Bachelor of Arts in Design - Interactive Entertainment Major - Computer Game Design Concentration

The Bachelor of Arts in Design degree offers majors in three areas of concentration: Interactive Entertainment, Graphic Design and Interior Design. Interactive Entertainment is further split into an arts-based Game Design major and a programming-based Game Development major. Each major which comprises the Bachelor of Arts in Design degree equips students with a broad range of marketable skills and a strong general education foundation upon which a lifelong, successful career can be built.

Course selections in each of the three art-based concentrations include both a solid grounding in the fine and visual arts, and hands-on practical core courses which stress the understanding of the underlying design processes and concept development. Students will learn firsthand how to create effective visual communication; how to develop and communicate design solutions; and how to create, capture and manipulate both traditional and new media design elements, all in a clear manner in keeping with the professional standards of their chosen field of study.

Program Mission: To provide our game design majors with (1) a strong foundation of electronic design skills and techniques, (2) a solid grounding in the liberal arts and, (3) the ability to think and write critically. In this way we hope to ensure that our graduating seniors will be prepared to enter the highly competitive industry of game design or continue their studies at a graduate level.

Program Description: The Game Design course curriculum offers a foundation of traditional drawing, illustration, and art courses in addition to courses in 2D and 3D animation, audio, storytelling, character development, and game technology. The Game Design student also develops skills in scriptwriting, computer programming, animation, project management and online media production. Students learn industry-related software such as: Gamemaker, Flash, Maya, and the complete suite of Adobe design software products. In addition, all students complete coursework in the liberal arts, the social sciences, and the laboratory sciences in keeping with the long-standing traditions of a liberal arts-based college degree. Students can further customize their curricula through internships, general elective coursework and free electives.