Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Game Development
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Game Development track at Franklin College provides students with a holistic understanding of game creation, encompassing everything from systems architecture and programming to aesthetic design and user experience. Students learn by actively building games in a simulated studio environment, allowing them to gain a comprehensive set of skills that includes application development, project management, and web design. This program operates in partnership with Rize Education, integrating state-of-the-art hybrid technologies into the classroom and providing access to high-quality instructors and a distributed studio working environment. The ultimate goal is to produce graduates who are "real-world ready" and possess resume-relevant certifications, such as the Unity Certified Associate: Programmer, which is critical for entry-level positions.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Game Development track within the Software Engineering major at Franklin College is considered a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. Software engineering, and by extension, game development with a strong programming and technical focus, falls squarely within the STEM classification due to its reliance on computer science, mathematics, logic, and problem-solving. This designation is highly advantageous for students, particularly international students, as it often allows for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities in the U.S. after graduation, providing valuable work experience in the industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Game Development track is practical and industry-aligned. Students gain extensive hands-on experience with the Unity game engine, a leading resource for many small-to-medium sized studios, completing 15 credit hours of work specifically in Unity. Core principles of game building and systems design are emphasized, culminating in the development of a fully functional game as a capstone project. Beyond game-specific courses, students in the software engineering major also gain knowledge in computer hardware, applications, and advanced mathematics, which are foundational for programming and network administration. The program prioritizes project-based learning over traditional lectures and exams, simulating a real studio environment and ensuring students produce functional work, including a working game, as a tangible demonstration of their skills.
Research Focus: While the program is primarily focused on practical development and industry readiness, the project-based learning approach inherently integrates elements of "applied research." Students are challenged to create unique game levels, design stunning environments, and build functional 3D games, which requires continuous investigation, problem-solving, and iteration. This process involves researching best practices in game design, user experience (UX), and technical implementation, as well as experimenting with different approaches to achieve desired outcomes. The emphasis on developing "fully functional 3D games" as part of their capstone project means students are constantly engaging in a form of inquiry-driven development to solve complex creative and technical challenges.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College demonstrates strong industry engagement for its Game Development students. The program was built in collaboration with Rize Education and with significant input from Unity Technologies, the makers of the widely used Unity game engine. This ensures the curriculum is industry-aligned and updated as technology evolves. Students gain access to networking opportunities through an International Game Developers Association (IGDA) membership. Furthermore, the college's broader computing program has been recognized by leading employers, and offers job shadowing opportunities at professional workplaces like Cummins, OneAmerica, Eli Lilly, and Interactive Intelligence. Graduates are also prepared to obtain resume-relevant certifications like the Unity Certified Associate: Programmer, directly boosting their employability.
Global Perspective: The video game industry is inherently global, with games developed by international teams and consumed by a worldwide audience. While the program is based in the U.S., Franklin College's institutional commitment to a liberal arts education often includes opportunities for students to broaden their global perspective. Although specific global game development components are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on a "distributed studio working environment" within the hybrid program, facilitated by Rize Education, can implicitly expose students to collaborative practices common in the global industry. Furthermore, participation in global gaming communities and understanding diverse cultural influences on game design can be part of the learning experience, preparing graduates for a truly interconnected professional landscape.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with a Game Development track is designed to launch graduates into the thriving video game industry.
Gameplay Programmer: This is a core role for game development graduates. Gameplay programmers write the code that implements the game's core mechanics, character behaviors, user interfaces, and system functionality. They work closely with designers and artists to translate concepts into playable experiences.
Game Developer: This broad term often encompasses various technical roles within a game studio. A game developer oversees different stages of the game development process, from concept to launch, and may be involved in managing teams, coordinating tasks, and ensuring the game meets quality standards.
Animator: Animators bring characters, objects, and environments to life through movement and visual effects. They work closely with game designers and programmers to create compelling animations that enhance the player's experience and fit the game's overall aesthetic and mechanics.
Game Content Developer/Level Designer: These professionals are responsible for creating the playable experiences within a game, such as designing levels, crafting quests, developing puzzles, and integrating storylines. They collaborate with designers and writers to ensure the content is engaging and aligns with the game's vision.
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester/Analyst: While not purely development, many game development graduates start in QA. They rigorously test games to identify bugs, glitches, and usability issues, providing critical feedback to the development team to ensure a polished final product. Their development knowledge helps them understand the underlying systems.
Tools Programmer: These specialized programmers create the software tools and pipelines that enable artists, designers, and other developers to work more efficiently. They develop custom editors, asset pipelines, and automation scripts that streamline the game development workflow.
Technical Artist: This hybrid role bridges the gap between art and programming. Technical artists ensure that artistic assets (models, textures, animations) are optimized for game engines, troubleshoot technical art issues, and develop tools or shaders that enhance visual fidelity while maintaining performance.
User Interface (UI) Programmer/Designer: Focusing on the player's interaction with the game's menus, heads-up displays (HUDs), and in-game information systems, UI programmers develop the code for these elements, while UI designers focus on their visual layout and user-friendliness.
Game Designer (Entry-Level): While often requiring a strong portfolio and potentially some prior game jam or personal project experience, graduates can enter game design roles. They focus on crafting game rules, mechanics, progression systems, and overall player experience, often specializing in areas like systems design, narrative design, or combat design.
Software Developer (Non-Gaming): The strong foundation in software engineering, programming languages (like C#), and problem-solving gained from this program is highly transferable. Graduates can pursue careers as software developers in various industries beyond gaming, including web development, application development, and enterprise software.
