Azusa Pacific Launches Games and Interactive Media Degree

Azusa Pacific University announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Arts and minor program in Games and Interactive Media, beginning fall 2019. The first of its kind among the 140 universities that comprise the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU’s program combines story and play, providing core competencies in the cultural, theoretical, artistic, and narrative aspects of game design and interactive media.

The program is designed for students who are passionate about telling stories, interested in the intersection of art and interactivity, enjoy creating characters and worlds, fascinated by the structure and strategy of video games, skilled at problem solving and creating systems, and possess technical abilities with creative software.

“APU’s proximity to the multimedia industry hub of Los Angeles and our faculty’s connections to leading game companies set our program in a distinctive place,” said Stephen Johnson, PhD, dean of the School of the Arts. “Students will learn from faculty who are actively leading in multiple aspects of the industry in prominent companies. We are excited that students will be mentored at APU by successful faculty who are living out their Christian faith in the industry.”

APU’s games and interactive media major prepares students for roles in this rapidly growing industry by offering courses beyond the elements of game development, from technology and production to leadership and project management. Students will gain a wide skill that integrates narrative, game mechanics, art, sound, and more. The game industry generates more than $100 billion in revenue each year, with the United States making up more than $36 billion of that total. "Video game designer" was ranked on CNN Money’s 2017 Best Jobs in America, reporting a median salary of $81,600 and a 10-year job growth of 13 percent.

“Students who graduate from APU with a Games and Interactive Media Degree will be ready to enter any facet of the industry,” said Tim Samoff, MFA, program director. “The demand for a program like this in higher ed––and in the industry––is immense, and we’re excited to step into this space.”

For more information, visit APU’s Games and Interactive Media.

APU is a host site for the Global Game Jam on Jan. 25-27, 2019. Register here.