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Message from Annette Barbier, Chairperson

Today’s students studying disciplines integrating creativity and technology are challenged with continuous rapid change that demands visual, critical, and technical proficiency. The Interactive Arts and Media department offers a BA in Game Design, a BA and BFA in Interactive Arts and Media, and a Web Development minor. All students complete a shared core curriculum before focusing on a chosen major, culminating in a senior-level capstone course in which students complete work at a professional level. Majors develop a uniquely balanced individual identity, incorporating roles of designer, artist, and technologist.

Our rigorous curriculum and accomplished faculty help our students emerge with strong foundations in arts, humanities, and technology. Studies include a mix of cutting edge applied techniques, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. The Interactive Arts & Media program prepares students for careers in interactive and electronic arts; online, mobile, and embedded media; digital fabrication; Web design; virtual worlds; interface and experience design; game design; and emerging technological media. The principles taught in “IAM” confer a breadth and depth that give a competitive edge in growing job markets.

Alumni work as artists, illustrators, game designers, interaction and interface designers, programmers, and information architects in game companies, advertising agencies, museums, design firms, production houses, education, and Web publishers. In addition, some advance to graduate school, becoming professional artists, researchers, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

Courses in Interactive Arts and Media are conducted in state-of-the-art classrooms that provide maximum access to the latest hardware, software, and emerging technologies. Students receive space on a Web server where they can access their work and projects from any location. IAM also offers a wealth of resources for the student. These include, printers, scanners, digital still and video cameras, sound and video editing, animation and 3-d modeling workstations, portable video audio equipment, and electronics and laser fabrication equipment. Open-access studios and labs provide comfortable and inviting environments that are conducive to work, collaboration, and socializing.

Interactive Arts and Media offers students a rich and vibrant culture, encouraging student involvement in student organizations, internships, and student showcases, while providing mentoring, tutoring, workshops, a game study facility, and guest speakers and artists.

Our students exemplify and extend Columbia College Chicago’s mission: not only will they author the culture of their times, but they will be at the forefront of inventing compelling and engaging new media cultures.

Annette Barbier
Chairperson, Interactive Arts and Media

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