Game & Interactive Media Design, B.A.

Get in the game with one of the only game design bachelor's programs in New Jersey

Gain an in-depth understanding of the writing, art, gameplay, audio, music and animation skills needed to create immersive and interactive games.

Program overview

As a student in Rider's game and interactive media design program, you'll learn to understand games from inside out. Develop your core design and creative storytelling expertise, plus gain an in-depth understanding of the writing, art, gameplay, audio, music and animation skills needed to create immersive and interactive games. Rider's New Jersey campus offers state-of-the-art game design labs, and you'll benefit from our central location between New York City and Philadelphia for access to internships and employment opportunities.

3.1

billion gamers worldwide expected by 2027 (source: Statista)

9,400

projected job openings for special effects and animators each year (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

$98K+

median salary for multimedia artists in 2022 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Admission options

Three students pose for photo on Rider campus.

First-year - How to Apply

Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.

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Transfer - How to Apply

No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.

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Continuing Education - How to Apply

Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to earn your bachelor's degree or take courses for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.

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Program requirements

The game and interactive media design major combines coursework in design, communication, computer science and other disciplines.

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From player to designer

Game and interactive media design is a multibillion-dollar industry leading to high demand careers for out-of-the-box thinkers who can turn their dreams into exciting, immersive experiences. After graduation, you may find yourself working for play in one of these many career paths.

Common careers:

Animator
Visual artist/designer
3D modeling artist
Game designer/Level designer
Writer
Audio/sound effects developer

I chose the Game and Interactive Media Design program because it gave me the option to choose a concentration in either music, narrative, or visual design. Programming doesn’t interest me, but writing does, so being able to concentrate in narrative design highly appealed to me."

Nichole Hall

Class of 2023

Work for play

Put theory to practice, starting in your freshman year, using our industry-standard software and design suites in our new, state-of-the-art game design labs. Then, bring your vision to the marketplace as Rider’s central Jersey location offers unparalleled access to internships in New York City and Philadelphia — two thriving centers of established and start-up gaming companies.

Transferable skills:

Adaptability
Critical thinking
Effective communication
Time management
Storytelling

Game and interactive media design students also have the opportunity to spend a semester in Los Angeles to study and intern with industry professionals while living full-time in the heart of Hollywood's entertainment industry.

Engaged Learning