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

Ways to Take Classes

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • All courses offered at the West Boylston Street campus.

Career Stats

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508.853.2300

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 program at Quinsigamond Community College offers pathways in both Digital Design and Game Design, blending creativity with technology. Students gain practical experience creating digital media, graphics, websites, animations, and interactive games while building the design, technical, and problem-solving skills valued by employers across a wide range of industries.

Interactive Media - Digital Design

The Interactive Media Digital Design Program at Quinsigamond Community College was established in 1993 as one of the region’s first multifaceted, computer-based programs for students pursuing careers in digital media design.

The Associate in Science degree offers an integrated curriculum using industry standard hardware and software. Coursework combines design principles with digital media, web, and mobile technologies. By completing the program, students gain extensive hands-on experience with design software and develop a foundation for creating print and electronic publications.

Digital design specialists use computer-based tools to create typography, illustrations, animation, 3D imagery, motion graphics, and video. Their work helps organizations communicate ideas and promote products in local and global markets. Publishers, news organizations, advertising agencies, and manufacturers employ digital media designers or work with them on a freelance basis. 

Opportunities continue to grow across social media, video, photography, animation, and web design. The program includes courses in 3D modeling and video fundamentals. Students learn to combine text, graphics, sound, animation, photography, and video to create multimedia experiences.

Interactive Media - Game Design Option

The Interactive Media Game Design Option at Quinsigamond Community College was established in 2016 for students
interested in creating games and pursuing careers in interactive media.

The option combines a foundation in design with hands-on experience using industry standard hardware and software.
Students study game design concepts, storytelling, character development, level design, user interfaces, and the relationship between player choices and game outcomes.

Through projects and prototypes, students learn to turn ideas into playable experiences. They practice setting design goals, testing how a game works, gathering feedback, and refining their work to improve the player experience.

Students also develop skills that apply across creative and technical careers. They learn to communicate their ideas, collaborate with others, solve problems, manage projects, and respond to constructive feedback. By the end of the program, students have created work that demonstrates both their design process and their ability to build interactive
experiences.

Full-Time Staff and Faculty

Nate Mello 
Coordinator of Academic Computing 
nmello@qcc.mass.edu

Carolyn McGrath 
Full-Time Faculty 
cmcgrath@qcc.mass.edu

Adjunct Faculty

Prof. Mary Valentine
mvalentine@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Joanne Evans 
jevans@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Roshankak Bigonah 
rbigonah@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Emily Carroll 
ecarroll@qcc.mass.edu

Prof. Alexis Gomez 
agomez@qcc.mass.edu 

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