The Game Art and Design Program prepares students for a career in the Interactive Entertainment Industry through immersive training in core-competency areas; which include fine arts, theory, tools, strategy development, and projects that mirror professional pipeline production environments. These areas work together to create a solid foundation for students as they move toward entering the industry. Early classes in the program develop fine art skills and an aesthetic foundation that supports all subsequent work. Fundamentals in craft and tool application are introduced in the sophmore and junior years through a series of hands-on classes that build skill sets in 2D computer graphics, scripting, 3D modeling, animation, texture and lighting. Students will also begin the design and development of their first game level through group work that simulates professional pipeline production techniques.

At the end of the junior year, students will pursue an individual approach to either character development or environmental development, and work to further their technical proficiency in software and hardware development tools. Students will meet with a faculty program advisor to determine which concentration they want to pursue in their senior year. Students who want to further their skills as a character modeler, rigger, animator, or texturer may choose the Character Track; while students who are interested in further developing their environment modeling, lighting, texturing, and scripting skills may select the Environment Track. Students in each track will take courses specific to their area of interest. Students will finish the program having completed a game as a group, as well as having created an individual demo reel which can highlight the assets they personally produced for the final game project.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Game Art and Design. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in the Game Art and Design industry, as well as in related fields.