Interactive Media Arts
A Plan for Every Platform: Designing a Career in Media Arts
It’s no secret that high-tech skills are the key to building future-proof career success. But it’s more than just technology that’s changing – it’s communication itself.
As digital platforms evolve, there’s more emphasis than ever on effective visual communications strategies and media design. Career-educated professionals with the right mix of creative and practical skills are in high demand, particularly in the Los Angeles/Orange County region, where gaming, advertising, marketing, PR, and media companies old and new continue to flourish.
Irvine Valley College’s Interactive Media Arts program offers three immersive design certificates, covering 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and Game Design. These unique programs prepare students for careers in the emerging technologies of game design, microcontrollers, 3D printing, virtual reality, and traditional film and visual effects. Students take studio-based courses, gaining experience with design software and using agile management techniques to manage team-based projects.
The program’s strong foundation in traditional art provides students the fundamentals to develop their skills. All students are encouraged to take drawing, painting, or sculpture courses, and the final portfolio for all certificates includes a 2D drawing section. Additionally, animation and design courses give students experience working with software and tools used in the interactive media industry.
Students’ work culminates in a final portfolio, which includes animation or game design demo reels, drawings and storyboards, and a team project such as a short animated film or virtual reality experience.
Ready to launch a Future BUILT career in Interactive Media Arts? It all starts at Irvine Valley College!
What You Need to Know
What Certificates Are Available to Me?
IVC offers a variety of program types to help build your future-proof career!
Certificates of Proficiency
Certificates of Proficiency acknowledge basic workplace abilities and are designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly or upgrade their job skills. These certificates have a total credit requirement of less than 18 units and are designed and approved by local business leaders in order to make them as practical as possible.
IVC Offers COPs in:
Immersive Design – 2D Animation
Immersive Design – 3D Animation
Immersive Design – Game Design
Make sure your class schedule is built for success. Visit the course catalog to see what classes you need to earn your degree or certificate in Interactive Media Arts.
Irvine Valley College is proud to provide our communities with affordable, accessible Career Education opportunities. For information on how financial aid, scholarships and grants can make college more affordable, visit IVC’s Financial Aid Office.
School of the Arts
Department Offices: 949-451-5650
Joseph Poshek
Dean
Contact by Email
Terry Chatkupt
Department Chair
Contact by Email
Patricia Beckman-Wells, EdD
Program Supervisor
Contact by Email
IVC Interactive Media Arts graduates are building successful futures in careers like these, and more! Here are some in-demand job titles and their average yearly salaries.
Multimedia Artists and Animators = $75,782
Desktop Publishers = $46,349
Video Game Designers = $86,842
Graphic Designers = $50,458
Producers = $91,757

Average Salary In This Field
$46,349 to
$91,757 Per Year

Potential Careers
Desktop Publisher
Game Designer
Producer
Graphic Designer

Have Questions? Talk To A Counselor!
You’ve made an independent choice to boost your life and career through Career Education at IVC… but you’re not alone! Talk to a counselor for information on getting started, planning your career pathway, and more!