B.S. in Actuarial Mathematics
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, offers a Bachelor of Scien...
B.A. in Interactive Media & Game Development
Worcester, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Interactive Media & Game Development at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, offers students a comprehensive education in the theory, design, and production of interactive media and video games. This interdisciplinary program combines creative storytelling, game design principles, and technical skills to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving field of interactive entertainment. Students learn about game design theory, interactive storytelling, digital art, programming, user experience (UX) design, and project management, gaining hands-on experience through collaborative projects and studio courses. WPI's Interactive Media & Game Development program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and collaboration, empowering graduates to create engaging and immersive interactive experiences across various platforms and industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Interactive Media & Game Development program at WPI is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of interactive media and game development concepts and practices. Core courses cover topics such as game design fundamentals, digital art and animation, game programming, interactive narrative, sound design, and project management. Students also have the flexibility to choose elective courses in areas such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), serious games, mobile game development, and indie game development. The curriculum integrates theory with practice through hands-on projects, collaborative assignments, and experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to develop their creative talents, technical skills, and professional portfolios.
Research Focus: WPI is committed to advancing research in interactive media, gaming, and related fields, with faculty members in the Interactive Media & Game Development program engaged in research projects that explore new technologies, design methodologies, and storytelling techniques in gaming and interactive media. Research areas include game design theory, player psychology, virtual reality, augmented reality, procedural content generation, and interactive narrative. Students have the opportunity to participate in research initiatives through independent studies, research assistantships, and collaborative projects with faculty mentors. WPI's research focus fosters innovation, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to push the boundaries of interactive media and gaming in the digital age.
Industry Engagement: WPI maintains strong connections with the interactive media and gaming industry, including game studios, entertainment companies, tech startups, and digital agencies. Through industry partnerships, guest lectures, and studio visits, students in the Interactive Media & Game Development program gain insights into industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. WPI's industry connections also provide students with internship opportunities, co-op experiences, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, helping them to gain real-world experience and establish connections in the gaming industry. Additionally, WPI's Career Development Center offers resources and support for students seeking careers in interactive media and gaming, including job fairs, portfolio reviews, and industry-specific workshops.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected world, WPI emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in interactive media and game development. The university offers study abroad programs, international research opportunities, and global project experiences that expose students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and gaming markets around the world. Additionally, WPI's diverse community of students and faculty from different backgrounds fosters cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and creativity. Graduates of WPI's Interactive Media & Game Development program are well-prepared to work in global game studios, collaborate with international partners, and create culturally relevant and globally appealing interactive experiences.
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 60965
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: Waiver
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 90 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 61 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 125 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recognizes the importance of providing financial support to international students pursuing higher education in the United States.
Global Scholarship Program: WPI offers the Global Scholarship Program to international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition coverage for up to four years of undergraduate study at WPI. Eligibility criteria include academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and contributions to the community.
International Student Scholarships: WPI provides a limited number of scholarships specifically designated for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application requirements. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities offered by their academic departments, schools, and external organizations.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While WPI's scholarship programs primarily focus on merit-based awards, the university also considers financial need as a factor in determining eligibility for aid. International students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for need-based financial aid, which could include grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. The Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating the financial aid application process and exploring available resources.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities and governmental sponsorships offered by their home countries, international organizations, and private foundations. These scholarships may be available for specific fields of study, academic merit, or financial need. WPI provides guidance and support to students seeking external funding sources and assists them in applying for scholarships outside the university.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Interactive Media & Game Development from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, opens up a multitude of exciting career opportunities in the interactive media and gaming industry.
Game Designer: Game designers are responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, designing gameplay mechanics, and creating game levels, characters, and storylines. They collaborate with artists, programmers, and writers to bring their vision to life and ensure a compelling and immersive gaming experience.
Game Developer: Game developers design, code, and create video games for various platforms, including consoles, computers, mobile devices, and virtual reality (VR) systems. They work in teams to develop game mechanics, user interfaces, and interactive experiences, using programming languages such as C++, Java, or Unity.
UI/UX Designer: UI/UX designers focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for video games and interactive media. They conduct user research, design wireframes and prototypes, and optimize user interfaces for accessibility, usability, and engagement.
3D Artist/Animator: 3D artists and animators create visual assets, characters, environments, and animations for video games, simulations, and virtual reality experiences. They use software tools such as Maya, Blender, or ZBrush to model, texture, rig, and animate 3D assets.
Game Tester/QA Analyst: Game testers and quality assurance (QA) analysts play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and functionality of video games. They identify bugs, glitches, and usability issues through rigorous testing and provide feedback to developers for improvement.
Technical Artist: Technical artists bridge the gap between art and programming in game development, creating tools, pipelines, and workflows to optimize the production process. They develop shaders, scripts, and plugins to enhance visual effects, performance, and productivity.
Sound Designer/Music Composer: Sound designers and music composers create audio assets, sound effects, and music tracks for video games and interactive media. They collaborate with developers to create immersive audio experiences that enhance gameplay and storytelling.
Narrative Designer/Writer: Narrative designers and writers are responsible for crafting compelling stories, dialogues, and narratives for video games and interactive experiences. They develop characters, plotlines, and dialogue trees that engage players and drive the game's narrative forward.
Producer/Project Manager: Producers and project managers oversee the development process of video games and interactive media, managing schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope. They coordinate teams, facilitate communication, and resolve conflicts to ensure project success.
Indie Developer/Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to start their own game development studio or pursue independent projects as indie developers. They create their own games, apps, or interactive experiences, taking creative risks and exploring innovative ideas in the rapidly evolving indie gaming market.
