M.S. in Data Science
The M.S. in Data Science program at the University of Arizona is an interdisciplinary p...
Tucson, Arizona
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
The B.S. in Game and Behavior program at the University of Arizona is an innovative and interdisciplinary course that explores the intersection of psychology, technology, and game design. This unique program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of human behavior within the context of game development, preparing them for careers in the burgeoning field of serious games, gamification, and interactive media. The curriculum seamlessly integrates psychological theories with practical game design skills, offering students a comprehensive education in the art and science of creating games that have a positive impact on behavior.The B.S. in Game and Behavior program at the University of Arizona provides a dynamic and forward-looking education, preparing students to be at the forefront of the gaming industry by understanding the intricate relationship between games and human behavior. Graduates emerge with a skill set that uniquely positions them for diverse roles in game development, serious games, and interactive media, contributing to the evolution of the gaming landscape.
Curriculum:
Foundations in Psychology: The program begins with a solid foundation in psychology, delving into key principles of human behavior, cognition, and motivation. Students gain insights into how psychological theories can be applied to game design, ensuring a nuanced understanding of player experiences.
Game Design and Development: A core component of the program focuses on game design and development. Students learn the intricacies of creating interactive and engaging games, from conceptualization and prototyping to programming and user interface design, fostering a holistic skill set in game development.
Behavioral Analysis in Gaming: The curriculum emphasizes the application of behavioral analysis techniques within the gaming context. Students explore how game mechanics, narratives, and environments influence player behavior, with an emphasis on designing games that align with behavioral science principles.
Serious Games and Gamification: Students delve into the emerging fields of serious games and gamification, understanding how games can be utilized beyond entertainment for educational, healthcare, and corporate purposes. The program equips students to create games that address real-world challenges and positively impact behavior.
User Experience (UX) Design: A crucial aspect of game development is addressed through UX design principles. Students learn to prioritize user experience, ensuring that games are not only entertaining but also user-friendly and accessible, contributing to the overall success of the game in influencing behavior.
Ethics and Social Impact: The program instills a strong ethical foundation, guiding students to consider the social impact of games. Courses explore topics such as representation in gaming, ethical considerations in game design, and the responsibility of game developers in shaping positive behavioral outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field, students are encouraged to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. Team projects and collaborative assignments mirror real-world scenarios, preparing students for the collaborative nature of the game development industry.
Industry-Relevant Technologies: The curriculum keeps pace with industry trends by incorporating training in industry-relevant technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with game engines, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of the gaming industry.
Internship Opportunities: The program facilitates internship opportunities with game development studios, tech companies, and organizations utilizing serious games. Internships provide students with practical experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to the professional landscape.
Capstone Project: Culminating their studies, students undertake a capstone project where they apply their acquired knowledge and skills to develop a comprehensive game. This project serves as a portfolio piece, showcasing their abilities to potential employers or collaborators in the game industry.
Tucson, Arizona
IELTS: 6.5
USD 39958
Entry Requirements for International Students
Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to demonstrate a strong academic background. The University of Arizona looks for a percentage ranging from 60% to 70% in the students' previous academic records.
English Language Proficiency:
The University of Arizona offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students to support their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds.
Global Wildcat Scholarship: The Global Wildcat Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available to incoming international undergraduate students. It provides partial tuition waivers for up to four years of study. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community.
International Tuition Awards: The International Tuition Awards are merit-based scholarships offered to international undergraduate and graduate students. These awards provide partial tuition waivers and are renewable for multiple years. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and potential to contribute to the university community.
International Student Tuition Discount: The University of Arizona offers a tuition discount to international students from select countries. The discount reduces the out-of-state tuition rate to a more affordable level, making it more accessible for international students to pursue their education at the university.
Graduate College Fellowships: The Graduate College at the University of Arizona offers several fellowship programs for international graduate students. These fellowships provide financial support for tuition and living expenses. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific fellowship program.
College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges and departments within the University of Arizona offer scholarships specifically tailored to international students in their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, research interests, or professional goals. Students can inquire with their specific college or department for available scholarship opportunities.
External Scholarships: The University of Arizona encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. There are numerous scholarships provided by organizations, governments, and foundations that international students can apply for. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.
It is important for international students to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.
Graduates with a B.S. in Game and Behavior from the University of Arizona are well-equipped to embark on exciting and diverse career paths within the rapidly evolving gaming industry. This interdisciplinary program, blending psychology, technology, and game design, positions graduates as sought-after professionals capable of shaping the future of interactive media. The University of Arizona's B.S. in Game and Behavior program equips graduates with a versatile skill set, positioning them for success in a competitive and dynamic industry. Whether contributing to entertainment, education, or other sectors, these professionals play a crucial role in shaping the future of interactive media and its impact on human behavior.
Game Designer/Developer: Graduates can step into roles as game designers or developers, contributing to the creation of engaging and impactful games. They bring a unique perspective by understanding how game mechanics influence player behavior, ensuring that games are not only entertaining but also align with behavioral science principles.
Behavioral Analyst in Gaming: With a strong foundation in behavioral analysis, graduates can pursue careers as behavioral analysts specialized in gaming. They work to understand player behavior, analyze in-game interactions, and provide insights to optimize game features for enhanced user experiences.
Serious Game Developer: Graduates can leverage their knowledge to develop serious games, which are designed for educational, healthcare, corporate training, or social impact purposes. This role allows them to use games as powerful tools for positive behavioral change in various fields.
Gamification Specialist: Businesses across industries are increasingly adopting gamification to enhance engagement and user experiences. Graduates can become gamification specialists, applying game design principles to non-game contexts, such as marketing, employee training, and customer engagement.
User Experience (UX) Designer: The program emphasizes UX design principles, preparing graduates for roles as UX designers in the gaming industry. They focus on creating seamless and enjoyable user experiences, ensuring that games are accessible, intuitive, and captivating.
Ethics and Inclusivity Consultant: Graduates can specialize in ethical considerations within game development, advocating for diversity and inclusivity in gaming. They may work as consultants, helping gaming companies navigate ethical challenges and ensuring responsible representation in games.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Developer: With hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, graduates can pursue roles in VR and AR development. This includes creating immersive gaming experiences and exploring applications beyond entertainment, such as virtual training simulations.
Industry Researcher: Graduates can contribute to the advancement of the gaming industry by working as researchers. They may explore new trends, technologies, and player behavior, providing valuable insights to shape the industry's future.
Educational Game Designer: As educational institutions increasingly incorporate games into learning environments, graduates can design educational games that make learning engaging and effective. This role combines their expertise in both gaming and behavioral science.
Entrepreneur in Gaming: Armed with a comprehensive skill set, graduates can venture into entrepreneurship, establishing their own game development studios or consulting firms. This path allows them to bring their unique perspective to the industry and innovate in game design.