Overview
The Department of Interactive Media offers a major in Interactive Media.
The Department of Interactive Media strives to foster active learning in the design and research of technologies that improve society and people's lives. Our hands-on curriculum allows students to explore the role that interactive technologies play in communication and how they shape our world.
The major offered by the Department of Interactive Media is designed to enable students to customize their education within a learning environment that is collaborative and conducive to the pursuit, exchange, and development of ideas and information. The curriculum also further provides students with the tools necessary to succeed in a range of careers defined by a rapidly changing technology and media landscape and equips them to best leverage interactivity, emerging technologies, and innovative developments in the field.
As a major in the CIM department, many opportunities await you, including access to the following facilities and equipment: the Emerging Media Lab used for fabrication, board games, physical computing, and digital screen-based games; the XR Studio is used for virtual reality, volumetric captures studio and augmented reality experimentation, the User Experience (UX) Lab supports interdisciplinary research on understanding how people use information systems. The New Experience Research & Design Lab (NERDLab) is an academic game studio that focuses on projects for social impact.
More Information on our facilities and labs can be viewed at https://interactive.miami.edu/spaces/
The Ribeiro Innovation Fund is an endowed fund support lectures and workshops that instill creative confidence in students. It enriches the academic curriculum promoting innovation in the field of interactive media by inviting industry leaders and innovators; thus tightening the link between the Interactive Media program and industry.
Curriculum Requirements for Interactive Media
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CIM 101 | Internet, Media, and Society | 3 |
| CIM 203 | Intro to Creative Coding | 3 |
| CIM 383 | Physical Computing | 3 |
| CIM 443 | Front End Fundamentals | 3 |
| CIM 453 | Dynamic Data | 3 |
| or CIM 202 | User Experience Design | |
| COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
| or PHI 115 | Social and Ethical Issues in Computing | |
| Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement | ||
| Writing Skills Course: | ||
| WRS 335 | Writing for Interactive Media | 3 |
| Presentation Skills Course: | ||
| COS 211 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| or COS 333 | Business Communication | |
| Digital Skills Course: | ||
| CIM 102 | Interaction Design | 3 |
| Other Required Courses | ||
| Select four electives of the following: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Game Studies | ||
| User Experience Design | ||
| Introduction to Game Design | ||
| Special Topics in Interactive Media | ||
| Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Mobile Application Development | ||
| Internet and Media Activism | ||
| Human-Centered Design | ||
| Building Virtual Worlds | ||
| Augmented Reality | ||
| Designing Games for Impact | ||
| Dynamic Data | ||
| Immersive Storytelling | ||
| Video Game Spectatorship and Esports | ||
| Interactive Media Internship | ||
| 2D Character Design | ||
| Special Topics in Interactive Media | ||
| Projects and Directed Research | ||
| Designing Playful Experiences (Designing Playful Experiences) | ||
| Technology Trends | ||
| Interactive Media Business Essentials | ||
| Design with AI | ||
| Interactive Media Practicum | ||
| Game Development Studio | ||
| Introduction to Infographics and Data Visualization | ||
| Advanced Infographics and Data Visualization | ||
| 3D Design and Graphics | ||
| Cybersecurity: An Introduction to Security in Cyberspace | ||
| Computer Programming I | ||
Additional electives and special topics courses may be substituted with approval of departmental adviser or department chair. | ||
| Portfolio Requirement 1 | ||
| CIM 299 | Sophomore Portfolio Review | 2 |
| CIM 599 | Senior Portfolio Review | 1 |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Written Communication Skills: | ||
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
| or WRS 107 | First-Year Writing II: STEM | |
| or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
| Quantitative Skills: | ||
| MTH 113 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
| or JMM 285 | Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management | |
| or STC 103 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | |
| Areas of Knowledge: | ||
| Arts & Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
| People & Society Cognate | 9 | |
| STEM Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major) | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Minor, Second Major and Electives | 51 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
- 1
In the Department of Interactive Media, all students pursuing the BSC in Interactive Media must prepare a digital portfolio as a fundamental requirement. This portfolio plays a pivotal role in their academic journey, with mandatory sophomore and senior portfolio reviews. Before advancing to their junior year, students must submit their sophomore portfolio for faculty evaluation and approval, a crucial milestone overseen by their faculty advisor. Similarly, as they approach graduation, seniors must undergo a final portfolio review, ensuring their work aligns with program standards and objectives. The portfolio serves as a representative overview, collectively demonstrating students’ competence with the Interactive Media program’s learning outcomes. It’s not just a requirement; it’s a canvas to showcase innovative and creative abilities, positioning students for success in their future careers within the dynamic realm of Interactive Media. For guidance and feedback throughout this process, students are encouraged to engage with their faculty advisors, who are committed to helping them excel and achieve excellence in their portfolios, contributing to their academic growth and professional readiness. A grade of B or higher is required to fulfill the requirements of the portfolio courses.
- *
School of Communication students are required to complete a minimum of a minor (inside or outside of the school) in addition to their Communication major to graduate. For an optional 2nd major, please see your advisor.
- *
School of Communication students must complete 6 credits of English Composition unless exempt based on SAT/ACT score or AP/IB exam, 3-6 credits of Mathematics, University Cognates and the Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Proficiency requirement.
Upper Level Elective Requirement
36 credits at the 300 level or higher are required for graduation. These credits may be earned from your major, minor and/or second major, and electives.
Suggested Plan of Study for Interactive Media
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| CIM 101 | Internet, Media, and Society | 3 |
| CIM 102 | Interaction Design | 3 |
| MTH 113, JMM 285, or STC 103 | Finite Mathematics or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | 3 |
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIM 203 | Intro to Creative Coding | 3 |
| COS 211 or 333 | Public Speaking or Business Communication | 3 |
| WRS 105, 107, or ENG 106 | First-Year Writing I or First-Year Writing II: STEM or Writing About Literature and Culture | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 3 | |
| People and Society Cognate | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CIM 383 | Physical Computing | 3 |
| CIM 453 or 202 | Dynamic Data or User Experience Design | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 3 | |
| People and Society Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIM 299 | Sophomore Portfolio Review | 2 |
| COM 250 or PHI 115 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics or Social and Ethical Issues in Computing | 3 |
| WRS 335 | Writing for Interactive Media | 3 |
| People and Society Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CIM 443 | Front End Fundamentals | 3 |
| Select 3 credits in Interactive Media electives Bulletin course list | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select 3 credits in Interactive Media electives Bulletin course list | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select 3 credits in Interactive Media electives Bulletin course list | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIM 599 | Senior Portfolio Review | 1 |
| Select 3 credits in Interactive Media electives Bulletin course list | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Mission
The Interactive Media major addresses the growing need for communicators who fluidly combine design, technology, visual arts and research to help stimulate comprehension and integration of technology into every aspect of daily life. This program will produce graduates who, in addition to being innovative and interdisciplinary, are responsive to cross-sector dynamics and therefore are industry ready.
Goals
The major in Interactive Media will provide students with expertise in designing and analyzing products and systems, incorporating rich interaction through the use of computational power.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in designing emerging technology products.
- Students will understand the fundamental principles of programming by designing and developing an interactive application.
- Students will explain the impact of digital media on individuals, organizations, and society.
