The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, part of the Art Institute system of schools, offers diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor degrees in 16 areas of study. According to the college, approximately 88 percent of graduates were working in a field related to their degree within six months, as of 2008. The B.S. (bachelor of science) degree in game art and design prepares students for entry-level careers as an interactivity designer, 2-D conceptual artist, 3-D character builder, 3-D object modele, and game-play tester of background artist. The curriculum includes coursework in design, 3D modeling, life drawing, computer simulation and digital storytelling. Courses are offered in flexible day, evening or online formats.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
420 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-263-6600
artinstitutes.edu
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is an Ivy League school focused on interdisciplinary education. UPenn School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) is recognized for its high level of research and unique programing, such as the M.S. (master of science) degree in engineering with a concentration in computer graphics and game technology. The program is comprised of four core areas of creative arts and design; product design, development and production; computer sciences, systems and technology; and business and entrepreneurship. Students have the opportunity to learn and conduct research in UPenn's Center for Human Modeling and Simulation (HMS), which is a widely recognized facility due to the creation of "Jack" software (a character animation system used in government and private applications).
Department of Computer and Information Science
School of Engineering and Applied Science
University of Pennsylvania
3330 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-8560
upenn.edu
Drexel University has a history in promoting technological advancements, as it was the first university to operate a fully wireless campus and the first to require entering students to have microcomputers. The Department of Computer Science offers education and research-centered programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering and symbolic computation. The B.S. and B.A. (bachelor of arts) degrees in computer science require students to choose at least two tracks of focus. These tracks include the game development and design track, which includes two computer gaming workshops. Other tracks that would be beneficial for a prospective game developer would be the software engineering track and the computer graphics and vision track.
Drexel University
Department of Computer Science
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-895-2669
drexel.edu