Total Credit Hours - 180

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media are required to take a total of 55 courses as follows:

• 34 core courses
• 4 core electives
• 2 track courses
• 7 required general education courses
• 8 general education electives

Core Curriculum 102 cr.

Students are required to take 34 core courses as follows:

DFV120 - Video I

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of technical terms of video production and industry uses of basic video production equipment and techniques.

Prerequisite(s):
FND134 or FND130

Credits: 3

FND112 - Fundamentals of Design

This course will explore the basic principles of design and introduce the creative process. Design elements and relationships will be identified and employed to establish a basis for critical analysis. Design will be presented as a tool of communication.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND114 - Fundamentals of Media Communication

An overview of informational media, from the historical perspective to practical uses, from page to pixels. The course will cover print media, film, television, and computer media applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND115 - Color Theory for Web and Multimedia

The creative process is introduced using the visual elements of both additive and subtractive color and the basic principles of design. A variety of concepts, materials, and techniques are used in class to investigate the aesthetic and psychological principles of design. Students will be able to utilize the basic principles and elements of design theory as they apply to their assigned projects. This course is equivalent to CC111

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND130 - Desktop Video

This course deals with the processes involved with desktop editing of audio and video for digital output. Topics include the operation of non-linear systems, compression schemes and shooting and editing for digital systems. Students will produce short videos for output to various storage formats or playback on digital media.

Prerequisite(s):
CPU100 or equivalent

Credits: 3

FND131 - Introduction to Audio

A study of the principles of sound reproduction and digital recording. Students are introduced to sound characteristics, microphone types and usage, basic acoustical principles, basic sound design objectives, audio file types and principles of operation and production. Students will also be exposed to the basics of conventional analog tape recording for the purpose of digital archiving.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND132 - Fundamentals of the Internet

The increasing use of the Internet and the advent of the World Wide Web have created a growing market for individuals who can integrate aesthetic design principles coupled with Web page scripting skills. Students will create World Wide Web pages utilizing HTML, the basic scripting language of all Web documents, in addition to many of the other effects and extension scripts available for that medium.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND133 - Digital Imaging for Multimedia and Web

This course is designed to explore photo retouching, image manipulation and the creation of original artwork using computers and appropriate software. Compositing, color adjustment and effects through the use of filters will be stressed.

Prerequisite(s):
CPU100 or equivalent

Credits: 3

FND251 - E-Commerce

This course will introduce the student to the unique theory and tactics of advertising and marketing on the Internet. The student will research actual advertising and marketing campaigns employing the internet as a media vehicle. Class lectures will include the theories of advertising and marketing, target markets, demographics, media buying and customer tracking.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

IMD122 - Design & Typography

This course is an introduction to the history of the evolution and application of typography for the perception of meaning, intention and personality of the written word. This course is equivalent to G131

Prerequisite(s): FND115
CPU100 or equivalent

Credits: 3

IMD123 - User-Centered Information Design

A study of the process of solving instructional problems by systematic analysis of the conditions of learning through information. Students draw upon theory and knowledge from psychology, communications, and technology to develop their skills.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

IMD130 - Writing for Multimedia

This course examines the roles of copywriter and scriptwriter in interactive multimedia. Emphasis will be on writing opportunities in the multimedia industry, as well as on the process of interactive writing, such as establishing the premise, developing the treatment, and defining the audience.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1010

Credits: 3

IMD131 - Screen Design and Graphics

An introduction to the process of designing graphics for use on the screen. Students will formulate design projects specifically for delivery mediums such as kiosks, the Internet, and disc. Parameters relating to color, resolution access speed, and composition will mediate the design process. Students will employ principles of interactive design appropriate for the client and target audience.

Prerequisite(s): FND133 IMD123

Credits: 3

IMD211 - Interactive Authoring I

Students will learn interactive media production skills using an authoring tool. The focus will be integrating animation, audio, and video; building functioning user interfaces; and understanding and using scripting language of the authoring tool.

Prerequisite(s): IMD131

Credits: 3

IMD212 - Basic Web Scripting

Students will create World Wide Web pages utilizing various scripting languages of current/future Web documents, in addition to many of the other effects and extension scripts available for that medium. This course is equivalent to GDE419

Prerequisite(s): FND132

Credits: 3

IMD213 - Project Management

This course focuses on the multimedia project management process and development of the project team as key to the successful achievement of multimedia project goals. The process examines the main elements required in every proposal/ plan: time frame and budget. Key areas of multimedia project teams serve to support the fundamental approach that every project team is tailored to achieve project results efficiently and effectively.

Prerequisite(s): IMD123

Credits: 3

IMD221 - Interactive Authoring II

This course will cover how to fine tune skills in scripting and storyboarding, and will show how to design a production using interactive multimedia authoring software. This course has an emphasis on the hardware, software and peripherals and interdisciplinary content required for successful composition of interactive multimedia projects.

Prerequisite(s): IMD211

Credits: 3

IMD222 - Computer Animation for Multimedia & Web

A study of 2D and 3D animation using computer modeling and animation software program as the primary tool. This course will emphasize the creation of animated sequences and GIF animation for multimedia applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

IMD232 - Interactive Authoring III

This course will cover how to fine tune skills in scripting and storyboarding, and will show how to design a production using interactive multimedia authoring software. This course has an emphasis on the hardware, software and peripherals and interdisciplinary content required for successful composition of interactive multimedia projects.

Prerequisite(s): IMD221

Credits: 3

IMD233 - Web Site Development

Corporations and other organizations utilize Web sites to disseminate information about products, services, and events or to provide point-of-purchase sales. Students will plan and design a Web site in this course. The Web site will be designed and developed to sell a product or service, build a brand image, sell goods and/or provide information to a consumer.

Prerequisite(s): FND132

Credits: 3

IMD241 - Media Law and Ethics

This course covers the legal and ethical issues involved in professional practice in media-related professions. This includes business ethics, liability, corporate social responsibility, consumer policy, privacy policy, environmental impact, and intellectual property, including copyrights, patents, trademarks and virtual property. It also introduces issues related to gender, race, age, national origin and cultural differences as they affect both media content and media workplaces.

Prerequisite(s): FND114 IMD130

Credits: 3

IMD311 - Sophomore Digital Portfolio

This course is a review and preparation of individual portfolios. The students will work on the packaging and presentation of various projects developed in other upper-level courses. Students will finalize their resume and sample sheet to begin their industry networking process.

Prerequisite(s):
75 credits successfully completed in the WDIM Associate program or 36 credits successfully completed in the WD diploma program

Credits: 3

IMD312 - Introduction to Programming

This course introduces programming structures and techniques. The language presented will be Java, but the topics learned will flow to other programming languages. Students will learn object oriented topics and approaches, Java data types, variables, flow and decision control, object construction and use, application and Applet creation, and threading and animation.

Prerequisite(s):
CPU100 or equivalent

Credits: 3

IMD314 - Video for Interactive Media

Students will learn how to select and integrate the appropriate video technology into an overall multimedia solution. Accessing video/audio on demand, streaming technologies, and embedding video using authoring tools are the major topics of this course. Students produce a live Webcast as a class project.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

IMD315 - Theory and Practice in Interactive System Design

This course will introduce the student to the principles of instructional design as applied to computer-based training. Skill development will include goal analysis, performance objective writing, instructional strategies, and instructional materials creation.

Prerequisite(s): IMD123

Credits: 3

IMD323 - Database Systems

Databases are critical to providing content interactively on the web as well as tracking the traffic and customer information. This course will introduce the student to databases and their application and integration to web site development and administration.

Prerequisite(s): IMD212

Credits: 3

IMD324 - Digital Photography for Interactive Media

This course examines the process of creating graphics for the Internet. It explores the techniques to produce graphics, animations, and video for use on the World Wide Web.

Prerequisite(s): FND115 FND133

Credits: 3

IMD331 - Web Site Development II

Students will analyze, design, build and maintain large Internet sites that successfully integrate server management, site design, database, and scripting skills.

Prerequisite(s): IMD233 IMD323

Credits: 3

IMD332 - Web Imaging Techniques

Students will study the possibilities and constraints of image transport and display over the Internet. Current technologies will be studied in an application-oriented approach.

Prerequisite(s): FND132 FND133

Credits: 3

IMD401 - Advanced Web Scripting

This course builds on Fundamentals of the World Wide Web to further Web site design and development. It will focus on using style sheets, Dynamic HTML, and JavaScript to extend the interaction of the user and the browser to create a truly dynamic site.

Prerequisite(s): FND132

Credits: 3

IMD411 - Senior Research

The student will select a specific subject that can be effectively presented using interactive media or Web design. Emphasis during this research is to be on quantitative and qualitative components of the subject area, project scheduling, presentation methods, and qualitative results. During this time students will conduct research sufficient for professional presentation as a graduate project, to be submitted and defended during their final quarter.

Prerequisite(s): IMD130 IMD213 IMD221 IMD232 IMD324

Credits: 3

IMD412 - Interactive Telecommunications

An examination of the current and future trends in the developing digital media for telecommunications applications. Topics to include HTML, homepage and other markup languages, cybermalls, cyberpublishing, interactive television and virtual environments.

Prerequisite(s): IMD222

Credits: 3

IMD431 - Senior Project

Students will produce an interactive multimedia or Web site project based on previously conducted research. The emphasis is on qualitative research, project schedule, presentation methods, and qualitative results. Students will prepare, present and defend a project suitable for a professional audience.

Prerequisite(s): IMD411

Credits: 3

IMD432 - Portfolio

This course will guide students through the process of compiling their work into a final interactive portfolio. Students will apply techniques and strategies to market themselves in their chosen fields. Emphasis will be placed on students assessing their most marketable skills, designing storyboards for their interactive portfolios, creating professional design layouts, creating interfaces, as well as visual, audio, video, and text elements. The students will work on the packaging and presentation of various projects developed in other upper-level courses including resumes, and print material to support their interactive portfolios. and to begin their industry networking process.

Prerequisite(s):
165 credits successfully completed in program of study

Credits: 3

Core Electives 12 cr.

Students are required to take 4 core elective courses.

Computer-Based Training Track 6 cr.

Computer-Based Training Track:

Students in this track are required to take 2 core elective courses as follows:

IMD244 - E-Learning I

This course serves to introduce and provide experience with the design, development, and evaluation of effective Computer-Based Training (CBT). Focus will be on the foundations of CBT, authoring software, generalized authoring options, principles of effective design of CBT, and instructional analysis.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

IMD344 - E-Learning II

This course develops student experience with the design and production of instructional materials. Students will design an instructional or training pack­age that satisfies learning principles and utilizes multimedia technologies.

Prerequisite(s): IMD244

Credits: 3

2D/3D Authoring 6 cr.

2D/3D Authoring Track:

Students in this track are required to take 2 core elective courses as follows:

GAD419 - Advanced Edutainment Development

This class will combine the elements of learning theory and interactive learning games to develop games for learning. Topics to be covered will include instructional design, content development, content organization, practice, feedback, and data collection. Students will create a learning module.

Prerequisite(s):
GAD431 or IMD320

Credits: 3

IMD320 - Prototyping for Interactive Media and Games

This course explores and utilizes industry-standard cross-platform authoring software for constructing 2D interactive media and games.  Students will design and construct projects, incorporating contend and components including video, audio, animation and user interface design as appropriate.  Projects may be designed for CD/DVD, Web or kiosk use. 

Prerequisite(s):
IMD221 and IMD222, or GAD414

Credits: 3

General Education 28 cr.

Students are required to take 7 required general education courses as follows:

Students need to take ART1020 OR ART1030.

ART1020 - Art History: Prehistory to the Early Modern Era

 

This course is an introduction to Western art from ca. 25,000 BCE to ca. 1700 CE and covers prehistoric art in Europe, the Near East and Egypt; Aegean and Greek art; Roman, Early Christian, Jewish and Byzantine art; and Gothic, Renaissance (Italian and Northern), and Baroque art. Concepts such as the artists’ influence, artistic motifs, stylistic evolution, cultural context, patronage, function, reception, and censorship as well as the incorporation of non-European art forms into the Western Tradition will be covered in this class. The course is designed to help students increase their art historical vocabulary for discussing an art object’s medium, composition, style, and iconography.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ART1030 - Art History: From the Early Modern to the Contemporary

This course is an introduction to Western art before the Neoclassical from ca. 1700 CE to the present day and covers Neo-Classicism, Realism, Impressionism and Modernist movements from Fauvism through Abstract Expressionism to Contemporary. Concepts such as artists’ influence, artistic motifs, stylistic evolution, cultural context, patronage, function, reception, and censorship as well as the incorporation of non-European art forms into the Western Tradition will becovered in this class. The course is designed to help students increase their art historical vocabulary for discussing an art object’s medium, composition, style, and iconography.  

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

COM1010 - Introduction to Communications

In this course s

 

tudents will develop and refine oral and written presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material. Through a series of speeches, students will work to become better public speakers and have a basic understanding of various theories of communication. Emphasis is placed on communication theories and techniques used in interpersonal group, public, intercultural, and mass communication situations.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1010

Credits: 4

COM3010 - Advanced Communications

The purpose of this course is to examine the theoretical and practical aspects involved in effective communication. The course will emphasize essential elements of communication in both personal and professional environments as well as identify and analyze efficient oral and written delivery techniques.

Prerequisite(s): COM1010 ENG1010

Credits: 4

ENG1010 - Composition and Language

Students will be introduced to college level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Students will adhere to standard conventions of written English.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ENG1020 - Composition and Language II

An extension of Composition and Language I with an emphasis on the refinement of individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on research procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and written assignments. A series of short papers, including documentation, may be required.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1010

Credits: 4

MTH1010 - College Math

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY1010 - Introduction to Psychology

In this course students will be exposed to fundamental principles of psychology.  The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we alike and in what ways are we different and why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families, backgrounds, sexes, cultures, ethnic groups, approaches, behaviors, values- how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world?  The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the “self,” “identity” and “world view” in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, fromgeneration to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

General Education Electives 32 cr.

Students are required to take 8 general education electives.

One General Education Elective course must be taken from each area: English, Science/Math, Humanities, and Social Science.  Three General Education Elective courses must be at the 2000-level or higher, and three additional courses must be at the 3000-level or higher.

 

Some courses are offered on a rotating basis.

Transitional Courses 0-12 cr.

Placement tests in Math and English are administered to determine if a student needs additional preparation in either of these areas.  If a need is indicated, accepted applicants are placed in developmental courses on the basis of their placement test scores and/or transfer credit.  Students must successfully complete or place out of transitional courses in order to progress in the program. Transitional course credits do not count towards the total number of credits for graduation or cumulative grade point average.  Taking transitional classes increases the number of courses a student will take and may extend the number of quarters a student will be in attendance.

 

ENG095 - Reading and Writing Skills

This course emphasizes the study of basic competencies needed in order to perform satisfactorily in a college-level English course. Specifically, this includes grammatical, mechanical, and usage skills essential to produce competent paragraphs and essays.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits:

MTH099 - Basic Mathematics

This course emphasizes the study of basic competencies needed in order to perform satisfactorily in a college-level basic mathematics course. Specifically this includes concepts and applications of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, the order of operations and signed numbers.

Prerequisite(s): MTH100 requires a C or better for a passing grade. Once placed in MTH099 you must pass both Transitional Math courses (MTH099 and MTH100) with a C or better before taking College Math (MTH101).

Credits: 3

MTH100 - Elementary Algebra

This course emphasizes the study of basic algebraic concepts needed to perform satisfactorily in the college-level mathematics course. Specifically, this includes signed numbers, variables, exponents, equations, inequalities, graphing techniques, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and applications.

Prerequisite(s): MTH099

Credits: 0

SS100 - Strategies for Online Learning

This course will familiarize students with the academic skills needed to succeed at the college level and in the online learning environment. Students will be encouraged to develop an attitude of curiosity and inquisitiveness, a capacity for perspective and comparison, and an ability to think rationally and contextually. The course will emphasize students' responsibility for a successful undergraduate education and the importance of being a lifelong learner. Students will also be introduced to policy and procedures of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3