Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Game Art and Design
Majors Overview February 18, 2015Bachelor’s degree programs in game art and design will teach students about the conceptual and artistic designs used in the interactive entertainment and digital technology industries. Programming, art, and game design jobs are available for graduates.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Game Art and Design
Bachelor of Game Art and Design programs are not usually offered. Interested students can pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs with a major in game art and design. Students enrolled in these programs learn about ways of creating video games through a combination of the respective fundamentals of art and computer programming and science.
They can expect to become adept at designing and modeling characters, developing interactive games, creating user interaction, and writing narratives. Students typically examine foundational topics in compositions; color, animation, and drawing are typically examined by students, in addition to 3-D environment art, design documentation, and simulation.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Schools may also offer programs in online formats.
Coursework
Core coursework may include classes in animation, game programming, digital design, and game design and development. Participation in an internship may be mandatory for students, so they can garner hands-on experience. Over the duration of the program, a portfolio is created by students whereby they can highlight their knowledge and skills to potential employers. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Character rigging
•Media and sound
•Lighting
•Level design
•3-D modeling
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete the bachelor’s degree program can pursue intermediate- or entry-level work in various positions in health care, defense, or gaming, including those of:
•Level designers
•Lead artists
•Game programmers
•Game designers
•Tool programmers
Job and Wage Outlook
A below-par job growth rate of 6% was predicted for multimedia artists and animators over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A job growth rate of 22% was expected to be enjoyed by software developers.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s program may pursue continuing education by enrolling in a master’s degree in the field of game art and design. Coursework in an M.F.A. or M.A. program can help students enhance their grasp of character design, effects animation, prototyping, and video game design.
Students may be required to complete a thesis or capstone project, in addition to internship experiences. After they graduate from the master’s program, students may seek positions as cinematic directors, lead animators, or art directors.
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