College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management

BS in Computer Animation and Game Development

Program Website

Overview

This degree program takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning, combining skills from multiple disciplines and fields in order to create visual content and interactive media. This means that students will draw upon the expertise of faculty from various departments on campus and will work in collaborative project teams. In addition to the core computer graphics courses, students in the major are required to choose several courses from an interdisciplinary pool from Departments outside of Computer Animation and Game Development (CAGD): Art (ARTS), Media Arts, Design, and Technology (MADT), Computer Science (CSCI), and Journalism & PR (JOUR). The Degree Program also offers minors in Applied Computer Graphics and Video Game Design. The degree program is designed to enable students to develop their skills in a particular area of interest such as computer graphics, computer animation, computer game design and programming, or project management for game development.

Mission

We prepare students for successful professional careers in the computer graphics fields through our innovative program based on the synergy of visual design and technology. Through applied-learning and collaborative environments embracing industry-standard technical and conceptual techniques, we provide the foundation for creative expression and lifelong learning that leads our students to be successful and effective contributors, leaders and innovators capable of overcoming complex challenges.

Goals & Objectives

Computer Animation and Game Development graduates will:

  • Have an understanding of critical and aesthetic issues in computer graphics and mixed media.
  • Know basic aesthetic principles and concepts, and the production process.
  • Be able to effectively use technical, conceptual and critical abilities, and appropriate technological tools.
  • Be effective written and oral communicators with the ability to function as effective members of collaborative multi-disciplinary teams in the production process.
  • Be able to critically evaluate computer graphics and the mixed media.
  • Have an appreciation for the professional code of ethics for the creative process.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Recognize and evaluate critical and aesthetic issues within computer graphics and the mixed media. (Issues)
  2. Apply aesthetic judgments and critical thinking skills to art and graphics related issues. (Aesthetics)
  3. Demonstrate mastery of specific technical, conceptual and critical abilities within computer graphics and the mixed media. (Abilities)
  4. Demonstrate proficiency with industrial applications to visual communication related technologies. (Proficiency)
  5. Communicate effectively in written format on research and creative issues. (Written)
  6. Communicate effectively in oral format on research and creative issues. (Oral)
  7. Apply critical thinking and aesthetic judgments in critiquing mixed media and computer graphics productions. (Critiquing)
  8. Function on multidisciplinary teams. (Teams)
  9. Work collaboratively and individually with an understanding of the production process utilized in industry-standard studios. (Process)
  10. Demonstrate professionalism through creative and intellectual independence. (Professionalism)