Program Overview
The Game Development and Emerging Media program equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the multi-billion dollar video game industry. Through an innovative curriculum, students master creative workflows and advanced technologies to craft compelling playable media. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in game development, visualization, and other emerging media fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Game Development and Emerging Media program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the video game development industry, which is valued at billions of dollars and offers a wide range of opportunities in areas such as edutainment, simulation, and visualization.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Prepare future designers, developers, and thought leaders in immersive and playable media
- Facilitate interdisciplinary and collaborative research that addresses global challenges through games
Program Description:
Through an innovative, practice-based curriculum, students master the creative workflows and advanced technologies that enable them to craft compelling playable media. They push the boundaries of storytelling genres, create unique interactive experiences, and engage audiences through play, becoming inventive media-makers and storytellers.
Ethical Considerations:
In keeping with the University's Vincentian mission, the program explores the ethical considerations of gameplay development, such as how simulated experiences can promote healthy attitudes and empathy, and how game developers can cultivate a socially responsible creative practice to promote social change.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Coding for games and emerging media
- Writing narratives and scripts that consider reader agency and leverage expressive code
- Producing digital assets for interactive experiences
- Identifying the social, political, historic, economic impact of emerging media and games
- Ethically designing interactive and play experiences
Program Structure:
Faculty:
The program's reputable faculty includes:
- Alla Baeva, Associate Professor
- John DiMarco, Jr., Professor
- Edrex Fontanilla, Associate Professor
- David P. Hedlund, Ph.D., Professor
- Mark D. Juszczak, Ed.D., Associate Professor
- Nikhil Yadav, Ph.D., Associate Professor
- Jin Zhi, Associate Professor
Unique Approaches:
The program offers unique interdisciplinary collaborations and opportunities for students to work on real-world projects. For example, students in Game Development team with students majoring in pharmacology to create a serious game to model patient interventions, and with those majoring in hospitality to author simulations that explore cognitive empathy in accessible tourism.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in:
- Game development
- Visualization
- Performance capture
- Hybrid virtual production
- Game engine technology
- Cinematic production
Opportunities and Outcomes:
- The program prepares students for the emerging professional roles that fuse the game, television, and film industries.
- Graduates are highly sought after in the industry due to their exceptional technical proficiency and interdisciplinary experience.
- The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and portfolio necessary for success in the competitive field of game development and emerging media.
St. John's University
Overview:
St. John's University is a Catholic and Vincentian institution that emphasizes a holistic approach to education, focusing on six core values: Truth, Love, Respect, Opportunity, Excellence, and Service. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with flexible options for online, hybrid, and in-person learning.
Services Offered:
St. John's University provides students with various services, including:
Academic Service-Learning (AS-L):
Students can participate in service projects that integrate academic learning with community engagement.Nondegree Programs:
The university offers nondegree programs in areas like English language, American culture, professional development, and exchange programs.High School Student Programs:
Through the College Advantage Program, high school students can earn college credit at a discounted rate.Student Life and Campus Experience:
St. John's University offers a vibrant campus experience with:
Diverse Student Body:
The university welcomes students from all over the world, fostering a multicultural environment.Global Opportunities:
Students can study abroad in locations like Rome, Paris, and Limerick, immersing themselves in different cultures.Campus Location:
The main campus is located in Queens, NY, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and urban excitement.Key Reasons to Study There:
Holistic Education:
St. John's University emphasizes a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences.Focus on Service:
The university encourages students to engage in service activities and make a positive impact on the world.Global Citizenship:
St. John's University fosters global citizenship by providing opportunities for students to study abroad and interact with diverse cultures.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate Programs:
St. John's University offers over 100 undergraduate majors and programs of study.Graduate Programs:
The university provides a range of graduate programs designed to help students advance their careers or explore new avenues of study.Fine Arts Program:
The Fine Arts program at St. John's University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a minor in Psychology.Other:
St. John's University is a Catholic and Vincentian institution with a strong emphasis on service and social justice. The university's core values are woven into every aspect of its operations, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students.
