M.A. in Film & Television
Sacred Heart University's M.A. in Film & Television program is a comprehensive ...
B.S. in Game Design & Development
Fairfield, Connecticut
INTAKE: Jan, Mar, Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Development at Sacred Heart University provides students with a comprehensive education in the art and science of creating engaging video games. This program combines technical skills with creative design principles, allowing students to develop games across various platforms. With a focus on both theoretical foundations and practical application, graduates are well-equipped to enter the dynamic gaming industry.
ABET-Accredited: Sacred Heart University’s Game Design & Development program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring that the curriculum meets high standards of educational quality. This accreditation signals to employers that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive field of game design.
Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including game programming, 3D modeling, animation, game mechanics, and interactive storytelling. Students engage in hands-on projects, collaborating with peers to create original games and gain practical experience in the industry. Electives allow students to explore specialized topics such as virtual reality and game audio, further enhancing their skill set.
Research Focus: The program encourages research in emerging technologies and game design methodologies. Students are often involved in faculty-led research projects that explore innovative approaches to game development, user experience, and the impact of games on society. This research focus not only enriches the academic experience but also prepares students for future advancements in the gaming industry.
Industry Engagement: Sacred Heart University emphasizes industry engagement through partnerships with game development companies and organizations. Students have opportunities for internships, networking events, and guest lectures from industry professionals. These experiences provide valuable insights into current trends and practices in game design, helping students build connections that can facilitate their careers.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Game Design & Development incorporates a global perspective, encouraging students to understand the cultural and societal implications of gaming. Through coursework and projects, students examine how games can be used as tools for education, social change, and cross-cultural communication. This global lens prepares graduates to design games that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide.
Location
Fairfield, Connecticut
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 50084
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
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 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 62 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers various scholarships to help ease the financial burden and make education more accessible.
International Academic Scholarship: Sacred Heart University provides merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The amount of the scholarship may vary, and eligibility criteria are typically based on GPA or academic achievements.
International Student Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to recognize and reward students who actively contribute to the international community at SHU. Recipients of the International Student Ambassador Scholarship are those who have shown leadership, involvement in campus activities, and a fostering a global community.
Athletic Scholarships: Sacred Heart University offers athletic scholarships to students with outstanding sports achievements. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who excel in specific sports and contribute to the university's athletic programs.
Talent-Based Scholarships: SHU provides scholarships for students with exceptional talents in areas such as music, art, or theater. Students showcasing outstanding skills in these areas may be eligible for talent-based scholarships.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Sacred Heart University is meeting the financial needs of its international students. The university provides need-based financial aid, taking into consideration the financial circumstances of individual students.
External Scholarships and Grants: SHU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those offered by government agencies, foundations, and private organizations. The university's financial aid office may assist students in identifying and applying for external scholarships.
Graduates of the B.S. in Game Design & Development from Sacred Heart University have a wide array of career opportunities in the thriving gaming industry. With skills in programming, design, and project management.
Game Designer: Responsible for creating the concepts, mechanics, and gameplay elements of a game, game designers work to ensure an engaging player experience.
Game Developer/Programmer: These professionals write the code that brings games to life. They work closely with designers to implement gameplay features and optimize performance across different platforms.
3D Modeler/Animator: Specializing in the visual aspects of games, 3D modelers and animators create characters, environments, and animations that enhance the overall aesthetic of a game.
Level Designer: Level designers focus on creating individual game levels or environments, ensuring that they are both challenging and enjoyable for players.
Game Producer: Producers oversee the game development process, managing timelines, budgets, and team dynamics to ensure projects are completed successfully.
Quality Assurance Tester: QA testers play games to identify bugs and ensure the final product meets quality standards. They provide valuable feedback to developers to improve gameplay.
User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on the player’s experience, ensuring that games are intuitive and enjoyable by conducting user research and testing.
Narrative Designer: These professionals craft the storylines and dialogue for games, working to create engaging narratives that draw players into the game world.
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: With the rise of VR technology, developers specializing in VR design create immersive experiences for players using cutting-edge tools and techniques.
Indie Game Developer: Graduates may choose to develop their own independent games, allowing for creative freedom and the opportunity to explore innovative ideas outside of traditional studio environments.
