The Interactive Media Digital Design Program at QCC is a two year degree option that will allow students the opportunity to join an exciting career field. Using industry standard software and hardware, students will learn the ins and outs of the expansive Digital Design industry and landscape.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Science

This program will prepare you to enter the Digital Design industry or continue your education further by means of transfer to a four year institution. This program will provide you with the knowledge needed in an ever changing Digital Design world by utilizing industry standard hardware and industry current curriculum.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $227/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $433/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

64 credits

A few years ago, I learned about QCC thanks to my sister, who also attended college. I entered to learn graphic design and English but took photography and drawing classes. The campus is spectacular, and my years at Quinsigamond have been filled with great memories and experiences.

- Rafael Esteban Cruz Carvajal, Digital Design Student

Learn Online

  • This program may be completed 80% or more online.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will focus on design, photography, imaging, and English.

Art forms

Semester 2

This semester will cover illustration, animation, UI/UX design, and art.

See the full curriculum

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in four semesters.
  • Complete ENG 101.
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
Digital Design Concepts IIMD 114F/SU3Placement into college level English
Graphic Design IIMD 121F3Placement into college level English
Digital Imaging and MediaIMD 154F/SU3Placement into college level English
Digital PhotographyIMD 161F3Placement into college level English
  Total15 

Semester 2 (Spring)

  • For the Art Theory Electives (Semesters 2 and 3), choose: ART 101, ART 111, ART 112, ART 121, or ART 211.
  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
UI/UX Design FundamentalsIMD 105F/S3Placement into college level English
Digital Design Concepts IIIMD 115S/SU3IMD 114
Graphic Design IIIMD 122S3IMD 121
Digital Illustration and AnimationIMD 155S/SU3IMD 154
Art Theory Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total18 

Semester 3 (Fall)

  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
  • Complete prerequisite(s) for the Mathematics Elective or Science Elective.
Publication DesignIMD 222F3IMD 115, IMD 122
Digital Video FundamentalsIMD 263F3 
TypographyIMD 271F3IMD 115, IMD 121
Motion GraphicsIMD 275F3IMD 154, IMD 155
Art Theory Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total15 

Semester 4 (Spring)

  • For the IMD Strategic Elective, choose: CIS 121, CIS 134, COM 100, CSC 101, HUM 232, IMD 106, IMG 100, IMG 272, MGT 216, MRK 201, or MRK 241.
  • The Liberal Arts Elective cannot be an ART course.
  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Interactive Media Processes PortfolioIMD 286S4IMD 275
IMD Strategic Elective---F/S/SU3 
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
Mathematics Elective or Science Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total16 
Total Credits Required:  64 

Program Goals:

The Interactive Media - Digital Design Option is a multi-faceted computer-based program designated for students seeking a computer interface design career in digital media in the global marketplace. Students produce designs, symbols, typography, illustrations, photography, video, multimedia, motion graphics, sound, and animation for use in print, web, social media, and interactive media.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Achieve computer interface design competencies to communicate original artistic expression for promotion and sales of products for newspapers, magazines, web publications, multimedia and video content providers, ad agencies, and manufacturers.
  • Achieve computer interface design competencies to communicate original artistic expression in electronic and digital design technologies for career opportunities in the industry.
  • Achieve computer interface design competencies to communicate original artistic expression in electronic and digital design technologies for career opportunities in the print and prepress industry.
  • Achieve computer interface design competencies to communicate original artistic expression in electronic and digital design technologies for career opportunities in Internet publishing industries as content providers using multimedia, video, and animation.
  • Produce a print, PDF, web/e-publishing presence, and interactive social media portfolio of student work for presentation to future employers or for transfer to institutions of higher learning.
  • Transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at colleges and universities with related fields of study.
  • Provide a progressive framework of courses to meet general education core curriculum goals for measurable proficiencies in: Information Literacy, Quantitative Reasoning, Scientific Reasoning, Technical Literacy, Aesthetics, Multiple Perspectives, Ethics, Impact of Technology, and Civic Literacy.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

  • The Interactive Media - Digital Design Option is a first-come, first-served program that offers in person classes that run Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so plan accordingly. A majority of classes are offered online as well, with a few that take place in person.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 11.0803.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

The Interactive Media (Applied Arts) Program at Quinsigamond was established in 1993, as one of the first multi-faceted computer based programs designated for students seeking a design career in digital media in the regional marketplace.

The Interactive Media, Associate in Science Degree offers a fully integrated curriculum with state of the art computer software and hard-ware technologies. Assignments in APA designated courses utilize Macintosh computer systems to integrate with new media design and Internet and mobile technologies.

Upon completion of the program students will have spent over 2000 hours on the computer learning the foundation for proficiency in 12 design based software programs for computer generated publications in print and electronic publications.

Currently, digital design specialists utilize computer-based technologies to produce designs, symbols, typography, illustrations, animations, 3-D imagery, motion graphics, and video for use in print and electronic publications to help communicate ideas in the global marketplace.
Web publishers, print and online newspapers and magazines, ad agencies and manufacturers all use in-house or freelance digital New Media designers in the branding, promotion and sales of their products. The popularity and worldwide availability of social networking, HD television, digital video and photography, animation, and the expanding global web universe of sights and sounds are creating new and exciting career opportunities for New Media Designers.

Recently, the APA program has introduced new courses in 3-D Modeling using Maya software and Video Fundamentals. Digital multimedia production integrates and merges text, graphics, sound, animation, photography and video to create, produce and communicate a unique product branding experience.

Prof. George Fitch
Program Coordinator, Faculty
gfitch@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Mary Gallagher Newman
Faculty
mnewman@qcc.mass.edu

Ms. Gallagher Newman graduated from Norwich University and the Institute for Educational studies with an MA in Integrative Education in the Creative Arts.

With a professional background in advertising design, illustration and corporate branding, Ms. Gallagher Newman travels extensively consulting for global not for profit humanitarian organizations. She attends conferences regularly and presents papers on topics ranging from cultural identity in New Media and technology in higher education.

Awards and Honors: Christa McAuliffe Honor for Teaching Excellence 2006 Framingham State College, Thomas Jefferson Award Worcester Public Schools 2003

  • Publications: Applying Digital Design Concepts Using Adobe Illustrator
  • Memberships: AIGA
Prof. Roshanak Bigonah 
Faculty
rbigonah@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Joanne Evans
Faculty
jevans@qcc.mass.edu

JoanneEvans attendedThe School of the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College majoring in Art, English, and Graphic Design.

She has a Masters in Education from Worcester State University. She works as a freelance graphic designer and as an author and illustrator of children’s books. Her watercolor paintings have been included in numerous regional exhibits.

jroachevans.com

Mauro DePasquale 
Staff: Lab Monitor and Tutor
m.depasquale@live.com


Mauro DePasquale, holds an MBA in Marketing Ethics from Anna Maria College. His undergraduate degrees are in Graphic Design, Art and Business. Mauro has over a decade of experience working as a freelance multimedia artist specializing in graphic design, video, creative writing, marketing, audio production and music performance.

www.mauromultimedia.com

Debra Roberge
Staff: Lab Monitor and Tutor
Contact: droberge@qcc.mass.edu

Eddie Rath
Staff: Acting Learning Resource Manager
Contact: erath@qcc.mass.edu

Master of Fine Arts Candidate: Interdisciplinary Studies, Time-Based Media (In Progress, Class of 2016), Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Bachelor of Arts: Communication Arts, Anthropology (2011). University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

Occupations in which our graduates are currently employed:

  1. New Media Design (formally Graphic Design):       

    • Advertising Agencies
    • Corporate Identity Promotion - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Newspaper - Advertising & Publications
    • Publishers - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Graphic Design Agencies
    • Printing Industry  - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Manufactures - In-house Graphic Designer
    • Public and Community Organizations – In-house Graphic Designer

  2. Digital Photography:

    • Production Photographer for food products and various consumer products
    • High school Yearbook Photographer
    • Corporate Identity and yearly report photographer
    • Photo retouching – color correction and manipulation
    • Production specialist – development and printing
    • Photo Promotional and Reproduction sales

  3. Digital Prepress and Preflight:

    • Software Specialist - File preparation
    • High Resolution Scan Operator
    • Color Specialist - Electronic Plate maker
    • Internet File Specialist
    • Digital Printing
    • Software Troubleshooting

  4. Educational Computer Lab Managers

  5. Web page and Web site Designer / Maintainer / Administrator

    • Web content provider-Video, Animation and Motion graphics

  6. Digital Video production for Television and Internet

  7. Gaming production and design