Interactive Media and 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

Major in Interactive Media & Design

At Merrimack College, the major in Interactive Media & Design offers students the opportunity to explore the artistic and technical dimensions of digital media while building a substantial portfolio of interactive projects. This interdisciplinary program-rooted in both Graphic Design and Computer and Data Sciences prepares students to design engaging digital experiences and interactive systems that influence the way the world works, learns, communicates, and plays.

What is Interactive Media & Design?

Interactive media design focuses on the relationship between users and digital products such as apps, websites, and software interfaces with the goal of creating experiences that are intuitive, aesthetically compelling, and functionally effective. Students use the latest digital tools and industry-standard processes to explore the intersection of technology, storytelling, and design.

This program is ideal for those who want to make an impact through visual communication and interactivity. Students develop skills in UX/UI design, branding, motion and sound design, and application development. They learn to conceptualize, prototype, user-test, and deploy professional digital products while honing essential skills in communication, collaboration, computer programming, project management, and critical analysis.

What You’ll Learn

Learn from professors in both the Department of Computer and Data Sciences and the Graphic Design program. Our Interactive Media & Design major provides each student with the perfect intersection of graphic design, computer science, and brand development. Interactive media & design internships will expose you to the professional environment of product design and software development.

As an Interactive Media & Design major, you will be able to:

• Analyze digital and interactive media for accuracy, narrative intent, user needs, and communicative effectiveness.

• Create, edit, and manage professional visual, written, and audio content for websites, mobile apps, and interactive platforms.

• Utilize current, industry-standard tools and workflows in design, software development, and digital media production.

• Employ storytelling techniques, narrative structures, and branding strategies to convey clear and compelling messages across media.

• Conduct research and usability testing, develop user personas, and apply findings to interactive product design.

• Conceptualize, plan, prototype, and deploy user-centered websites and digital applications.

• Collaborate effectively, both online and in person, demonstrating strong communication, organization, and time management.

• Write clean, efficient code using foundational programming concepts and languages to support interactive media experiences.

• Deliver impactful oral presentations and articulate design decisions to peers, faculty, and clients.

• Develop a professional identity and portfolio that reflects your skills, creativity, and ethical responsibility as a designer.

Technology Requirements for the Interactive Media & Design Program

Interactive Media and 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 Interactive Media & Design Program

If you’re transferring into the program, the transfer of studio courses and level of placement in the Interactive Media & Design program will be determined by the Graphic Design and Computer and Data Sciences 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 faculty will assess your skills, as well as the courses to be transferred toward the degree requirements. Faculty will compare your level of accomplishment with the Program’s expectations to determine where you’re qualified for placement into the program.

Portfolios can be submitted in-person or digitally.