Interactive Media Design (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)
Build the creative and technical skills to be adaptable to any media industry career.
- Teaches a variety of skill-sets which allows graduates to jump into a variety of roles as they set out on their careers
- Program-specific elective courses provide an opportunity to focus your path towards a specialization
- Opportunities to students to take on paid projects through their time in the program
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Spring 2024
No
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Spring 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Other Campuses
Work Integrated Learning
Interactive Media Design is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in the digital media industry. Web-design, programming, as well as video and motion graphic skills, are in demand in all employment sectors. You explore the primary elements of media project planning and development with equal importance given to the creative and the technical aspects. This balanced learning experience prepares graduates to be generalists in the media industry meaning you can jump into a wide variety of roles as you begin your careers.
Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on media production through courses in computer-based web design and programming, as well as video and motion graphics. Through several program-specific elective courses, you can focus your path towards specializing as motion graphic designer or a web developer, or you can choose to remain as a generalist, depending on your interests. You plan and execute individual and team-based projects under the guidance of a faculty, industry experts in the media field. You gain practical experience working with live clients through applied projects. You navigate these learning opportunities with the operating system of your choice, such as Mac OS X or Windows....(read more)
Overview
Build the creative and technical skills to be adaptable to any media industry career.
Interactive Media Design is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in the digital media industry. Web-design, programming, as well as video and motion graphic skills, are in demand in all employment sectors. You explore the primary elements of media project planning and development with equal importance given to the creative and the technical aspects. This balanced learning experience prepares graduates to be generalists in the media industry meaning you can jump into a wide variety of roles as you begin your careers.
Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on media production through courses in computer-based web design and programming, as well as video and motion graphics. Through several program-specific elective courses, you can focus your path towards specializing as motion graphic designer or a web developer, or you can choose to remain as a generalist, depending on your interests. You plan and execute individual and team-based projects under the guidance of a faculty, industry experts in the media field. You gain practical experience working with live clients through applied projects. You navigate these learning opportunities with the operating system of your choice, such as Mac OS X or Windows.
Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.
This industry-driven program provides you with the diverse skillset that makes you adaptable in today`s dynamic job market across all sectors. Graduates may find employment in a wide variety of fields utilizing their skills in dynamic media development, web design and programming, photography, videography, motion graphics, project management, UX design, graphic design, and content management. Other opportunities involve start-up businesses or work as a freelancer or contractor.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are highly adaptable to today`s technology.
- Are imaginative and enjoy solving problems.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning.
- Aspire to balance skills in creative video design with web-development programming.
- Enjoy working on team projects.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications I
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Introduction to Photography
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Code:
MTM6130
Course Name:
Web Development I
Course Description:
Designing and developing websites in browsers starts with the basics of two coding languages HTML and CSS. Students discover web development... + Read More
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56.0
Code:
MTM6160
Course Name:
Digital Graphics
Course Description:
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56.0
Code:
MTM6162
Course Name:
Design Foundations
Course Description:
Through a hands-on approach to design theory, students become objective rather than subjective about good design. Through project-based lear... + Read More
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42.0
Code:
ENL6007
Course Name:
Professional Communication in Digital Media
Course Description:
Strong communication skills are a key part of professional success. Students focus on writing clear, correct and concise print and web-based... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEP1001
Course Name:
Cooperative Education and Job Readiness
Course Description:
Students are guided through a series of activities that prepare them to conduct a professional job search and succeed in the workplace. Thro... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
MTM6200
Course Name:
Video Foundations
Course Description:
Students explore the full video production life cycle, from planning and pre-production to editing and post-production. Video and audio tech... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MTM6201
Course Name:
Web Development II
Course Description:
This course expands on the basic knowledge of HTML and CSS to incorporate topics such as accessibility, search engine optimization, fluid de... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6231
Course Name:
Content Management Systems I
Course Description:
In the fast-paced media industry, not every project needs to be built from scratch. Content Management Systems (CMS) offer pre-built functio... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MTM6260
Course Name:
User Experience Design I
Course Description:
A multiple-stage approach introduces the user experience (UX) design process. Students create user interfaces by applying UX strategies, use... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6302
Course Name:
Web Development III
Course Description:
Users have come to expect a dynamic, interactive experience when exploring sites; this interactivity is fundamental to creating a modern use... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6304
Course Name:
Media Project Planning
Course Description:
Effective management of time, resources, clients and teams is crucial to the success of any project. Students utilize the theory of project ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6305
Course Name:
User Experience Design II
Course Description:
Todays interfaces should be intuitive, easy to use and satisfy customer needs so that products and services are successful. The user experie... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6303
Course Name:
Content Management Systems II
Course Description:
Content Management Systems are great tools to build dynamic websites without writing any code, however there are projects where the default ... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
MTM6306
Course Name:
Video Production
Course Description:
Working with industry standard ideas and techniques, students will move beyond the basics of film and video and develop a deeper knowledge a... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
GED6149
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following theme requirements: Arts in Society... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MTM6370
Course Name:
Co-Operative Work Term
Course Description:
Students complete a cooperative work term, and submit a written report which documents the location of employment and the duties performed.... + Read More
Hours:
Code:
MTM6460
Course Name:
Applied Projects
Course Description:
Students work with real clients or on industry-reflective projects, using teamwork and acquired skills to build real-world applications and ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
MTM6461
Course Name:
Digital Portfolio
Course Description:
Students explore the creation of print and digital publication in multiple formats, building on prior layout, design and software knowledge.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MTM6403
Course Name:
Motion Design
Course Description:
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56.0
Code:
MTM6404
Course Name:
Web Applications
Course Description:
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Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6406
Course Name:
Business Marketing
Course Description:
Business acumen plays a vital role in the success of interactive media design professionals. Students periodically interact with industry pr... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MTM6407
Course Name:
Web Development IV
Course Description:
While HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the core of any website, a developer uses many other tools to get the job done. Expand upon what student... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED6149
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following theme requirements: Arts in Society... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment in a wide variety of positions such as: media director; video and audio technician; production coordinator; production assistant; production director; technical project lead; graphic layout designer; interactive developer; UX designer; web developer; project manager; videographer; motion graphics editor; CMS specialist; front-end developer; back end developer; video producer.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Complete both individual and collaborative interactive media projects effectively.
- Use best practices and tools to design and develop dynamic, rich-media content.
- Contribute to the assessment of the requirements of an interactive media project.
- Contribute to the development, budgeting, planning and professional presentation of an interactive media project.
- Design a media project (interface, navigation, graphics, text treatment) using current best practice design and development principles, and applying conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
- Build effective and dynamic Web sites and/or mobile applications.
- Identify and analyze ethical and professional issues arising in an online environment.
- Apply research and conceptual skills to propose possible solutions for mobile/multimedia/Web development problems.
- Use creative and critical thinking techniques in the effective design, development and implementation of an interactive media project.
- Contribute to the assessment of the financial, technical and artistic success of an interactive media project.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Before beginning the program, students are required to purchase either a Windows or OSX(Macbook) laptop with these minimum specs (cost: $1,700 - $2,500): Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD or HDD internal storage,13 screen (larger preferred)
- Laptop power supply required for in-class use.
- Students are required to purchase an external storage device of 1TB or larger which is compatible with their laptop (cost: $70 - $150).
- Students will need to acquire their own domain name and web hosting ()cost:$100/year). This will be done in class with a teacher`s guidance in second semester.
- Students will need to purchase a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with detachable lenses. The program has a small selection of Canon DSLR lenses (for APS-C sensor) with EF mount and additional Canon tools (such as flashes) for student rental. Your professor will be using a Canon camera for in-class demo.
- Camera and lens packages start at approximately $500. Cameras will be required by Week 2 of the first semester. Minimum specs and required equipment include: Any camera brand will work. Minimum lens requirement of 18-55mm (longer zoom range such as 24-105 is preferred but costs more), minimum resolution of 16-megapixels, capable of RAW and JPEG formats, capable of recording full HD video (listed as FHD or 1920 x 1080 resolution), on-board microphone, one class-10 (10MB/s or faster) MicroSD HC Memory Card of 32GB or larger (cost: $100).
- Additional investments may be required for camera equipment during final semester:
- Tripod with a fluid head and quick release plate (approx. $100+).
- Additional Class 10 (10MB/s or faster) MicroSD HC Memory Cards, 64GB or larger (cost: $150).
- Telephoto or Zoom lens: 70-200mm f4.0 or better (cost: $700 - $1,700).
- External flash lighting device - specifics to be discussed with course professor.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 6149X03FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
CO-OP INFORMATION:
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.
Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.
Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.
International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.
For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.
Program curriculum is reviewed annually to reflect evolving industry standards in the information technology field.