics for the Internet. It explores the techniques to produce graphics, animations, and video for use on the World Wide Web.
IMD323 Database Systems Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD233
IMD233
Corequisite: IMD312
Databases are critical to providing content interactively on the Web as well as tracking the traffic and customer information. This course will introduce the student to databases and their application and integration to Web site development and administration.
IMD331 Web Site Development II Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
IMD233, IMD312, IMD323
Students will analyze, design, build and maintain large Internet sites that successfully integrate server management, site design, database, and scripting skills.
IMD332 Web Imaging Techniques Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
CC132, CC133
Students will study the possibilities and constraints of image transport and display over the Internet. Current technologies will be studied in an application-oriented approach.
IMD401 Advanced Web Scripting Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: CC132
CC132
This course builds on Fundamentals of the World Wide Web to further Web site design and development. It will focus on using advanced techniques to extend the interaction of the user and the browser to create a truly dynamic site.
IMD411 Senior Research Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
IMD130, IMD213, IMD221, IMD232, IMD322
The student will select a specific subject that can be effectively presented using interactive media or Web design. Emphasis during this research is to be on quantitative and qualitative components of the subject area, project scheduling, presentation methods, and qualitative results. During this time students will conduct research sufficient for professional presentation as a graduate project, to be submitted and defended during their final quarter.
IMD412 Interactive Telecommunications Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD222
IMD222
An examination of the current and future trends in the developing digital media for telecommunications applications. Topics to include emerging trends in delivery mechanisms, collaboration issues, media on-demand, and other user interface and usage issues. Students will also learn about and assess various technical issues.
IMD431 Senior Project Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: IMD411
IMD411
Student will produce an interactive multimedia or Web site project based on previously conducted research. The emphasis is on qualitative research, project schedule, presentation methods, and qualitative results. Students will prepare, present and defend project suitable for a professional audience.
IMD432 Portfolio for Web Design Top
3 Credits
Prerequisite: none
165 credits successfully completed in the Web Design & Interactive Media program
This course will guide students through the process of compiling their work into a final interactive portfolio. Students will apply techniques and strategies to market themselves in their chosen fields. Emphasis will be placed on students assessing their most marketable skills, designing storyboards for their interactive portfolios, creating professional design layouts, creating interfaces, as well as visual, audio, video, and text elements. The students will work on the packaging and presentation of various projects developed in other upper-level courses including resumes, and print material to support their interactive portfolios and to begin their industry networking process.
