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      Overview » Course List » Requirements » Faculty Overview »

      Game Art & Design Course List

      The courses in the Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design are designed to provide you with the skills you’ll need to pursue a career in your chosen field. All of our courses are built to challenge you while providing you with industry relevant skills as you learn via multiple interactive methods including text, video, animation, chat and more.

      Total Credit Hours - 180

      Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design are required to take a total of 55 courses as follows:

      • 33 core courses
      • 3 core electives
      • 3 art/design electives
      • 8 required general education courses
      • 7 general education electives

      Course Descriptions

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      Core Curriculum 99 cr.

      Students are required to take 33 core courses as follows:

      Students will take FND110 OR GAD115 (Placement by Portfolio)

      C124 - Character and Object Design for Animation

      In this course, students will design and draw original characters or objects appropriate to and for the animation and/or the gaming industries. Students will learn proper proportion and production protocol to generate pipeline ready model sheets. Course assignments include gesture drawings, action poses and turnarounds.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      FND110 - Drawing

      This is a fundamental drawing course in which students will explore various art and media, use a variety of drawing tools, draw 3-dimensional objects in one and two-point perspective and generate drawings that demonstrate correct proportions.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      FND111 - Color Theory

      This fundamental course provides an introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to design and form. The psychological and cultural aspects of color will be examined in making appropriate design decisions. This course is equivalent to FND115

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      FND112 - Fundamentals of Design

      This course will explore the basic principles of design and introduce the creative process. Design elements and relationships will be identified and employed to establish a basis for critical analysis. Design will be presented as a tool of communication.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      FND113 - Perspective

      This is a foundation course in basic drawing. Students learn to draw three-dimensional forms through observation and application and perspective principles.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      FND133 - Digital Image Manipulation

      This course is designed to explore photo retouching, image manipulation and the creation of original artwork using computers and appropriate software. Compositing, color adjustment and effects through the use of filters will be stressed.

      Prerequisite(s):
      CPU100 or equivalent
      Credits: 3
      GAD101 - Introduction to Game Development

      This course will introduce the student to basic game theory (including game play and strategy) as well as the historical development of all types of games (sports, board games, video games, etc.) as they were affected by world and market conditions. In addition, the specific history of the video game industry will be examined, as will the overall processes involved in developing a video game from basic concept to selling the proposal to production and marketing.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      GAD115 - Sculpture and Drawing for GAD

      Basic principles of design, such as balance, rhythm, contrast, and harmony are explored in this course. Students develop three-dimensional designs and sculptures from paper, found materials, and clay to express concepts, creativity and emotions. Aesthetics, symbolism and semiotics of form are discussed and applied as a foundation for character development. Drawing is utilized to plan, document and explore three-dimensional ideas.

      Prerequisite(s):
      Passage of GAD Entrance Portfolio
      Credits: 3
      GAD116 - Observational Drawing for GAD

      This course involves the observation and translation of three-dimensional form into two-dimensional drawings. Starting with simple shapes and progressing to more complex organic forms, students will build skill levels in composition, line quality, and through the use of tone, light and shadow.

      Prerequisite(s):
      FND110 or GAD115
      Credits: 3
      GAD117 - Life Drawing & Gesture for GAD

      In this introductory course on drawing the human figure, students will continue developing their drawing skills. Course will focus on an interpretation of the human body, based on major masses organized by gestural line. Line of action, gesture, motion, measurement, and foreshortening will be covered in this course.

      Prerequisite(s):
      FND110 or GAD115
      Credits: 3
      GAD132 - 2D Animation for Game Art

      This course provides the student with the basic understanding for the creation of 2D animation through the use of traditional cel techniques and stop-action animation. Students create 2D objects and move them in time and space, then render them to video. Topics include all twelve principles of animation.

      Prerequisite(s): FND113 GAD117
      Credits: 3
      GAD136 - Drawing & Anatomy for GAD

      Students will continue to develop drawing skills and will focus on basic anatomical structures of human and animal forms.  This gateway course culminates in a 3rd quarter review of student drawing skills.  Students are required to achieve a “C” or better in the course to continue in the GAD program.

      Prerequisite(s): FND113 GAD116 GAD117
      Credits: 3
      GAD212 - Digital Storytelling

      Digital storytelling takes new tools and techniques - computers and software - to update the ancient craft of telling tales. Students apply their scriptwriting abilities along with digital imaging and editing tools to tell an illustrated story using pictures and narration in ways that are engaging and exciting.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD101
      Credits: 3
      GAD213 - Game Production Pipeline

      A survey of the processes and methods necessary for developing game specific content for contemporary game engines with a concentration on efficient production management.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD312
      Credits: 3
      GAD215 - Hard Surface & Organic Modeling

      This course covers advanced modeling techniques used for building organic and hard surface objects and environments.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD216 GAD218 GAD219
      Credits: 3
      GAD216 - Texture Mapping for Games

      In this class students will be introduced to the process of creating and working with textures for the game genre.  Advanced image manipulation techniques will be learned and applied here.  Introduction to a shading network as it applies in a 3D Software package will be explored.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD220
      Credits: 3
      GAD217 - 3D Animation

      Students are introduced to basic 3D animation techniques. Topics to be covered include hierarchical linking, keyframing, function curves, animated modifiers, basic morphing, animated cameras, and an introduction to character animation.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD132 GAD220
      Credits: 3
      GAD218 - Material & Lighting

      In this class students will be introduced to materials, textures and lighting strategies to add detail and realism to objects without adding complexity to the model. Students will simulate real world surfaces and textures.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD220
      Credits: 3
      GAD219 - Game Modeling

      Real time 3D animation requires a thorough understanding and ability to create scenes and characters in such a way as to minimize the time it takes for a computer to redraw the scene as it moves in a game. Students will learn level detail creation techniques using industry-standard 3D modeling software and computers.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD220
      Credits: 3
      GAD220 - Principles of 3D Modeling

      A study of 3D modeling techniques using a computerized environment. Students will create their own models to which they will apply effective lighting and materials.

      Prerequisite(s): FND133 GAD136
      Credits: 3
      GAD293 - Sculptural Modeling

      Students will analyze and depict human skeleton-muscular anatomy using both traditional physical media and digital sculpture techniques.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD219
      Credits: 3
      GAD312 - Game Design and Game Play

      A well-designed game is an integration of artistic and technological components that must have a clearly defined goal, set of game criteria and rules for game-play. Students learn the fundamentals of what makes a game enjoyable, playable, challenging, and marketable.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD136 GAD212 PSY1010
      Credits: 3
      GAD313 - Programming for GAD

      This course introduces basic scripting to extend the capabilities of the artist working in media applications. Students will be introduced to data structures, constructs, classes, and high level scripting languages. A functional application relating to their field of study will be produced utilizing a scripting language.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD217 GAD220 GAD312
      Credits: 3
      GAD322 - Project Management for Game Art

      This course focuses on the multimedia project management process and development of the project goals. The process examines the main elements required in every proposal/plan: time frame and budget. Key areas of multimedia project teams serve to support the fundamental approach that every project team is tailored to achieve project results efficiently and effectively.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD312
      Credits: 3
      GAD332 - Interface Design

      This course is an introduction to the aspects of interface design within the game design process. Students will explore and design project specifications for different delivery platforms and genres. Parameters relating to usability, color, resolution, access speed, playability, aesthetics, navigation and layout will mediate the design process. Student will also apply principles of game design appropriate for specific target audiences and applications.

      Prerequisite(s):
      GAD431 or IMD221
      Credits: 3
      GAD392 - 3D Character Rigging

      This course is to introduce the student to fundamentals of character setup. The character setup will be tested by animation assignments. During the course each student will create, set up and test a character model.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD327
      Credits: 3
      GAD411 - Designing Interior Spaces and Worlds

      Most levels of popular games are designed as building interiors and contain characteristics common to interior design layouts. This course provides the opportunity for students to create architectural interiors representing houses, buildings, and entire worlds contained under a roof, in which to place their game characters.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD216 GAD218 GAD219
      Credits: 3
      GAD412 - Level Design

      Building upon the Game Design course, this course will teach the student to analyze and break down the game-play needs of the overall project in order to create specific level designs. Given several basic game designs by the instructor, the students will learn to create 2D maps, design level elements (puzzles, traps, etc.) and learn how to add structures, objects (such as power-ups and weapons) and create balanced game-play through combining these disciplines. The student will learn to use both their own designs as well as pre-created level editors, working as a member of a team in a collaborative effort. The student will produce at least 2 playable level designs, on paper and in the computer.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD411
      Credits: 3
      GAD413 - Team Production I

      Students participate in three quarters of a multi-quarter game production studio modeled upon professional game development practices. The exact content of each course will vary depending upon which quarter a student joins the team.  Within the multi-quarter sequence, preproduction design meetings will be conducted, game production documents will be produced, level designs, basic 2D art and 3D models will be developed, and a playable Game Demo will be produced and tested. Each student will either select or accept a specific role on the production team and, acting in a timely and professional capacity, ensure that the Game Development targets set by the team are completed.  Students are required to rise in responsibility to team leaders in later quarters and are expected to help newer students assimilate into the group.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD322 GAD414
      Credits: 3
      GAD414 - Advanced Game Prototyping

      In this continuation of Interactive Game Prototyping students will create and produce a stand-alone game prototype demonstrating game design principles acquired in preceding courses. The culmination of course work results in students fine tuning their design, production and collecting skills as well as scripting and storyboarding.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD431
      Credits: 3
      GAD416 - Advanced Level Design

      Building on abilities gained in the Level Design course, students will create more intricate designs for levels, characters, objects and weapons. Emphasis is on interesting game play and puzzles.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD412
      Credits: 3
      GAD422 - Portfolio Preparation for Game Art
      This course will focus on the refinement of previous works into a comprehensive collection representative of Graphic Design skills. Emphasis will be on development, design, craftsmanship and presentation.
      Prerequisite(s): Need 150 credits successfully completed in the Game Art and Design program.
      Credits: 3
      GAD431 - Interactive Game Prototyping

      In this course students will create and produce a stand-alone game prototype demonstrating game design principles acquired in preceding courses. The culmination of course work results in students fine tuning their design and production skills as well as scripting and programming.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD322
      Credits: 3
      GAD432 - Portfolio GAD432
      This course will prepare students for job interviews by helping them compile a portfolio. Students will demonstrate their conceptual, design, craftsmanship and other skills as they assemble and refine their portfolios pieces. Working individually with an instructor students will select representative pieces, showcasing work that reflects a unique style.
      Prerequisite(s): GAD422
      Credits: 3
      GAD443 - Team Production II

      Students participate in three quarters of a multi-quarter game production studio modeled upon professional game development practices. The exact content of each course will vary depending upon which quarter a student joins the team.  Within the multi-quarter sequence, preproduction design meetings will be conducted, game production documents will be produced, level designs, basic 2D art and 3D models will be developed, and a playable Game Demo will be produced and tested. Each student will either select or accept a specific role on the production team and, acting in a timely and professional capacity, ensure that the Game Development targets set by the team are completed.  Students are required to rise in responsibility to team leaders in later quarters and are expected to help newer students assimilate into the group.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD413
      Credits: 3
      GAD444 - Team Production III

      Students participate in three quarters of a multi-quarter game production studio modeled upon professional game development practices. The exact content of each course will vary depending upon which quarter a student joins the team.  Within the multi-quarter sequence, preproduction design meetings will be conducted, game production documents will be produced, level designs, basic 2D art and 3D models will be developed, and a playable Game Demo will be produced and tested. Each student will either select or accept a specific role on the production team and, acting in a timely and professional capacity, ensure that the Game Development targets set by the team are completed.  Students are required to rise in responsibility to team leaders in later quarters and are expected to help newer students assimilate into the group.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD443
      Credits: 3


      Core Electives 9 cr.

      Students are required to take 3 core elective courses from the list below:

      C220 - Intermediate 2D Animation

      An introduction to the development of personality and emotion in animated characters is explored. Students will produce an animation of a character expressing emotions and also will work with multiple characters to increase the level of complexity.

      Prerequisite(s):
      C210 or GAD132
      Credits: 3
      C332 - Advanced Software

      A lecture and workshop course in which the student will apply information from the lectures and texts to complete projects involving 3-D modeling, surfacing, lighting, animating and rendering using a high end 3-D modeling and animation software.

      Prerequisite(s):
      C232 or GAD223
      Credits: 3
      C412 - Advanced Software II

      A workshop course in which the student will apply information from the lectures, texts, and lab assignments to animate and render projects and reach the required competencies for certification.

      Prerequisite(s): C332
      Credits: 3
      C422 - Advanced Software III

      A production course in which the student utilizes the information learned in the previous two courses to produce portfolio pieces under the supervision and guidance of the instructor.

      Prerequisite(s): C412
      Credits: 3
      CC420 - Internship
      Through a field internship experience, students will be able to apply acquired subject matter and career/professional skills in a real and practical situation. The main objectives of the internship are to allow students the opportunity to observe and participate in the operation of successful business in relation to their fields of study. The students will gain experience needed to enter the field upon graduation.
      Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of at least 75 credits in their discipline with a 2.75 or higher CGPA
      Credits: 3
      CC478 - Special Projects
      This class is designed to emulate a real world environment by combining the skills of students from more than one curriculum. One quarter a project may be selected that will require video, animation, and industrial design students to complete the final project. Another quarter, the project may require video, photography and multimedia and web skills. Projects will vary and students and faculty will have the ability to propose projects for future classes.
      Prerequisite(s): Has successfully completed at least 75 credits in their discipline with a 2.5 or higher GPA.
      Credits: 3
      CC479 - Special Projects II

      This class was created to be either a continuation of CC478, Special Projects, when students wish to stay involved in a project that takes more than one quarter, or to offer them an additional opportunity to work on more than one Special Project. The Special Projects class is designed to emulate a real world environment by combining the skills of students from more than one curriculum. One quarter a project may be selected that will require video, animation, and industrial design students to complete the final project. Another quarter, the project may require video, photography and multimedia & web skills. Projects will vary and students and faculty will have the ability to propose projects for future classes.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      CC480 - Special Projects III

      This class was created to be either a continuation of CC478 and CC479, Special Projects and Special Projects II, when students wish to stay involved in a project that takes more than two quarters, or to offer them an additional opportunity to work on more than one Special Project. The Special Projects class is designed to emulate a real world environment by combining the skills of students from more than one curriculum. One quarter a project may be selected that will require video, animation, and industrial design students to complete the final project. Another quarter, the project may require video, photography and multimedia & web skills. Projects will vary and students and faculty will have the ability to propose projects for future classes.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
      GAD231 - Advanced Illustration for Game Art

      Students will refine their illustration techniques through an advanced study of illustration media while solving design problems related to a variety of print and online venues. Personal style will be emphasized while students create an illustration portfolio using appropriate rendering techniques as well as typography. Deadlines and professional presentation will be stressed throughout the course.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD211
      Credits: 3
      GAD315 - Advergames

      This course will discuss how to develop games for marketing and advertising applications. Topics covered include branded entertainment, product placement, player markets, genres, platforms, and the science of persuasive marketing. 3 credits

      Prerequisite(s):
      GAD414 or IMD221
      Credits: 3
      GAD327 - Character Modeling

      Students will continue their application of 3D modeling techniques within a computer animation environment. Students will then create a complex character, texture it, and prepare it so that animation can be applied.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD215
      Credits: 3
      GAD328 - 3D Scripting

      This course introduces basic scripting to extend the capabilities of the artist working in media applications. Students will be introduced to data structures, constructs, classes, and high level scripting languages. A functional application relating to their field of study will be produced utilizing a scripting language. 3 credits

      Prerequisite(s): GAD313 GAD416
      Credits: 3
      GAD394 - Motion Capture

      Students will examine the use of motion capture techniques in games, and explore various methods of capturing live action. They will use motion capture data to drive animation and develop an appreciation and understanding of the benefits and limitations of these techniques.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD217 GAD219 GAD313
      Credits: 3
      GAD395 - Game Animation

      This class explores game specific animation and how it is applied in real-time environments.  It looks at creative solutions to handling constraints unique to individual game engines.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD217 GAD219
      Credits: 3
      GAD418 - Computer Simulations

      While many video games take the form of simulations, there are other, more realistic simulation settings that present opportunities for game developers. Students sample a number of computer simulation applications and discuss the design and technological issues involved in their creation. Students also design instructional simulations using multimedia software.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD313
      Credits: 3
      GAD419 - Advanced Edutainment Development

      This class will combine the elements of learning theory and interactive learning games to develop games for learning. Topics to be covered will include instructional design, content development, content organization, practice, feedback, and data collection. Students will create a learning module.

      Prerequisite(s):
      GAD431 or IMD320
      Credits: 3
      GAD423 - Virtual Reality

      This course will cover digital world building, environmental design, non-linear storytelling, and related topics. The goal of the course is to take students with varying talents, backgrounds, and perspectives and put them together to do what they couldn't do alone. There are no "idea people" in the course; everyone must share in the mechanical creation of the worlds. This is a hands-on course and it takes a lot of time, but most students find it very fulfilling and fun. 3 credits

      Prerequisite(s): GAD416
      Credits: 3
      IMD221 - Interactive Authoring II

      This course will cover how to fine tune skills in scripting and storyboarding, and will show how to design a production using interactive multimedia authoring software. This course has an emphasis on the hardware, software and peripherals and interdisciplinary content required for successful composition of interactive multimedia projects.

      Prerequisite(s): IMD211
      Credits: 3
      IMD232 - Interactive Authoring III

      This course will cover how to fine tune skills in scripting and storyboarding, and will show how to design a production using interactive multimedia authoring software. This course has an emphasis on the hardware, software and peripherals and interdisciplinary content required for successful composition of interactive multimedia projects.

      Prerequisite(s): IMD221
      Credits: 3


      Art/Design Elective 9 cr.

      Students are required to take 3 art/design elective courses from the list below:

      C321 - Acting/Movement

      This course will introduce the student to the perception and rendition of movement in animation through references in the real world. The student will learn to observe & reproduce movement, human or otherwise, in a convincing manner and will transcribe those notions to the 3-D and 2-D environment.

      Prerequisite(s): C122 or C123
      Credits: 3
      FND121 - Theory and Development of Form

      This course will provide an introduction to the understanding and development of visual and tactile forms, emphasizing the transformation of concept sketches into three-dimensional form, studies a variety of materials and explores the fundamental principles of using the forms as compositional elements.

      Prerequisite(s): FND112
      Credits: 3
      G223 - Digital Image Manipulation II

      This course is designed to enhance further the skills acquired in previous image manipulation and technology based classes. Emphasis will be placed on advanced applications and the identification of the best solution for an assigned task. Integration of programs to achieve a required product will also be emphasized.

      Prerequisite(s): G133
      Credits: 3
      GAD121 - Scriptwriting for Games and Multimedia

      This course will focus on the planning, storyboarding and scripting of games and interactive productions. Narrative scripting techniques will also be taught. Scripts will be developed with an emphasis on characterization, plotting, target audience, messages and script format.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD212
      Credits: 3
      GAD211 - Illustration for Game Art

      This course will explore various contemporary illustrators and their techniques. The integration of drawing, painting and design is expressed in illustrative compositions. Emphasis is placed on conceptual development, research, references and the application of various media and techniques. It is suggested that a student successfully complete a basic drawing course before attempting this course.

      Prerequisite(s): FND133 GAD136
      Credits: 3
      GAD226 - Sound Design for Games

      In this course the student studies sound characteristics of digital games and explores the various methods for creating and adapting audio effects. Basic principles of acoustics, voice recording, music selection, and editing and digital audio processes will be covered. Various sound design techniques within a gaming context and principles of audio fidelity, format conversion, and compression will be introduced. The student will create and assemble audio assets for a targeted project.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD312
      Credits: 3
      GAD291 - Storyboarding

      This course focuses on applying industry-standard storyboarding and scripting techniques to animation.  Contents to be covered include the various purposes and formats of storyboards, the basic terminology and concepts used in storyboarding, and the application of storyboarding techniques to the creation of storyboards with or without a written script.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD212
      GAD136 with grade B or better
      Credits: 3
      GAD292 - Background Design & Layout

      This course focuses on the fundamentals of background layout with an emphasis on perspective, composition, design basics, staging, mood, texture and lighting. Students will also learn the basics of using props as background and foreground design elements.

      Prerequisite(s): FND133
      GAD136 with grade B or better
      Credits: 3
      GAD327 - Character Modeling

      Students will continue their application of 3D modeling techniques within a computer animation environment. Students will then create a complex character, texture it, and prepare it so that animation can be applied.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD215
      Credits: 3
      GAD391 - Game Testing

      This course introduces game testing procedures used in industry for tracking the performance and ensuring the quality of game products.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD312 PSY1010
      Credits: 3
      GAD393 - Lighting and Texture

      In this course, students will continue to develop lighting and texturing skills and carry out professional quality lighting and texturing projects to be used for their portfolio.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD216 GAD218
      Credits: 3
      GAD415 - Low Polygon Modeling and Animation

      Real time 3D animation requires a thorough understanding and ability to create scenes and characters in such a way as to minimize the time it takes for a computer to redraw the scene as it moves in a game. Students will learn low-polygon creation techniques using industry standard 3D modeling software and computers.

      Prerequisite(s): GAD220
      Credits: 3
      IMD211 - Interactive Authoring I

      Students will learn interactive media production skills using an authoring tool. The focus will be integrating animation, audio, and video; building functioning user interfaces; and understanding and using scripting language of the authoring tool.

      Prerequisite(s): IMD131
      Credits: 3


      General Education 32 cr.

      Students are required to take 8 required general education courses as follows:

      COM1010 - Speech

      Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.

      Prerequisite(s): ENG1010
      Credits: 4
      COM3010 - Advanced Communications
      The purpose of this course is to examine the theoretical and practical aspects involved in effective communication. The course will emphasize essential elements of communication in both personal and professional environments as well as identify and analyze efficient oral and written delivery techniques.
      Prerequisite(s): COM1010 ENG1010
      Credits: 4
      ENG1010 - Composition and Language

      Students will be introduced to college level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Students will adhere to standard conventions of written English.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 4
      ENG1020 - Composition and Language II

      An extension of Composition and Language I with an emphasis on the refinement of individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on research procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and written assignments. A series of short papers, including documentation, may be required.

      Prerequisite(s): ENG1010
      Credits: 4
      MTH1010 - College Math

      Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 4
      MTH2010 - College Math II

      In this course you will discuss points that are represented in a coordinate system, formulas for figures in one, two, and three dimensions: points, directions, lines, triangles, polygons, conic sections, general quadratic equations and spheres.

      Prerequisite(s): MTH1010
      Credits: 4
      PHY1010 - Physics

      Students will learn basic motion and force laws; principles of Newton's laws of motion; motion along straight and curved paths; weight; work, energy and power; impulse, momentum and impact; squash and stretch; waves and sound, light and image formation will also be studied.

      Prerequisite(s): MTH1010
      Credits: 4
      PSY1010 - Introduction to Psychology

      The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values- how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 4


      General Education Electives 28 cr.

      Students are required to take 7 general education electives.

      One General Education Elective course must be taken from each area: English, Science/Math, Humanities, and Social Science.  Three General Education Elective courses must be at the 2000-level or higher, and three additional courses must be at the 3000-level or higher.

       

      Some courses are offered on a rotating basis.



      Transitional Courses 0-12 cr.

      Placement tests in Math and English are administered to determine if a student needs additional preparation in either of these areas.  If a need is indicated, accepted applicants are placed in developmental courses on the basis of their placement test scores and/or transfer credit.  Students must successfully complete or place out of transitional courses in order to progress in the program. Transitional course credits do not count towards the total number of credits for graduation or cumulative grade point average.  Taking transitional classes increases the number of courses a student will take and may extend the number of quarters a student will be in attendance.

       

      ENG095 - Reading and Writing Skills

      This course emphasizes the study of basic competencies needed in order to perform satisfactorily in a college-level English course. Specifically, this includes grammatical, mechanical, and usage skills essential to produce competent paragraphs and essays.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits:
      MTH099 - Basic Mathematics
      This course emphasizes the study of basic competencies needed in order to perform satisfactorily in a college-level basic mathematics course. Specifically this includes concepts and applications of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, the order of operations and signed numbers.
      Prerequisite(s): MTH100 requires a C or better for a passing grade. Once placed in MTH099 you must pass both Transitional Math courses (MTH099 and MTH100) with a C or better before taking College Math (MTH101).
      Credits: 3
      MTH100 - Elementary Algebra

      This course emphasizes the study of basic algebraic concepts needed to perform satisfactorily in the college-level mathematics course. Specifically, this includes signed numbers, variables, exponents, equations, inequalities, graphing techniques, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and applications.

      Prerequisite(s): MTH099
      Credits: 0
      SS100 - Strategies for Online Learning

      This course will familiarize students with the academic skills needed to succeed at the college level and in the online learning environment. Students will be encouraged to develop an attitude of curiosity and inquisitiveness, a capacity for perspective and comparison, and an ability to think rationally and contextually. The course will emphasize students' responsibility for a successful undergraduate education and the importance of being a lifelong learner. Students will also be introduced to policy and procedures of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division.

      Prerequisite(s): None
      Credits: 3
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      In Ai Connections

      Official Group Page
      The Game Art & Design program prepares students to work effectively both individually and in a team creating compelling, effective, and aesthetic game art...Visit the group page
      IGDA National
      IGDA AiPOD National's goal is to provide and promote a better understanding of the functions of game developing, game play and game distribution...Visit the group page
      Career Services
      The Career Services Department is a valuable resource for acquiring the career information you need. We provide support to students every step of the way, from the first day of class to your post-graduation job search...Visit the group page
      Student Community
      The Office of Student Community (OSC) plays a major role in student-related activities. OSC strives to build relationships between students, faculty, and staff members...Visit the group page

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