The Interactive Media Arts curriculum strives to pull user interactions from within the computer out into the physical world. This studio-based curriculum appeals to interests in the emerging technologies of game design, microcontrollers, 3D printing, virtual reality, WebGL (web graphics library), augmented reality, and traditional animated film and visual effects. Certificates concentrate on pipeline production positions of employment, so that the students may concentrate on skill-driven academic success that is pertinent to the local job market. Students may take as many tracks as they are interested in, as all provide the student with a more well-rounded understanding of emerging technologies and an expanded, original creative portfolio.
The current Interactive Media Arts certificate program includes three one-year certificates of proficiency in 3D Animation, 2D Animation, and Game Design. These certificates are intended to produce relevant hires for the games, emerging technology, and entertainment industries. Each certificate culminates into a portfolio course sponsored by industry. In this course, students create a team project under the practice of Agile Management theory, a production technique used in team-centered arts production. Example projects in this course include: a short animated film, a virtual reality experience, or an external microcontroller driven interactive display like those seen at theme parks. The final portfolio project is driven by the skill sets and interests of the students attending.