B.F.A. in Game and Digital Media Design

Program Overview

The B.F.A. in Game and Digital Media Design at New England College is a comprehensive four-year, 120-credit program. It focuses on mastering the tools, practices, and conceptual ideas crucial for success in the digital media and game development industry. The program empowers students to create interactive experiences that redefine traditional notions of artmaking, utilizing open-source game engines and design software. Through hands-on projects and collaborative learning, students develop the ability to tell stories, build worlds, and create captivating digital assets. The curriculum is specifically structured to identify and cultivate the intersections between various artistic and technological disciplines, ensuring graduates are well-rounded professionals prepared for a diverse range of roles in the field.

Curriculum: The 120-credit B.F.A. in Game and Digital Media Design curriculum at NEC is thoughtfully designed, combining a robust Art Core with specialized Concentration Courses and a Liberal Arts & Sciences Core. The Art Core, comprising 46 credits, includes foundational courses such as "Introduction to 2D Design," "Drawing I," "Introduction to 3D Design," "Imaging with Digital Tools," and "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art." It also features "Professional Practices in Art" and a "Senior Exhibition." The Concentration Courses (32 credits) delve into specific areas of game and digital media, including "History of Digital Media," "2D Animation I," "Game Design I," "3D Animation I," "Game Design II," and "Game Design III." Students can also select a Game and Digital Media Design Elective and an Art course outside the discipline. The program ensures a broad educational foundation through the 42-credit Liberal Arts & Sciences Core, covering areas like composition, quantitative reasoning, and studies of various environments.

Research Focus: The B.F.A. in Game and Digital Media Design at New England College emphasizes an applied and creative research focus, centered on the practical application of design principles and technologies to create compelling digital experiences. While not a traditional academic thesis, the program's learning outcomes include the ability to "Research art historical sources to write critically and creatively about the Art and Design in terms of formal analysis, iconography, and cultural context." This indicates an emphasis on understanding the historical and theoretical underpinnings of digital art and games. Students are expected to "Develop a cohesive, competent body of work" and "Analyze, interpret, and evaluate their own and others' artworks," which involves critical self-reflection and peer critique, a form of applied research within artistic practice. The program's core goal is to foster innovation and equip students to "become next-generation entrepreneurs" in the evolving games and media landscape.

Industry Engagement: New England College's B.F.A. in Game and Digital Media Design program demonstrates strong industry engagement through its practical, hands-on learning approach and focus on professional readiness. The curriculum is built around "experiential opportunities" that enable students to "engage with the professional world of art and design, applying the principles of the field to new situations." While specific internship companies are not explicitly listed for this new program, the general emphasis for NEC's art and design programs includes "valuable direct work experience through internships." The program is designed to provide students with the "critical and technical skills that produce sustainable art careers and industry professionals," suggesting strong alignment with industry demands. Faculty, as "practicing designers," likely bring their professional networks and current industry knowledge into the classroom, further bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.

Global Perspective: The B.F.A. in Game and Digital Media Design at New England College inherently incorporates a global perspective through its engagement with the digital arts, which are by nature transnational and globally consumed. The curriculum includes "History of Digital Media" and "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art," fostering an understanding of how art and design, including digital media, have evolved and are interpreted across different cultures and historical periods. Students are taught to "build worlds" and "tell stories" using new tools, which encourages exploration of diverse narratives and cultural contexts. The broader Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum at NEC also includes a "Global Perspectives" course, ensuring students develop an understanding of global issues and diverse cultures. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates to contribute to a global industry where games and digital media transcend geographical boundaries and appeal to international audiences.