The Interactive Media Game Design option at QCC utilizes the latest in computing technologies to prepare students for the ever changing digital world. Learn the process of developing a video game from the pre-production stage all the way through finalizing post-production goals and objectives.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Science

This program will prepare you to enter the game design field or advance your education by means of transfer to a four year institution. You will leverage industry standard hardware and software to gain the knowledge required to join an ever changing gaming industry.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $227/credit

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

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

61-62 credits

Digital design is everything. Now I know how to put all the pieces together and I’ve been learning how to market my creations. QCC isn’t just about getting a job, it’s about starting your own life.

- Nicholas Cherry, Interactive Media Game Design Student

Ways to Take Classes

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • English: Placement into college level English.
  • Mathematics: MAT 100 with a grade of “C” or higher or appropriate placement score.

Locations

  • All courses offered at the West Boylston Street campus.

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
Digital Imaging and MediaIMD 154F/SU3Placement into college level English
Drawing the Human FormIMG 100F/S3Placement into college level English
Fundamentals of Game Design and DevelopmentIMG 101F3Placement into college level English
  Total15 

Semester 2 (Spring)

Introduction to Microcomputer ApplicationsCIS 111F/S/SU3 
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Digital Design Concepts IIIMD 115S/SU3IMD 114
Digital Illustration and AnimationIMD 155S/SU3IMD 154
Introduction to Game DesignIMG 102S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total15 

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.
Introduction to Programming with C++CIS 121F/S3Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or QMAT placement score > 21, Coreq: CIS 105 or CIS 111
Motion GraphicsIMD 275F3IMD 154, IMD 155
Intermediate Game DesignIMG 203F3IMD 155, IMG 100, IMG 101, IMG 102
3D Modeling for Game DesignIMG 272F3Placement into college level English
College Mathematics I: Pre-CalculusMAT 123F/S/SU3MAT 100 or approp place score
  Total15 

Semester 4 (Spring)

  • 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 Game Design PortfolioIMG 288S4IMG 203, IMG 272
College Mathematics II: TrigonometryMAT 124F/S/SU3MAT 123 or approp place score
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
Science Elective or Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU3-4 
  Total16-17 
Total Credits Required:  61-62 

Program Goals:

The Interactive Media - Game Design Option is a multi-faceted computer-based program designated for students seeking a game design career in the global marketplace. Game Design Option majors map out and develop the gameplay that defines a player’s unique game experience. It is a complex science that combines artistic talent with high mathematics and computer programming ability. Students develop an extensive game design portfolio of individual and collaborative work using state-of-the-art technology resources.

Student Learning Outcomes:

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

  • Demonstrate the skills necessary to compete for entry-level positions in the game industry: game-play tester, conceptual artist, texture artist, 3D modeler, and graphical user interface designer.
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary upon graduation to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in game design.
  • Understand and apply theories of graphical environment design, character design, animation, and interface design to the development of interactive media and game design.
  • Design and create 2D and 3D graphical environments for game design and create prototypes of computer games for a variety of environments.
  • Develop skills in operating computer game development tools and assessing their advantages and disadvantages while understanding the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of a game design professional.
  • Use theoretical concepts and perspectives to explain and evaluate the development of games in various settings and apply principles of game design and group work to project work.
  • Learn to use professional-level application software for game design.
  • Critically evaluate various approaches to game design and identify the elements that are likely to make for effective games and author game design documents.

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 - Game 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. Some classes are offered online, with the majority taking 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.
  • English: Placement into college level English.
  • Mathematics: MAT 100 with a grade of “C” or higher or appropriate placement score.

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 50.0411.

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