The following applies to undergradute change of program requests into Game Design and Development (GDD) -or- New Media Interactive Development (NMID). For graduate requests, contact Associate Director Chris Egert in the School of Interactive Games & Media directly.

Change of program (COP) requests into GDD or NMID will be considered once per year. Applications are due February 15, 2013 and reviewed at the beginning of spring for fall entry only.

What do I need to do?

Complete COP paperwork (form and attach a brief written statement (1-2 pages) that includes answers to the following questions:

• why you are applying
• your academic strengths
• your passion for games and interactive media
• goals/interests
• why THIS major is the “right” fit for you
• what you believe you can contribute to the School of Interactive Games and Media, as well as your anticipated contributions to the professional field.

1. Submit paperwork, by February 15, 2013 to the School of Interactive Games and Media (70-2145). COP paperwork should not be submitted to your home department.

2. If you have not already done so, you have the option of meeting with one of our Academic Advisors or Jenn Hinton, Assistant Director of Student Experience, to discuss either degree program. Please note: this is not required and does not improve your chances of being accepted into the program. The purpose of this meeting is to learn more about the curriculum and to discuss how the courses from your current degree program will transfer to either program in IGM. If accepted into either program, you WILL be required to meet with one of our academic advisors prior to the beginning of the fall quarter, in order to prepare an appropriate schedule and review course placements and transfer articulations as needed.

How will I be notified?

We will evaluate the COP applications during the week of March 25th. You will receive an e-mail (at your RIT e-mail address) with our decision. This will take place prior to the fall quarter enrollment period and you will be advised of the appropriate courses to take when you meet with your new academic advisor as noted above.

Please note:

• As the current demand for seats within the School is high and both the New Media and Interactive Development and Game Design and Development programs are “capped” at 45 and 180 respectively we will base our decisions on the overall course work completed, grades, and the written statement. Students who have done well in their programming sequence and math courses will have a competitive advantage, as will those that demonstrate a willingness to research the program to which they are applying, passion and aptitude for their major of choice, and overall preparedness with respect to the rigors of IGM academic programs.

• For students applying to Game Design and Development, if possible, you are encouraged to complete College Physics (1017-211, 212) -OR- University Physics (1017-311, 312) as your lab science prior to applying.

• For students applying to New Media Interactive Development, a portfolio is not required; however, it is strongly encouraged, as is your submission of one.

• We reserve the right to “hold” on our decision regarding your application until the end of the spring quarter, such that we have an additional quarter of your coursework to consider when making our decision.

• A MINIMUM 3.0 GPA is expected; your application will not be considered if your GPA is less than a 3.0.

For more information on the GDD or NMID programs, visit the School of Interactive Games & Media website at http://igm.rit.edu/ or contact Assistant Director of Student Experience, Jennifer Hinton at jennifer.hinton@rit.edu or 585.475.7453.