Art Degrees Online

Visual & Game Programming — Bachelor of Science
The objective of the program is to prepare students to become technical artists. Intensely hands-on, this program combines traditional animation skills with technical skills and extends the student’s ability to create and operate programs and scripts for 3-D graphics animation.

To develop and design an animated 3-D game, it takes the work of both an artist and a technical programmer. The artist creates characters, backgrounds, and other graphics to make the game visually appealing and exciting while the technical programmer creates programs/scripts to enable the various movements and interactions of characters and objects. For both sides to work effectively as a team, it is critical to have a third party whom the industry professionals call “Technical Artist.” The Technical Artist must have the artistic talent and abilities, and more importantly, the Technical Artist must also be well versed in the technical aspects of the game, thus capable of comprehending the intent of the artistic creator and the technical needs and challenges in achieving the intended results of the game designers. With that unique understanding, the Technical Artist can customize the programming tools in a computer software application to best meet the needs of an individual game.

Graduates of the Visual & Game Programming program may find employment in the fields of animation, multimedia, and game art and design. However, their mastery of knowledge and skills in visual art and design, as well as programming, makes them uniquely qualified to be what industry professionals call Technical Artists, who following the career track can grow into Technical Directors. Since this is an emerging field, not many job titles currently exist.

Possible entry-level positions for a graduate of the Visual & Game Programming program include: Technical Artist; Data Wrangler; Rendering Wrangler; Technical Developer; Assistant Technical Director; Artist Wizard; 3-D Tools Programmer; Game Programmer; and Junior Technical Cinematic Artist.

Total Credit Hours: 192
12 Quarters.

Requirements
I. Required Computer Animation Courses:
Computer Animation Core: (54 credits)
AD 101 – Traditional Animation I 3 credits
AD 102 – Traditional Animation II 3 credits
AD 110 – Drawing for Animation 3 credits
AD 201 – Computer Animation I 3 credits
AD 202 – Computer Animation II 3 credits
AD 205 – Digital Audio and Video 3 credits
AD 210 – Textures, Lights and Rendering 3 credits
AD 220 – Concept Development 3 credits
AD 301 – Computer Animation III 3 credits
AD 302 – Computer Animation IV 3 credits
AD 322 – Animation Pre/Postproduction 3 credits
AD 331 – History of Computer Animation 3 credits
AD 391 – Special Topics in Computer Animation 3 credits
AD 410 – Computer Animation Portfolio 3 credits
AD 425 – Pre-thesis 3 credits
AD 440 – Computer Animation Internship 3 credits

(Or Approved Elective)
AD 450 – Thesis 6 credits

(Capstone)
II. Required Art Foundation, Graphic Design, and Humanities Supporting Courses:
Art Foundation: (21 credits)
AR 102 – Basic Drawing Skills 3 credits
AR 109 – Color Theory 3 credits
AR 111 – Anatomy and Figure Drawing 3 credits
AR 112 – Two- and Three-Dimensional Design 3 credits
AR 231 – History of Art I 3 credits
AR 232 – History of Art II 3 credits
AR 433 – History of Modern and Contemporary Art 3 credits

(“W” Course)
Graphic Design: (6 credits)

Three credits per course, minimum of 6 credits required.
AD 305 – Character Setup and Animation 3 credits
AD 306 – Dynamics 3 credits
GD 333 – Advanced Imaging Techniques 3 credits
GD 345 – Internet Site Design 3 credits
GD 346 – Advanced Internet Site Design 3 credits
III. Other Required Courses: (29-30 credits)
Historical Understanding Elective (3 Credits)
Math Elective (3 Credits)
Science Elective (3-4 Credits)
Social World Elective (3 Credits)
Junior Year Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 Credits)
(“W” Course)
Literature Elective (3 Credits)
CC 101 – First-Year Seminar 3 credits
EN 101 – Composition and Literature I 3 credits
EN 102 – Composition and Literature II 3 credits
PE 100 – Concepts in Health Management 2 credits
IV. Open Electives: (12 credits)
Total Credits: (122-123)
Note:

All College Curriculum:
Students must satisfy Oral and Written Communication Requirements of the All College Curriculum. These are courses inside or outside the program/major that have been identified as meeting the requirements for writing-intensive (“W”) or oral communication (“O”) courses. Students must include the following among their course selections:
Written: Three (3) courses beyond EN 102 must be writing-intensive (“W”) courses (the Junior Year Interdisciplinary Seminar and two other “W” courses).
Oral: Two (2) courses must be oral communication (“O”) courses.

Animation involves bringing artwork and characters to life with such precision that they truly seem real. Animation is part acting, part storytelling, and part visual art — it’s a mix of both electronic arts and traditional animation skills. In the Animation program, you’ll study methods to create realistic movement in 3-D digital environments, and collaborate within a team environment to gain practical experience. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as 3-D character animator, modeler, and storyboarder.

. The entire program will be in full swing in the spring of 2008, when we will be training students for work in visual effects, feature animation, and video game industries.

Below are renderings of a character modeled, rigged and textured in Maya by Brent Gordon, a recent student. Brent has been a character designer in the traditional animation industry for quite some time, and learned Maya here at our program.

New software and hardware in the animation field is creating exciting opportunities in the entertainment, advertising, special effects, education, science and information technology fields. Be part of the excitement as you learn cell animation, puppet animation and traditional animation. Designed as a program that will lead directly into employment, this degree can also be transferred to a 4-year.

First Semester 16.5 Credits
1 cr
ED100 College Seminar 1 cr
3 cr
FA103 Figure Drawing 1 3 cr
3 cr
GC101 Foundation Drawing 3 cr
3 cr
GC133 Introduction to Animation 3 cr
3 cr
GC134 Digital Applications for Animators 3 cr
3 cr
EN101 English 1: Composition 3 cr
.5 cr
PE Physical Education .5 cr
Second Semester 18.5 Credits
3 cr
EN102 English 2: Ideas & Values in Literature 3 cr
3 cr
FA113 Figure Sculpture 1 3 cr
3 cr
GC126 Basic Photography 3 cr
3 cr
GC144 Digital Animation 1 3 cr
3 cr
GC146 Storyboarding 3 cr
3 cr
GC205 Cartooning 3 cr
Third Semester 15.5
3 cr
GC145 Digital Animation 2 3 cr
3 cr
GC231 Advanced Animation Techniques 3 cr
3 cr
MA108 Concepts in Mathematics 3 cr
Art History Elective
Social Science Elective
.5 cr
PE Physical Education .5 cr
Fourth Semester 15.5 Credits
4 cr
GC233 Animation Production Workshop 4 cr
4 cr
GC234 Professional Practices for the Animator 4 cr
Art History Elective
Science Elective
.5 cr

Overview — This program is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of 3D Animation. MATC’s unique facilities, in combination with the curriculum of this program, offer students a comprehensive background in 3D Animation. Coursework covers basic skills in drawing, traditional animation and the use of tools such as Photoshop and AfterEffects. Coursework also covers advanced skills in 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, animation and specialized skills such as lip-sync and character animation. Portfolio reviews in several courses are designed to allow the student to compile samples of their work and initiate a job search.

Career Outlook — The career potential for animation is exceptional. 3D animation is being used in more industries and in more ways than ever before. From previsualization of architectural spaces to video games to effects in movies, animation is everywhere. When you graduate from this program, employers will expect you to possess the following skills:
Project planning
Concept sketching
Storyboarding
3D modeling techniques
3D animation skills
Texture creation skills
Lighting techniques
Rendering techniques
Particle systems knowledge

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — This fast-paced degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of 3D Animation. Portfolio reviews in several courses are designed to allow the student to compile samples of their work and initiate a job search.

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:
A high school diploma or GED
Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Storyboard Artist
Layout Artist
Concept Artist
Designer, Modeler, Lighter, Renderer
Game Designer
Game Modeler
Game Animator
Texture Artist
Effects Animator
Character Rigging and Posing

Related Programs:

Visual Communication/Computer Graphics
Graphic Design
Architectural Technology

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

TECHNICAL COURSES
Credits

( ) = Semester Order for Full-Time Students

(1)

ANIM-101
Basic Drawing for Animators
3

(1)

ANIM-104
Principles of Character Development
3

(1)

ANIM-106
Principles of 3D Animation
3

(1)
VICOM-127
Illustrated Storytelling
3

(2)

ANIM-120
Environment and Set Design ‡
3

(2)

ANIM-125
3D Modeling ‡
4

(2)

ANIM-180
Digital Cinematography ‡
3

(3)

ANIM-115
Refining the Character ‡
3

(3)

ANIM-130
3D Simulations and Illustrations ‡
3

(3)

ANIM-140
Timelines, Keyframes and Kinematics ‡
3

(4)

ANIM-135
Character Expression and Lipsync ‡
3

(4)
ANIM-150
Animation Studio 1 ‡
2

(4)

ANIM-155
Animation Internship ‡
2

(4)

ANIM-160
Animation Portfolio ‡
3

(4)

ANIM-165
Digital Post Production ‡
3

GENERAL STUDIES:

ECON-195
OR
ECON-195
Any 200-series ECON course
3

ENG-151 and
Communication Skills 1‡
3

ENG-152
Communication Skills 2‡

OR
ENG-201 and any 200-series ENG or SPEECH course

MATH-106
OR
Introduction to College Math ‡
Any 200-series MATH course
3

NATSCI-167
OR
Science of Technology
Any 200-series NATSCI course
3

PSYCH-199
OR
Psychology of Human Relations
Any 200-series PSYCH course
3

SOCSCI-197
OR
Contemporary American Society
Any 200-series SOCSCI or HIST course
3

ELECTIVE COURSES: Six Credits Required (Suggestions listed below)

COMART-103
Comprehensive Graphic Design
3

ANIM-156
Intro to 2D Animation ‡
3

VICOM-134
Audio Production
3

TOTAL CREDITS: 68

‡
Prerequisite Required.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

The six fine art degree awards reflect the expansion of media that is a hallmark of contemporary fine art practice. All six awards share a common structure, providing the core skills and knowledge required to be a successful practitioner in the ever-broadening sphere of fine art. The courses are dedicated to the development of studio practice and offer a dynamic curriculum that embraces creativity, encourages ambition and cultivates talent and skill. Practical training is combined with stimulating intellectual discussions of key theoretical debates in the visual arts. In addition, there is a programme featuring national and international visiting artists and visits to major national and international exhibitions.

What you do

At Level 1 you are provided with the opportunity to sample a wide range of media that relate to the various pathways. In addition, you will explore critical, theoretical perspectives. At Level 2 you will pursue your chosen pathway at a more advanced stage together with theoretical studies.

At Level 3 you will work towards your final degree exhibition. In addition, you will follow common professional practice modules to equip you with appropriate knowledge and skills for careers in the creative industries.

Taking a fine art orientation, the animation pathway will facilitate creative practice in areas such as digital and traditional animation,claymation, stop-motion and computer game design. There is a long history of animation as fine art practice. This degree enables fine artists to enter what has become a rapidly expanding field of practice. The demand for this area has increased three-fold over the past year and reflects the increased demand for on and offline animation-based art practice. The degree will also provide valuable digital media skills, enhancing employment options.

Where next

A fine art degree equips students with many of the essential transferable skills needed to be both employable and entrepreneurial in a wide range of creative industries. Production skills, new media skills (photography, video, animation, digital media), communication skills, team-working skills, initiative and an innovative approach to problem solving, are all desirable attributes
to employers.

The variety of awards offered provides a solid foundation for a broad range of arts-related occupations in the public and commercial sectors. Notable fine art graduates from Staffordshire University hold positions that are indicative of this diversity, such as: Senior Pictures Editor of the Independent on Sunday magazine; Director, Goldsworthy gallery, New York; and Model Designer for Hogwart’s Castle on the Harry Potter films. In addition, many UK museums and galleries have our graduates working at the very highest levels, and artists such as Alan Currall and Richard Hughes have won many prestigious contemporary art awards and have been represented in national and international exhibitions.