Bachelor in Graphic Design (interactive Digital Media)

The interactive digital media major at Northwest is an interdisciplinary program involving an emphasis in computer science, graphic design or new media. The courses offer a cross-section of skills in design as well as written and visual communication. The major produces graduates who are proficient in art, photography, design, communication, computer programming and legal or ethical considerations as they relate to media.

Northwest offers computer labs equipped with open source software that prevents students from having to purchase additional software.

Career Opportunities

100% of students graduating with a degree in interactive digital media continue their education or find employment within six months after graduation. Below is a list of job titles related to this major:

• Web developer
• Helpdesk
• Instructional designer
• Software developer

*Based on self-reported data.

Profession-based experiences

Knacktive combines six disciplines (computer science, English, graphic design, marketing, mass communications and public relations) into a one-semester interactive and collaborative course. The student-led teams conduct market research, analyze data, write creative strategies, and developed an integrated, digital marketing communication campaign and promotional materials for a real-world client.

At the end of each course, the team makes a formal presentation or client pitch in an attempt to convince the client to use their project. This experience aligns with the digital marketing and advertising agencies competing for clients.

The following organizations have been clients of Knacktive:

• 2011 – Cincinnati-based LasikPlus Vision
• 2012 – Science City, located in Kansas City at the Union Station
• 2013 – Tri-State Ford
• 2014 – Horace Mann Laboratory School
• 2015 – DecisionFx, located in Kansas City

To ensure Northwest is performing at the highest level of education, the professional advisory team, a group of 40 expert employers, evaluates the curriculum and discusses the up-and-coming techniques and opportunities for faculty and students alike. Students are allotted an hour to meet and network with the employers.

The School of Computer Science and Information Systems’ “Road Show” group consists of six to eight students who prepare and present computing materials to students in local K-12 schools, connect with teachers, support efforts to incorporate computing into the curriculum and recruit students.

Teacher nights at Horace Mann Laboratory School provide Northwest students with opportunities present to parents and teachers about new technology tools.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.

The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.

Internships

Although internships are not required in the interactive digital media major, they are highly encouraged to gain real-world experiences.

Requirements

Computer Science Programming Concentration

This is an interdisciplinary major in conjunction with the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, and the School of Communication and Mass Media. Three concentrations are available for this major: Computer Science Programming (Computer Science and Information Systems), New Media (Communication and Mass Media), and Visual Imaging (Fine and Performing Arts).

The Northwest Core (48-52 hours)

Required Core Courses

Required Courses for Concentration in Computer Science Programming:

Choose one from the following electives:

NOTE: All required and elective computer science courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or better. Concentration in New Media see the School of Communication and Mass Media Concentration in Visual Imaging see the Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Established in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a state-assisted, comprehensive four-year regional university that also offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Northwest offers 127 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate programs. Career Services offers an "Exploring Majors" fair where students may learn about different majors and find a major that is the perfect fit for them. Northwest advocates for profession-based experience in every area of study. At Northwest's Horace Mann Laboratory School, students majoring in education begin observing and practicing in the teaching profession immediately. Other profession-based experiences include work at Northwest's R.T. Wright Farm, radio and television stations, and a variety of internships.