DeVry University's bachelor's degree in Game and Simulation Programming requires eight full-time semesters of study to prepare graduates to compete in the public and private animation software industry. Graduates can work in animation fields that may include programming, software engineering and project coordination. DeVry's degree program includes the fundamentals of game design animation, as well as two- and three-dimensional graphic programming and simulation. Students can study toward the bachelor's degree in game and simulation programming at one of the DeVry campuses (see Resources) or online.
The bachelor's degree in game design at Collins College, a design school in Phoenix, Arizona, includes a curriculum that equips students with programming skills including Java, C++ and artificial intelligence. The degree program provides instruction in game research and planning, storytelling, character development, modeling programming, level design and project management.
Collins' bachelor's degree in visual art with a game art major teaches students to create settings and characters for animation. Additional studies include sound design and art department workflow concepts, allowing an animator to visualize a concept and create it in 3D using animation skills.
The Academy of Art University offers online degrees in animation and visual effects, game design and illustration. The bachelor's and master's degrees in animation and visual effects emphasize digital expertise and precise technique as students learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling, drawing and character animation.
Bachelor's and master's degrees in game design give students necessary skills to create animation for games. Studies include game design, game art principals, game engine technology and production environments.
The bachelor's and master's degrees in illustration guide students as they develop individual techniques that convey expressions and environments, as well as other necessary animation skills.
The International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) offers two degree programs for students who wish to study toward a degree in animation. The bachelor's degree in animation provides students with the technical and conceptual skills that they will need to enter the field of animation. These include 2D animation, 3D animation, game art, character development and special effects animation. The program employs principles of storyboarding, modeling, drawing and animation.
IADT's bachelor's degree in visual communications instructs students in the art of game design. Students learn many of the same skills as in the animation degree, as well as principles of designing and developing games. Students may study online with IADT or at one of their campuses (see Resources).