Media Arts and Sciences (Games and Interactive Media), BS
Do you want to immerse yourself in innovative technology and interactive media while using practices of humanities and global thinking? Whether you enjoy crafting technology from scratch or designing new ways to imagine technological futures, in this program, you can create, develop and engage the technological world.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The GAME School educates the next generation of learners, empowering you with technofluency --- its development, application and implications. You are prepared to be a socially aware, critically thinking global citizen who strives to bring about positive change in a society that is increasingly shaped by new technologies.
In the Bachelor of Science program in media arts and sciences with a concentration in games and interactive media, you learn to create computational media, which is computation combined with objects, sound, video, time, space, culture and bodies; breathe behavior into media, objects or systems by programming; and think critically about how computation impacts lives and how culture makes a difference in the ways that people experience computational media --- a critical skill in this age.
The concentration in games and interactive media pairs a maker approach with a rich historical and conceptual understanding of games, augmented and virtual reality, esports, and location-based and themed environments and experiences. Working within this interdisciplinary program, you create, envision and critique digital and hybrid spaces that impact work, education, communication, interpersonal relationships, entertainment, physical and mental health care, and lifelong learning.
If you are interested in the entirety of game infrastructure, you may also pursue a certificate in computer gaming. This certificate program focuses on game development and is offered by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at the Tempe campus. You may also pursue a certificate in arts and humanities in games, offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the West Valley campus.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| AME 111 Introduction to Digital Culture |
| AME 130 Prototyping Dreams |
| AME 230 Programming for the Media Arts |
| AME 160 Introduction to Game Design |
| AME 161 Game Engine Fundamentals |
| AME 165 Introduction to Game Studies |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Create digital media systems, using a cross-disciplinary lens of research and theories from humanities, arts, and sciences through a final capstone project.
- Create digital media systems, using a cross-disciplinary lens of research and theories from humanities, arts, and sciences through a final capstone project.
- Integrate knowledge from computational principles and practices into participatory media arts applications.
Create digital media systems, using a cross-disciplinary lens of research and theories from humanities, arts, and sciences through a final capstone project.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
An ASU student who would like to change their major to this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. They must maintain this GPA to remain in good standing and to graduate.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, media arts and sciences students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animator | -0.3% | $102,030 | Learn more |
| Audio-Visual Technician | 3.9% | $58,100 | Learn more |
| Computer Programmer | -7.3% | $100,390 | Learn more |
| Computer Scientist | 21.8% | $140,300 | Learn more |
| IT Project Manager | 5.1% | $116,580 | Learn more |
| Performance Artist | 2.0% | $71,240 | Learn more |
| Production Assistant | 3.9% | $73,620 | Learn more |
| Software Developer | 10.2% | $135,980 | Learn more |
| Video Game Designer | 6.0% | $104,000 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Working within the field of games and interactive media are artists, programmers, designers, storytellers, engineers, policy advocates and numerous other professionals. Games and interactive media arts industries are growing rapidly. The large scale of the video gaming industry --- valued at $184 billion globally in 2023, according to the International Trade Administration --- goes beyond video game design to include fields of specialized marketing, monetization and other ancillary industries.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The GAME School
|
STAUF-B 217
TheGameSchool@asu.edu
480-965-9432
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
