Jacksonville University is now offering an interdisciplinary program in the emerging field of game design, combining new and existing courses in computing science and media arts. It will be the only such four-year program in the region for students looking to enter the growing industry.
The bachelor of science program will prepare students for the complexities of working in interactive media with an emphasis on game design, programming and visualization skills. New courses in game development, design, production, strategies and interface will supplement existing courses in media arts and computing science.
Students will develop console, mobile and VR structures for a variety of industry applications. They’ll enter the workforce as software developers and engineers, game developers, UI/UX developers and more.
“By combining our already-successful programs in computing science and media arts, we’re able to provide students with a one-of-a-kind, interdisciplinary program in game design,” said Bill Hill, professor of media arts. “With a brand new, top-of-the-line space in the STEAM Institute, our game design students will have only the best resources available to them as they navigate through the program and move on to high-paying jobs after graduation.”
According to Newzoo, a leading provider of gaming industry data and analytics, the global game industry is expected to generate $200 billion in revenue in 2023, with growth in mobile gaming leading the industry’s expansion.
Jacksonville University is partnering with the Unity platform for game development and delivery. Unity is the leading video game engine – the complete solution for professionals to create and operate real-time 3D experiences. The power of an entire ecosystem of tools, support, and community is leveraged into student’s hands to achieve better results, faster.
The interdisciplinary program will be housed in the STEAM Institute, currently undergoing renovations and expected to open in the fall. As part of the reimagined space, game design students will be able to utilize the state-of-the-art animation studio. The instructional and post-production space allows students to bring ideas to life using 3D modeling.
For more information, visit www.ju.edu/computingscience/programs/major-game-design.php.
