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BACHELOR OF ARTS

GAME DESIGN DEGREE


MASTERING THE SKILLS FOR GAMING INNOVATION

Online

Pursue a career in video gaming with a Game Design Degree! At UAT, students will focus on the
design principles, skills, and techniques needed to create the industry''s next innovative game
projects. Request Info about how you can get your degree in Game Design.

STUDENT PROJECTS



FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

DAVID WESSMAN
has worked in the game industry for 17 years for such companies as Lucasfilm Games, Spectrum Holobyte, Totally Games, Storm...
ERIC GILLAM
is an artist and multimedia designer with cross-functional expertise in: 3D modeling, texturing, level & game design, traditional...

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I am currently, or was previously, a member of the United States Armed Services (Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard or Veteran).

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Game Design students focus on the design principles, skills and techniques required to create mechanics, design documents and functioning prototypes for innovative game projects. Game Design students will be exposed to all the tools of the trade, as well as programming and asset creation skill sets. The coursework emphasizes design skills such as strong initial concepts, design documentation, game balancing and play-testing, interactive storytelling and interface design. Students in the Game Design program will also take a critical approach to the study of gameplay, player interaction and community dynamics as well as the unique features of the numerous game platforms available in the marketplace. In team-based projects, design students will work with artists and programmers to create complete projects. Applying all the elements of the game creation process, Game Design students will also develop the leadership skills to see projects through from initial concept to publisher-ready final product.


DEGREE OBJECTIVES

  • Prototype and build original games for multiple platforms, including complete documentation, prototypes and complete games using the full game production pipeline.
  • Create and implement game elements, systems and play mechanics using industry-standard tools, techniques and production methods, including both art and scripting/programming applications.
  • Develop critical analysis skills and master best practices of effective design through the study of games across platforms and genres.differences and similarities of each.
  • Establish leadership, communication and project management skills by participating in team projects with students from other disciplines using industry-standard team and project management techniques.
  • Demonstrate high-level writing and analysis skills to promote the creation of clear, concise documentation and strong communication of design elements and mechanics to both programming and art team members.


Program Credits: 120
Major Credits: 36
Semesters to completion: 8
Requirements to graduate include a 2.0 CGPA, completed required coursework, Portfolio, Internship, and
a Student Innovation Project.

The ON TIME COMPLETION RATE for this program is, Bachelors 48%, Online Bachelors 72%.
For a more detailed breakout of completion time frames and rates, please see the UAT FAST FACTS page.

FUTURE CAREERS

POSITIONS OUR GRADUATES HAVE TAKEN

  • QA Tester – Foundation 9 Entertainment
  • Game Designer – DW Creations
  • Core QA – Edge of Reality
  • Design Assistant – Big Bang Entertainment
  • Creature Spawner – Carbine Studios

COMPANIES HIRING OUR STUDENT INTERNS

  • Sortasoft
  • Dark Humours Entertainment, LLC
  • Realmware Corporation
  • 3D Buzz, Inc
  • Department of Defense


The University matches programs and potential/actual job titles graduates may work in with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) standard job titles or categories and codes known as the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. These codes and salary information associated with them are provided below.


BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS (BLS) STANDARD OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION (SOC)

15-1021 Computer Programmers 27-1014 Multi-Media Artists and Animators 27-1024 Graphic Designers

SOC MEDIAN SALARY

15-1021 Computer Programmers 27-1014 Multi-Media Artists and Animators 27-1024 Graphic Designers

 

Program Costs and Graduation Data

On Campus
Bachelors 		Online
Bachelors 		On Campus
Associates 		Online
Associates
 
Information provided below represents CIP (Classification of Instructional Program) Programmatic data from students that have graduated between 7/1/11 & 6/30/12:        
 
# of Semesters for Normal Completion Time Frame of Program 8 14 4 7
 
Average # of Semesters to Completion** 8 14 * ****
 
% of Students Completing in Normal Time Frame: 48% 72% * ****
 
Program Costs per Semester:        
 
Tuition $9,700 $5,600 * $5,600
 
Room & Board*** $2,191 N/A * N/A
 
Estimated Books & Fees $500 $500 * $500
 
Median Loan Debt (Federal/Private/Institution) of Program Completers*: $30.193/$0/$0 $51,840/$0/$0 * ****
 
Information provided below represents Institutional data
from attending UAT students between 7/1/11 & 6/30/12: 		       
 
Percent of Students Receiving Financial Aid (FA) during 12 month period** 81% 89% * 100%
 
Average % of Tuition Covered by FA during 12 month period** 61% 68% * 90%
 
Average Amount of Scholarship/Grant Awards during 12 month period** $12,121 $11,453 * $11,824

*Median Loan Debt is calculated using the debt that students incurred during their duration at the University.
**Item not required disclosures but included for potential enhancement to information.
***Rate is that of a shared room and bath per semester based upon a 12-month lease.
****Median Loan Debt and On Time completion percentage not posted based on Department of Education guidance with respect to small programs.