major in Interactive Digital Design (Developer)
Bachelor’s Degree in Interactive Digital Design (Developer)
B.S. in Interactive Digital Design (Developer Emphasis) Program Overview
Step into the exciting world of digital creativity with Freed-Hardeman University’s B.S. Major in Interactive Digital Design (Developer Emphasis) program. Unleash your imagination and technical prowess through hands-on learning in 2D design, digital graphics, web and mobile app development and beyond. From crafting stunning visuals to mastering web development, this program can propel you into roles like graphic design and technology innovation upon graduation. Your journey to digital ingenuity starts here!
Department:
Department of Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science
Department chair name:
Michael E. Johnson
B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Kenan Casey
Learning at FHU
Why Major in Interactive Digital Design at FHU?
Choosing to major in Interactive Digital Design at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) is a decision that unlocks a world of endless possibilities in the realm of creative expression and technological innovation. Our program is meticulously crafted to provide you with a well-rounded education that combines artistic creativity with technical expertise.
Program Highlights:
- Holistic Blend creative design & technical development
- Experienced Faculty
- Customization of electives
- Hands-On Learning with real world applications
- Practical Capstone Project
- Small Class Sizes
- Faith Integration
- Adaptable Skills
Bachelor of Science Degree in Interactive Digital Design Four-Year Plans
Your success in Interactive Digital Design begins with strategic planning. At FHU, we prioritize your journey toward achieving your goals, which is why we offer meticulously crafted comprehensive four-year plans specifically tailored to guide you.
2023-2024 4-Year Plan(s)
2022-2023 4-Year Plan(s)
2021-2022 4-Year Plan(s)
2020-2021 4-Year Plan(s)
Careers for Interactive Digital Design Majors
Graduates with a degree in Interactive Digital Design (Developer Emphasis) possess a unique skill set that opens the door to a wide range of exciting and rapidly evolving career opportunities in the digital realm. With expertise in both creative design and technical development, you’ll find yourself well-equipped for roles such as:
- Front-end Developer
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- User Interface (UI) Designer
- Mobile App Developer
- Game Developer
- Digital Product Designer
- Freelancer or Entrepreneur
Degree Requirements
Embarking on a Bachelor’s Degree in Interactive Digital Design with a developer emphasis is an exciting voyage for those captivated by the world of creativity and technology. This tailored program harmoniously merges software development and graphic design, providing a pathway to become confident in crafting captivating digital interactions. To achieve this degree, students are required to successfully complete the specified prerequisite courses and fulfill requirements, establishing a robust base for a flourishing career in the ever-evolving arena of interactive digital design.
I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements
Listed in this catalog under Academics: Liberal Arts Core
Limit II. C. Quantitative Reasoning to MAT 101 College Algebra
II. Major Requirements - 39 hours
| A. Interactive Digital Design Core: | 27 hours | |
| ART 130 | 2-D Design | 3 |
| ART 230 | Digital Graphics Fundamentals | 3 |
| ART 235 | Graphic Design I (W) | 3 |
| ART 337 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| CIS 171 | Computer Programming I | 3 |
| CIS 211 | Introduction to Web Design | 3 |
| CIS 311 | Advanced Web Design | 3 |
| CIS 322 | Human-Computer Interaction (W) | 3 |
| CIS/ART 495 | Capstone Senior Design Project (W) | 3 |
| Â | Â | Â |
| B. Interactive Digital Design (Developer): | 12 hours | |
| CIS 172Â | Computer Programming II | 3 |
| CIS 267 | Application Development I (W) | 3 |
| CIS 367 | Web Development (W) | 3 |
| CIS 388 | Mobile Application Development | 3 |
III. Electives (including additional Bible) - 53 hours
|
ART 120 |
Drawing I |
3 |
|
ART 201 |
Introduction to Photography |
3 |
|
COM 253 |
Digital Storytelling |
3 |
|
COM 358 |
Social Media |
3 |
​Meet our Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Bachelor of Science in Interactive Digital Design Program
Below are answers to questions prospective students often have when considering a major in Interactive Digital Design with an emphasis in development. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact admissions@fhu.edu and they will happily answer questions and provide additional details about our program.
Why study Interactive Digital Design at FHU?
FHU’s Interactive Digital Design with a development emphasis program seamlessly combines the best of both worlds: creative design and technical development. By choosing FHU, you’re investing in an education that goes beyond the surface, diving deep into the intricacies of crafting digital experiences that leave a lasting impact.
FHU’s faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom, ensuring you receive guidance from those who truly understand the digital landscape. This expertise translates into a curriculum that’s carefully designed to equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to excel.
As a student, you’ll not only explore the art of design but also gain a strong command over programming languages and development tools. This powerful combination paves the way for a wide range of career paths.Â
What sets FHU apart is the emphasis on customization. With elective courses spanning drawing, photography, and social media, you’re empowered to tailor your education to your passions, creating a unique blend of skills that align with your personal and professional goals.
By studying Interactive Digital Design with a developer emphasis at FHU, you’re embarking on a journey that bridges creativity and technology, offering you the tools, guidance, and opportunities to flourish in a world where digital experiences reign supreme. Join our community of innovative thinkers and become a force in shaping the future of interactive design.
What is the job outlook for Interactive Digital Design degree graduates?
The job outlook for graduates with a degree in Interactive Digital Design is highly promising, given the increasing demand for professionals who can combine creative design skills with technical expertise.Â
As businesses and industries continue to expand their online presence and digital offerings, the need for individuals who can design and develop interactive and user-friendly digital experiences is on the rise.
Here are some key factors contributing to the positive job outlook for Interactive Digital Design (Developer Emphasis) graduates:
- Rapid Technological Advancements: The continuous evolution of technology drives the demand for professionals who can create innovative and seamless digital interfaces, websites, and applications.
- Diverse Industry Applications: Virtually every industry, from e-commerce and entertainment to healthcare and education, requires digital design and development experts to enhance user experiences and engagement.
- Mobile App Development: With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices, there’s a constant need for skilled mobile app developers to create functional and visually appealing apps.
- User Experience (UX) Focus: Companies are placing a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional user experiences. UX designers and developers are crucial to achieving this goal.
- Remote Work Opportunities: The nature of digital design and development allows for remote work and freelance opportunities, providing flexibility and a wide range of job choices.
- Emerging Technologies: As emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and voice interfaces become mainstream, professionals with skills in these areas will be in high demand.
In conclusion, the job outlook for graduates with a degree in Interactive Digital Design (Developer Emphasis) is bright and promising. The ability to blend creative design skills with technical development expertise positions graduates to thrive in a variety of industries and roles.
What are the skills needed for a successful career in Interactive Digital Design with a developer emphasis?
A successful career in Interactive Digital Design with an emphasis in development requires a combination of creative and technical skills that enable you to design and build engaging and user-friendly digital experiences. Here are some of the key skills you need to excel in this field:
- Programming Languages: Proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and potentially others (such as Python or Ruby) is crucial for front-end and back-end development.
- Web Development: Strong knowledge of web development frameworks, libraries, and tools is essential for creating responsive and visually appealing websites and applications.
- User Experience (UX) Design: Understanding user behavior and designing interfaces that prioritize user needs and usability is fundamental. Familiarity with UX design principles and methodologies is vital.
- User Interface (UI) Design: Proficiency in UI design tools and software is necessary to create visually appealing and intuitive interfaces that enhance user engagement.
- Responsive Design: The ability to design and develop websites and applications that work seamlessly across various devices and screen sizes is crucial.
- Mobile App Development: Knowledge of mobile app development frameworks (e.g., React Native, Flutter) and platforms (iOS, Android) is valuable for creating mobile applications.
- Back-End Development: Understanding server-side programming languages (e.g., Node.js, PHP, Python) and databases is essential for building the back-end functionality of applications.
- Problem-Solving: A strong problem-solving mindset helps you tackle complex technical challenges and find efficient solutions.
- Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for working in multidisciplinary teams and translating design concepts into functional applications.
- Testing and Debugging: Proficiency in testing methodologies and debugging tools is essential for identifying and resolving technical issues in your projects.
Combining these technical and creative skills will position you for a thriving career in Interactive Digital Design with an emphasis in development, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to the creation of captivating and functional digital products and experiences.
What is unique about majoring in Interactive Digital Design at FHU?
Majoring in Interactive Digital Design with a developer emphasis at Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) offers a distinctive educational experience that sets you apart in the world of digital design and development. Here’s what makes FHU’s program unique:
- Holistic Blend: FHU’s program seamlessly combines creative design and technical development, allowing you to master both sides of the digital equation. You’ll emerge as a well-rounded professional capable of translating innovative concepts into functional digital solutions.
- Experienced Faculty: Guided by experienced faculty who bring a wealth of industry knowledge, you’ll receive mentorship from experts who understand the intricacies of the digital landscape.
- Customization: FHU’s elective courses, spanning drawing, photography, and social media, enable you to tailor your education to match your personal interests and career goals. This customization makes your learning journey truly unique.
- Hands-On Learning: The program emphasizes hands-on projects and practical applications, ensuring you gain real-world experience in designing and developing digital solutions that have a tangible impact.
- Versatility: Graduates are well-equipped to pursue a variety of roles, including front-end and back-end development, UI/UX design, mobile app development, and more. This versatility enhances your career prospects.
- Practical Capstone Project: The capstone senior design project provides an opportunity to apply your skills to a real-world project, demonstrating your expertise to potential employers and building a portfolio.
- Small Class Sizes: FHU’s smaller class sizes foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment, allowing for more personalized attention from faculty and peers.
- Faith Integration: As a faith-based institution, FHU encourages ethical and socially responsible digital design and development, emphasizing values that can positively influence your work.
- Adaptable Skills: FHU’s program equips you with skills that remain relevant even as technology evolves, making you adaptable to changing trends and advancements.
By majoring in Interactive Digital Design with a developer emphasis at FHU, you’re not only gaining a comprehensive education but also benefiting from a nurturing environment that encourages creativity, technical prowess, and a deep understanding of the digital landscape. This unique blend of skills and experiences prepares you to excel in an array of digital design and development roles.
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