CW Notes

Students aspiring to be new media professionals will have additional opportunities to learn about and engage in rapidly changing technology through three new concentrations within the Interactive Media program at Bradley University.

Bradley will offer academic concentrations in animation and visual effects; game design; and web and application design starting in the fall of 2010.

“These innovative programs emphasize imagination, creativity and technology that enable our students to take the lead in driving a very exciting and competitive industry,” said Dr. Jeffrey Huberman, dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts. “These new programs are fully integrated with computer science, graphic design and the performing arts, making this curriculum unique in the United States as a high-tech collaborative learning experience. It’s just plain brilliant.”

All three programs emphasize, in their unique ways, digital animation, sound design, computer graphics and programming, virtual world building and advanced interactive media scripting.

Specifically, the three programs will focus on the following:

* Animation and Visual Effects – the production of digital character animation and visual effects for film, television, animation and game cinematics.
* Game Design – the design and media elements of console, computer and mobile games and the production of games.
* Web and Application Design – the creation of rich Internet rich Internet and mobile applications, experience design and web development.

The curriculum leads to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media degree. Graduates of these new programs work for game design companies, media conglomerates, interactive agencies, internal agencies, internal web communications departments, animation studios, motion graphics and design firms across the country.

Bradley continues to respond to emerging trends by creating new academic programs to prepare today’s students for tomorrow. Most recently, the University established a sports communication concentration and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and created a Pre-Law Center to provide services to students interested in the study of law. This year, Bradley is creating a Pre-Professional Health Advisory Center to provide advising services for students interested in health-related fields, and a Department of Criminal Justice Studies to expand and enhance the criminal justice program focusing on global leadership challenges.