This concentration focuses on the interactive media, social media, and information technology industries. Students learn theories of human computer interaction, technological foundations and applications, and the social and organizational impacts of information and communication technologies. Students also gain experience in designing, implementing, and managing interactive media projects, including Web, games, and emergent forms of interactive and social media.

Who is this concentration for?

This concentration is for students in any of our majors, including both:

• Creative students interested in designing interactive and social media experiences.
• Technical students interested in developing the underlining technology that brings these interactive and social media experiences to life.

Why study in this area?

Computing has become pervasive and ubiquitous. From how we find information to how we communicate to one another  to how we do business, to how we spend our leisure time, the web, social media, video games, and mobile applications are major drivers of not only our economy, but our culture and society.  

Why our program?

• Michigan State University Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media faculty are on the forefront of interactive and social media research and development. For more information, see the focus areas in:
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Games & Meaningful Play
  • Social & Interactive Media
  • Health & Technology
• We have an excellent curriculum designed to give you the breadth and depth of skills in this area, while giving you the flexibility to customize your concentration to your specific interests.
• Our teaching facilities, including our computer labs, are top-notched, giving students plenty of hands-on experience.
• Students have the potential to connect with our several research and development labs, including:
  • Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab
  • Social Media Research Lab (SMRL)
  • The Online Interaction Lab (TOIL)
  • Health & Risk Communication Center (HRCC)
  • The MSU Usability & Accessibility Center
• We have many successful alumni of the program that come back to guest speak, teach, and mentor students
• Michigan State University has the best study abroad program in the country with more than 200 programs annually across 60 countries. While MSU students can participate in any study abroad program (viewable through the MSU Study Abroad Office), the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media offers the following concentration-specific programs:
  • New Media in Europe
  • Technology and Culture: Communication and Games in Japan
  • ICT for Development

What can I do with this degree concentration?

Students graduating from this concentration have gone on to:

• Work at major Fortune 500 companies, including such companies as Google, Yahoo, AOL, Microsoft, IBM, and Electronic Arts
• Work at local Michigan companies, including such companies as TechSmith, Artemis, and Scientifically Proven Entertainment
• Become entrepreneurs and start new successful companies, such as Spartan Internet, ACD.net, and Hero Interactive

 

---

Quick Links

• Eligibility and Program Requirements (on the CAS Academic and Student Affairs website)
• Schedule an appointment with an Undergraduate Academic Advisor