Program Overview

Introduction to the 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design Program

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design at Xavier University is a comprehensive program that empowers students to create impactful, immersive digital experiences through 3D animation, game development, and virtual reality. This program officially launches in the Fall 2026 semester, with students able to begin taking foundation classes in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

Program Overview

The 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design program is designed to equip students with the skills to succeed in the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D animation and game design. The program blends artistic vision with technical expertise, providing students with a comprehensive skillset needed to thrive in the industry.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design program is as follows:

• First Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • ARTS 100: Freshman Seminar (1cr.)
    • ARTS 101: 2D Design (3cr.)
    • ARTS 102: Drawing I (3cr.)
    • ARTS 110: Intro to Game Design & Game Theory (3cr.)
    • ENGL 101 or 115: English Composition or Rhetoric (3cr.)
    • CORE 100: First Year Seminar (3cr.)
    • CORE 101: First Year Co-Curricular Program (0cr.)
  • Spring Semester:
    • ARTS 105: 3D Design (3cr.)
    • ARTS 210: 3D Modeling and Animation (3cr.)
    • Historical Perspectives (3cr.)
    • THEO 111: Theological Foundations (3cr.)
    • Second Language I (3cr.)
    • CORE 102: First Year Co-Curricular Program (0cr.)
• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • GDST 351/SOCI 351: Video Games and Virtual Worlds (3cr.)
    • CSCI 170: Computer Science I (3cr.)
    • Scientific Perspectives Elective (3cr.)
    • ENGL 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination (3cr.)
    • PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy (3cr.)
  • Spring Semester:
    • ARTS 310: 3D Animation and Game Design (3cr.)
    • Major Elective (3cr.)
    • ARTS 341: Sophomore Review (1cr.)
    • Second Language II (3cr.)
    • PHIL 200+: Philosophical Perspectives (3cr.)
    • THEO 200+: Theological Perspectives (3cr.)
• Junior Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • ARTS 441: Junior Seminar (3cr.)
    • ARTS 410: VR, Mobile and Software Development (3cr.)
    • Major Elective (3cr.)
    • Humanities Elective (3cr.)
    • Natural Sciences Elective (3cr.)
  • Spring Semester:
    • ENGR 120: Emerging and Future Technology (3cr.)
    • ARTS 214: Technology for Artists (3cr.)
    • CSCI 170: Mathematical Perspectives Elective (3cr.)
    • DCR Flag Elective (3cr.)
    • Social Sciences Elective (3cr.)
• Senior Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • ARTS 490: Senior Capstone (3cr.)
    • ARTS 493: Internship/Practicum (3cr.)
    • E/RS Flag (3cr.)
    • Quantitative Reasoning Flag (3cr.)
    • Writing Intensive Flag (3cr.)
  • Spring Semester:
    • ARTS 490: Senior Capstone (3cr.)
    • Oral Communications Flag (3cr.)
    • General Elective (3cr.)
    • General Elective (3cr.)
    • General Elective (3cr.)
    • CORE 499 (0cr.)

Sample Courses

The program includes a range of sample courses, such as:

• ARTS 110: Introduction to Game Design & Game Theory
• ARTS 210: 3D Modeling & Animation
• ARTS 310: Advanced 3D Animation and Game Design
• ARTS 410: VR, Mobile, & Software Development

Clubs

Students in the 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design program can participate in various clubs, including:

• Computer Science Club
• Xavier University Gaming Club
• Xavier Art Society

Related Programs

The university offers several related programs, including:

• BA/BFA in Art
• BS in Computer Science
• BA in Digital Innovation, Film and Television
• BA in Graphic Design
• Related Minors:
  • Art
  • Arts Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Digital Innovation, Film, and Television
  • Digital Media

Program Features

The 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design program at Xavier University features:

• Mastering industry-standard tools and technologies, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, Unity, and Unreal Engine
• A comprehensive curriculum that blends artistic vision with technical expertise
• Opportunities to design socially responsible and ethical digital experiences
• A focus on foundational art principles and visual storytelling
• A transformative education that serves the greater good

FAQ

The program prepares students for a range of careers, including:

• Game Designer
• 3D Artist / Modeler
• Animator
• Technical Artist
• VR/AR Developer
• Ethical Game Designer
• Motion Graphics Designer Students will learn to use a range of industry-standard tools and software, including Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, and Adobe Creative Suite. The university also offers an honors program for 3D Animation and Immersive Game Design majors, which includes a $2000 travel grant.