Computer Game Design, BFA

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Banner Code: AR-BFA-GAME

Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-1321
Web: game.gmu.edu

Faculty

Scott Martin, Program Director

Associate Professor: Martin (program director)

Term Assistant Professor: Wren

The 120 credit Computer Game Design program enables students to focus on the artistic components of computer game design while providing them with the technical skills prerequisite to the field. Required courses include computer science, art and visual technology, music, the humanities, and computer game design. The required internship provides students with practical experience that enhances their employability postgraduation.

Course Work

The Computer Game Design program offers all course work designated GAME in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their major at the 300-level or above.

Upper-Level Credits

All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses at the 300-499 level.

Major GPA

All GAME undergraduate students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major.

Academic Policies

Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts academic policies.

Degree Requirements

General Education (42-43 credits)

ENGL 101 - Composition Credits: 3
or
ENGL 100 - Composition for Non-native Speakers of English Credits: 4
ENGL 302 - Advanced Composition Credits: 3
AVT 180 - Computers in the Creative Arts Credits: 3
or
CS 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credits: 4
CS 105 - Computer Ethics and Society Credits: 1
MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4
ENGL 201 - Reading and Writing about Texts Credits: 3
MUSI 100 - Fundamentals of Music Credits: 3
PHYS 160 - University Physics I Credits: 3
PHYS 161 - University Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1
DANC 118 - World Dance Credits: 3
or
MUSI 103 - Musics of the World Credits: 3
PSYC 100 - Basic Concepts in Psychology Credits: 3

Oral Communication, Natural Science Nonlab, and Western Civilization

Approved courses may be found under the University General Education section of this catalog.

Major Core (57 credits)

AVT 104 - Studio Fundamentals I Credits: 4
AVT 280 - Introduction to Digital Arts Credits: 4
CS 123 - Computing: From the Abacus to the Web Credits: 3
GAME 210 - Basic Game Design Credits: 3
GAME 230 - History of Computer Game Design Credits: 3
GAME 231 - Computer Animation for Games Credits: 3
GAME 232 - Online Gaming and File Sharing Credits: 3
GAME 250 - Music for Film and Video Credits: 3
GAME 310 - Game Design Studio Credits: 3
GAME 330 - Computer Game Platform Analysis Credits: 3
GAME 332 - Story Design for Computer Games Credits: 3
GAME 367 - Writing and Editing Music and Sound Credits: 3
GAME 398 - Advanced Game Design Animation Credits: 3
GAME 410 - Advanced Game Design Studio Credits: 3
GAME 431 - Consumer Game Platform Analysis Credits: 3
GAME 490 - Senior Project Credits: 3
GAME 491 - Internship Credits: 4
MUSI 101 - Introduction to Classical Music Credits: 3

Digital Media Electives (10 credits)

Select three courses from the following (one from AVT required or advisor’s approval)

AVT 390 - Digital Media and Video Art Credits: 4
AVT 487 - Advanced Digital Media Credits: 4
COMM 355 - Video Principles and Practices Credits: 3
ENGL 332 - Introduction to Film Credits: 3
FAVS 399 - Special Topics in Film and Video Studies Credits: 1-3

Visual Arts Electives (8 credits)

Select two courses from the following

General Electives (2-3 credits)

Total: 120 credits