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)

Game design students in class

Program requirements

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

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
two game design students discussing
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. 

Game design students in motion capture class

Financial aid resources

Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.

Contact

Game & Interactive Media Design (B.A.)

Wil Lindsay

Associate Professor, Program Director for Game & Interactive Media Design

Department of Media Arts

Fine Arts Building

wlindsay [at] rider.edu

609-895-5588

Academic Focus: Game Design and Development

Moore Library in spring