M.S. in Computer Science
The M.S. in Computer Science at SUNY Poly is a graduate-level program typically complet...
B.S. in Interactive Media and Game Design
Utica, New York
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The B.S. in Interactive Media and Game Design (IMGD) at SUNY Poly immerses students in the design, development, and business aspects of interactive media, with a strong emphasis on game creation. Recognizing the multi-billion-dollar scale of the interactive entertainment industry, the program provides opportunities to create engaging interactive content and entertainment. Students begin hands-on design and development from their first year, utilizing industry-standard software and design suites. The program offers concentrations in areas such as Software Development and Interaction Design, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and Art and Asset Production, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career interests within the broad field of interactive media.
Curriculum: The IMGD curriculum is comprehensive, blending artistic creativity with technical proficiency. While specific course lists can vary based on chosen concentrations, core coursework generally includes foundational concepts in game design and development, programming for game creation, and asset production. Students delve into subjects like gamification, machinima, and a progression of studio design courses, where they develop numerous game prototypes and digital games. The program emphasizes both the technical and creative aspects, covering areas like scripting, storyboarding, animation, lighting, camera, sound editing, and music. This multifaceted approach ensures graduates have a well-rounded understanding of the game development pipeline.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Interactive Media and Game Design at SUNY Poly has a growing research focus, particularly in areas where interactive media intersects with emerging technologies and societal impact. The program aims to foster innovation within the gaming industry. Faculty are encouraged to establish robust research agendas, and students have opportunities to engage in meaningful research that drives innovation, potentially through collaboration with local gaming studios, industry leaders, or agencies seeking simulations for training exercises. This focus extends to topics like the application of games for purposes beyond entertainment, such as education, training, and healthcare (often referred to as "serious games"), as well as exploring artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming, cybersecurity in games, and user experience (UX) testing.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant component of the Interactive Media and Game Design program. The curriculum is built to reflect the realities of the professional game and interactive media industries. Students learn by "doing," working with industry-standard software and design suites from early in their studies. The program actively fosters connections with local gaming studios, industry leaders, and agencies. This engagement provides students with ample hands-on experience in coursework and potential internships, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world production environments and build professional networks. The interdisciplinary approach of the program also prepares students to collaborate effectively with teammates from diverse backgrounds, mirroring the collaborative nature of the industry.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Interactive Media and Game Design inherently embraces a global perspective, reflecting the worldwide nature of the gaming and interactive media industry. Games are created and consumed globally, and the program's focus on industry standards and practices prepares students for a global workforce. SUNY Poly's campus environment, with students from over 20 nations, provides a multicultural backdrop that enriches learning and collaboration. While specific study abroad opportunities for IMGD might not be prominently detailed, the general offerings for international experiences across the SUNY system can further broaden a student's understanding of global media trends, diverse player bases, and international development teams, preparing them for an interconnected and international career.
Location
Utica, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 18720
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence and reduce financial barriers.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students admitted to SUNY Poly may be eligible for academic merit scholarships awarded based on high school or previous college performance. These scholarships reward strong academic records, leadership qualities, and potential for success in STEM, business, and health sciences fields.
Transfer and Continuing Student Scholarships: SUNY Poly offers scholarships for transfer students and those continuing their studies, recognizing sustained academic achievement and commitment to their programs.
Specialized Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within SUNY Poly may offer field-specific scholarships for international students excelling in areas such as engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, or nursing. These awards encourage students to advance innovation and research in their chosen disciplines.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interactive Media and Game Design (IMGD) from SUNY Polytechnic Institute provides a unique blend of creative and technical skills, preparing graduates for the dynamic and rapidly expanding interactive entertainment and media industries.
Game Designer: Graduates can focus on various aspects of game design, including crafting core gameplay mechanics, designing levels, developing narratives and stories, or specializing in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design to ensure intuitive and engaging player interactions.
Game Programmer / Software Developer: For those with a strong technical leaning, roles involve writing the code that makes games and interactive applications function. This can include gameplay programming, engine development, AI programming, graphics programming, or network programming for multiplayer games.
Game Artist / 3D Modeler / Animator: Graduates with a focus on art and asset production create the visual elements of games, including characters, environments, props, and special effects. They might specialize in 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, or bringing characters to life through animation.
Level Designer: A specialized role within game design, level designers are responsible for creating the playable spaces within a game, including the layout, challenges, puzzles, and progression that define the player's journey through specific areas.
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester / Game Tester: An entry-level but crucial role, QA testers rigorously play games to identify bugs, glitches, and usability issues, providing essential feedback to development teams to ensure a polished final product.
UX/UI Designer (Beyond Games): The skills in user experience and user interface design are highly transferable. Graduates can apply their expertise to design intuitive and engaging interfaces for websites, mobile applications, software, and other digital products across various industries.
Multimedia Designer / Digital Content Creator: Beyond traditional games, graduates can create interactive digital content for educational purposes ("serious games"), marketing campaigns, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, simulations, and various forms of online media.
Technical Artist: This role bridges the gap between artists and programmers. Technical artists develop tools, optimize assets, and solve technical challenges for art production, ensuring visual elements can be efficiently integrated into game engines.
Producer / Project Coordinator (Game Development): With a holistic understanding of the game development pipeline, graduates can enter roles assisting in project management, coordinating teams, managing schedules, and ensuring the smooth progression of a game's development from concept to launch.
Web Developer (with Interactive Focus): Graduates with strong programming and design skills can apply their knowledge to web development, particularly in creating interactive web experiences, animated elements, and dynamic user interfaces for websites and web applications.
