Masters of Accountancy
Wichita State University, situated in Wichita, Kansas, offers an exceptional Master of ...
B.A.A. in Media Arts - Game Design
Wichita, Kansas
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.) in Media Arts with a focus on Game Design at Wichita State University offers a comprehensive education in the dynamic field of video game development. This program integrates technical skills with creative design principles to prepare students for careers in game design and development. Students learn to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, working with cutting-edge technology and industry-standard tools. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to game design, covering everything from game mechanics and storytelling to user experience and visual design.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A.A. in Media Arts - Game Design is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in game development. Core courses include game design theory, interactive storytelling, 3D modeling, animation, and programming. Students also study user experience (UX) design, level design, and game production to gain a comprehensive understanding of the game development process. Practical experience is a key component, with opportunities to work on individual and team-based game projects, participate in game jams, and utilize industry-standard software and tools. Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and advanced game mechanics.
Research Focus: The game design program at Wichita State University encourages research and exploration in various aspects of game development and interactive media. Faculty and students engage in research projects that investigate new game design techniques, emerging technologies, and innovative gameplay experiences. Research opportunities may include studying the impact of game mechanics on player engagement, developing new interactive storytelling methods, or exploring the use of VR and AR in gaming. This focus on research helps students stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving game design field and contributes to advancements in game development practices.
Industry Engagement: Wichita State University's game design program emphasizes strong industry engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. Through internships, industry partnerships, and networking events, students gain practical experience and build valuable connections. The program collaborates with local game studios, development companies, and industry experts, offering students access to real-world projects and insights into current industry trends. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry panels further enhance students' understanding of the game design landscape and prepare them for successful careers in the field.
Global Perspective: The B.A.A. in Media Arts - Game Design incorporates a global perspective by exposing students to international trends and practices in game development. Students study games from different cultures and regions, gaining an understanding of diverse design philosophies and gameplay styles. The curriculum includes opportunities for international collaborations and participation in global game design events. This global perspective ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work in a multicultural industry and appreciate the varied influences that shape contemporary game design.
Location
Wichita, Kansas
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 16209
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 72 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 49 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 105.
Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community.
International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.
International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.
Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.
Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.
Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.
Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.
Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.
It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.) in Media Arts with a focus on Game Design from Wichita State University are well-prepared for a range of careers in the rapidly growing video game industry. The program’s blend of technical training and creative development equips students with the skills needed to excel in various roles within game design and development.
Game Designer: Professionals responsible for creating the rules, mechanics, and gameplay experiences of video games. Game designers develop game concepts, design levels, and create engaging user experiences by balancing creative ideas with technical constraints.
Game Developer: Individuals who work on the programming and technical aspects of game creation. Game developers write code, implement game mechanics, and troubleshoot technical issues to bring the game design to life.
3D Modeler/Animator: Specialists who create and animate 3D characters, environments, and assets for video games. They use software tools to design realistic or stylized models and animate them to fit the game’s visual style and narrative.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Experts who focus on optimizing the player experience by designing intuitive interfaces, improving usability, and ensuring a seamless interaction between the player and the game. UX designers work to enhance overall game enjoyment and accessibility.
Level Designer: Professionals who design and build the various levels or stages within a game. Level designers create challenging and engaging environments that align with the game’s objectives and narrative.
Game Producer: Individuals who manage the production process of a video game, including overseeing budgets, schedules, and team coordination. Game producers ensure that the game development stays on track and meets deadlines while managing resources effectively.
Interactive Media Specialist: Experts who develop interactive content beyond traditional games, including simulations, educational games, and interactive storytelling experiences. They apply game design principles to various interactive media projects.
Game Tester/Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst: Professionals who test video games to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues before release. QA analysts play through games to ensure they meet quality standards and provide feedback for improvements.
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: Specialists who create immersive VR experiences for games and simulations. VR developers work on integrating virtual environments, user interactions, and sensory feedback to deliver engaging VR content.
Augmented Reality (AR) Developer: Individuals who design and develop AR experiences that overlay digital elements onto the real world. AR developers create interactive games and applications that blend physical and virtual environments.
Game Marketing Specialist: Professionals who focus on promoting and marketing video games to target audiences. They develop marketing strategies, manage promotional campaigns, and work on branding and community engagement.
