Interactive Design, B.A.

Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  124

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate:  2.3

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  56

School: School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

Department: Visual and Performing Arts and Computer Science

Learn more about the program

Interactive design is the study of design between users and products. When speaking about interaction design, the products are often software products like apps or websites, though they can intersect with industrial design. The goal of interaction design is to design products that best serve the users’ needs and intentions.

Interactive Design will teach you how to professionally design interactive projects and services. It combines both graphic design and computer science with a focus on people’s interactions and ways of use.

As an interactive design major, you will learn from professors in both the Computer Science department and the Graphic Design program. You can learn to design and develop effective and useful products that can change peoples’ lives. Additionally, you will improve your professional skills such as collaboration, writing, orally presentations and project management.

The Interactive Design Major

You will develop a significant portfolio of interactive projects while learning the best practices for design, marketing, and development, as well as expose you to the professional environment of product design and software development.

As an interactive design major, you will…..

• Understand and perform various types of industry-related research

• Write for a broad range of applications

• Develop the capacity to collaborate successfully, both online and in-person

• Motivate yourself and manage interactive projects

• Develop ideas that stand the test of critical analysis

• Deliver effective oral presentations to students, professors and outside clients

• Develop skills in computer programming, UX/UI design, web and mobile application development, software design, and interactive product development

• Brand and market yourself by creating a professional identity and portfolio

• Become proficient in relevant industry software, hardware and social media

• Be accountable, responsible and ethical in your work

Technology Requirements for the Graphic Design Program

Interactive Design majors are required to have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and a professional level laptop at the start of their freshmen year. Inquiries about technical requirements are always welcome. 

Transfer Students to the Graphic Design Program

If you’re transferring into the program, the transfer of studio courses and level of placement in the Interactive Design program will be determined by the Graphic Design faculty. Upon application to Merrimack College, you’re required to submit a portfolio to the Department of Visual and Performing Arts for review. During the portfolio review, the Graphic Design faculty will assess your studio skills, as well as the courses to be transferred toward the degree requirements. Faculty will compare your level of accomplishment with the Graphic Design Program’s expectations to determine where you’re qualified for placement into the program.

Portfolios can be submitted in-person or digitally. 

Major Requirements

The Interactive Design major requires the completion of a minimum of fourteen courses. Students start with foundational courses, add a history course, complete interdisciplinary advanced courses, then finish with senior level courses.