Game Art & Design (BS)
The bachelor's degree program in Game Art & Design offers a broad range of work-ready design and technology competencies focused on career paths in the specialty of game art and design. Students will begin with a substantial foundation in drawing, color, design, and computer applications. From this foundation, they develop advanced skills in various aspects of computer graphics and animation. Students learn to use tools of the computer animation profession, ranging from modeling to animation to game engines. In addition to software applications, students will use scanners, printers, and classroom presentation equipment. These tools enhance the student's flexibility and creativity, and enable them to produce an individualized portfolio that demonstrates their practical and technical abilities to potential employers.
Program Objectives
1. Students will demonstrate traditional and digital art skills showing a solid foundation of the principles of game art & design according to professional industry standards.
2. Students will also possess the requisite presentation, interviewing, resume-building and game business knowledge critical to seeking an entry-level artist and/or designer position in the industry.
3. They will be able to demonstrate the principles of gaming, balance and usability to plan and create game rules, mechanics, environments, aesthetics and experiences.
4. They will also be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to create game art assets for use in industry standard engines through all stages of the production pipeline.
5. Additionally, students will possess knowledge of the managerial and developmental aspects of the game production pipeline and demonstrate knowledge of planning, scope, soft-skills, problem-solving, deadlines and economics that go into making a market-ready game.
6. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment as game asset designers, 2-D and 3-D artists, lighting specialists, background artists, illustrators, level designers, digital model makers, and texture mappers. Additionally, graduates will be prepared for assignments and projects to include designing level play and background stories, creating characters and related environments, and applying knowledge of video and computer games to evaluate game products.