Bachelor of Arts In Game Design & Interactive Media
Program Overview
The BA in Game Design & Interactive Media at the University of New Haven empowers students to create compelling games through a blend of technical and artistic learning. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of game design principles, equips students with technical skills, fosters creativity, and prepares graduates for successful careers in the gaming industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
How do you lay the groundwork for a career in game development, research, and play? This innovative program empowers students to answer these questions and more as they prepare to make their own mark on the gaming universe.
- Equip students with the technical skills required for game development.
- Foster creativity and innovation in game design.
- Prepare graduates for successful careers in the gaming industry.
Program Description:
The BA in Game Design & Interactive Media takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon various disciplines such as art, music, writing, literature, psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, computer science, and more.
Key Features:
- Collaborative learning environment with opportunities to work on real-world projects.
- Emphasis on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
- Experienced faculty with industry connections.
Outline:
Coursework:
- Introduction to Game Studies
- Introduction to Game Development
- Video Game Ethics
- Social Challenges and Controversies in Gaming
- Creating Punk Video Games
- Narrative Structure in Games
Structure:
- The program consists of 120 credit hours, typically completed over four years of full-time study.
- Courses cover a wide range of topics, from game design fundamentals to advanced development techniques.
- Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as game programming, art, or narrative design.
Modules:
- Game Design Fundamentals: Learn the basic principles of game design, including mechanics, player psychology, and level design.
- Game Development: Gain hands-on experience with game development tools and technologies.
- Game Art and Animation: Develop the skills to create compelling visuals for games.
- Game Programming: Learn the programming languages and techniques used to build games.
- Game Audio and Music: Understand the role of sound and music in creating immersive game experiences.
Assessment:
- Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course and module.
- Common assessment methods include:
- Projects
- Presentations
- Exams
- Portfolios
Teaching:
- The program features a dedicated faculty with extensive experience in the gaming industry.
- Teaching methods combine lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects.
- Students have access to a variety of resources, including a dedicated game design lab and industry-standard software.
Careers:
- Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in the gaming industry, including:
- Game Designer
- Game Developer
- Game Artist
- Game Programmer
- Game Tester
- Game Writer
- Game Producer
- The program also prepares students for careers in related fields such as:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Mental health interventions
- The University of New Haven is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.
- The University offers a variety of support services to students, including career counseling, academic advising, and mental health services.