Media Arts and Sciences (Games and Interactive Media) ,BS
Game Design, Games, Media Art, Technology, Video Game, approved for STEM-OPT extension, video and computer games
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.
The GAME School educates the next generation of learners and empowers them with technofluency --- its development, application and implications. Students are prepared to be socially aware, critically thinking global citizens who strive to bring about positive change in a society that will be increasingly shaped by new technologies.
In the Bachelor of Science program in media arts and sciences with a concentration in games and interactive media, students 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, students create, envision and critique digital and hybrid spaces that impact work, education, communication, interpersonal relationships, entertainment, physical and mental health care, and lifelong learning.
Students who are interested in the entirety of game infrastructure 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. Students 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
- Math
intensity: Moderate
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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 for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
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.
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.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
1.6%
|
$102,030
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$58,100
|
|
|
-6.0%
|
$100,390
|
|
|
19.7%
|
$140,300
|
|
|
8.2%
|
$116,580
|
|
|
0.8%
|
$71,240
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$73,620
|
|
|
15.8%
|
$135,980
|
|
|
7.0%
|
$104,000
|
The GAME School
|
STAUF-B 217
TheGameSchool@asu.edu
480-965-9432
Program term definitions
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.
