Video Game Design And Program Major Curriculum

Program Overview

The Video Game Design Program at NEIT will you acquire the advanced skills that are the lifeblood of the gaming industry with our Video Game Design program.

You will be introduced to high level programs, concepts and design challenges as you refine your mastery of a variety of industry concentrations, including game design, game analytics, UI/UX design, 2D and 3D asset creation including modeling, texturing and rigging as well as 2D and 3D animation for games.

You will have the opportunity to assemble a portfolio of the game assets developed during our program to gain employment in areas that include: game designer, 2D or 3D asset creator, character concept artist, environment artist, and UI/UX designer.

Full Description

The Video Game Design and Development Department has two bachelor's tracks: the Game Development and Simulation Programming degree and the Video Game Design degree.

The Video Game Design bachelor's degree program will ready students for entry-level and intermediate-level careers in game design, animation, and visualization as well as for entry-level and intermediate-level positions in a digital media production or game studio environment.

Building on the skills and knowledge acquired during the associate program in game design, bachelor's degree students will learn and refine advanced design and development skills utilized in the game industry.

Video Game Design students will be immersed in high-level programs, concepts and design challenges that will aid in their development of communications skills, refine their mastery of 2-D and 3-D animation concepts and introduce them to new technology and trends relevant to the field.

An important component of the curriculum is assembling a portfolio that will include game assets developed by students.

Upon graduation, Video Game Design students will be eligible for entry-level to intermediate-level positions such as character artist, environmental artist, technical artist, level designer, and visual effects animator.

Potential Career Opportunities

Video games have evolved into a major industry, with plenty of job opportunities available for those with a related bachelor's degree. Potential career opportunities for students include:

2D & 3D Game Asset Creator

FAQ

What degree is best for video game design?

Most video game designers need a bachelor's degree to be considered for entry-level positions. Design programs are available to students at the associate level but more advanced knowledge of art and design skills utilized in the game industry is recommended.
Is Video Game Design a major?

Video game design has become a complex science, with many degree programs dedicated to the subject. Gaming enthusiasts will be pleased to know that major institutions across the country now allow students to major in the subject with popular minors including animation, computer programming, computer science, software development, and visual effects.
Is going to college for video game design worth it?

While it is possible to launch your career without a degree in video game design, a college degree level education will introduce students to important abilities and concepts needed for entry-level. Video game design remains a competitive field. A degree will help students and future applicants stand out to potential employers.
Can you get a degree in gaming?

It is certainly possible to get a degree related to gaming. Some of the most popular majors at game design schools include simulation and visualization, game art, and development. The best degrees for students will typically include computer studies including 2-D and 3-D animation, graphic design and visual development.

Launch Video Game Design Lab

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Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of our bachelor's degree (VGD/BS) program is to help students achieve a variety of careers in interactive media design and digital asset creation through the development of video games.

This curriculum will provide opportunities for students to learn about design, digital assets and the creative process, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration and pipeline workflows.

The program emphasizes the application of design abilities and knowledge of the development of games and simulations through a combination of theory, practical laboratory exercises, collaborative experiences, and a capstone project.

Technical courses are taught utilizing small class sizes led by experienced instructors in state-of-the-art facilities. All course outcomes are designed to prepare students for further education beyond the undergraduate level.

Program Goals

Provide appropriate learning opportunities to acquire game development knowledge from design to production, including management and industry-standard documentation.
Provide opportunities to acquire knowledge of advanced design principles, user interface, asset creation, and user experience.
Provide opportunities to acquire a rich knowledge of visualization and animation techniques.
Provide learning opportunities to acquire rich knowledge of various game engines and asset creation tools.
Provide opportunities to prepare for entry into a career in interactive media design and digital arts through an understanding of the creative process and pipeline workflow, as well as the development of a digital portfolio.
Provide opportunities for the student to prepare for a range of corporate to contract-based employment opportunities and to develop a commitment to the values and ethics of a career-oriented creative professional.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

Execute advanced user-centric, iterative, agile, design and development through industry-standard methods and tools.
Demonstrate advanced design principles through effective visual communication game projects.
Demonstrate advanced visualization and animation techniques using 2-D and 3-D tools.
Demonstrate advanced use of industry-standard game engines and asset creation tools.
Create and execute professional-quality media.
Demonstrate the ability to act ethically and professionally, with respect for all people and cultures, as an individual or as part of a team, through skillful visual, written, and oral communications.

Courses Offered

Course highlights of the bachelor of science degree program include advanced game design, simulation and serious games, advanced 3-D modeling, 3-D digital sculpting, animation, game engines, game analytics. Classes also extend to 3-D scripting and advanced rigging, texturing, technical communications, statistics, argumentative research, and more.

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.