Curriculum Requirements
B.F.A. in Digital Arts, Game Design Concentration
General Education
| Foundations | Credits: | |
| FCWR 101 | Writing I: Foundations of College Composition | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: WRIT 100 or Writing Placement Exam A course introducing students to the fundamentals of college composition. Topics include writing process, rhetorical strategies, basics of critical reading and thinking, analytical writing, and argumentative writing. This course serves as a foundation to prepare students to succeed in other academic writing contexts. Coursework includes a computer lab component. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| FCWR 151 | Writing II: Foundations of Research Writing | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: FCWR 101 or WRIT 101 Further development of the academic writing process, critical thinking, and analytical reading skills taught in FCWR 101. Focus on academic research planning, source evaluation skills, and audience awareness leading to a documented research paper. Specific attention to academic integrity in research writing. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| FCWR 303 | Communication for Art and Design | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161) Building on courses taken in their majors, students will learn and apply concepts of effective written and oral communication appropriate for careers in art, design, and architecture. In addition to forms appropriate to the business world, such as memos, letters, reports, proposals, and job application materials, students will learn strategies for writing career-specific forms such as project descriptions, design briefs, and marketing correspondence. Students will engage in both primary and secondary research, work collaboratively, and deliver oral presentations using visual aids and/or presentation software. Course work includes a computer lab component. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| Total: 9 Credits | ||
| Data Literacy | Credits: | |
| DATA 101 | Making Sense of a Data-Oriented Society | 3 |
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This course introduces students to the power of data as applied to real-life problems in today's data-driven world. Students will learn basic statistical concepts, how to identify reliable data, and to think critically about how to extract meaning from data. The course will discuss various biases, including social biases, how they affect data gathering and analysis, and how to address these biases. The course will also address ethical and moral issues associated with statistics, data collection and visualization, and data analysis. Students will learn how to present a narrative supported by data. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| Seminars (select courses from at least three of the four areas) | Credits: | |
| ICBS 3XX | Behavioral Science choice | 3 |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| ICLT 3XX | Literature choice | 3 |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| ICPH 3XX | Philosophy choice | 3 |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| ICSS 3XX | Social Science choice | 3 |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| Total: 12 Credits | ||
| Students must take four seminar courses from at least three different areas of study. | ||
| Mathematics and Science | Credits: | |
| MATH 115 | Introductory Concepts of Mathematics | 3 |
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A course on selected topics in mathematics for students of the humanities, especially in communication arts. Topics include: graphs, matrices, elements of linear programming, finite probabilities, introduction to statistics. Applications to real-life situations are emphasized. The place of these topics in the history of mathematics is outlined. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| Any BIOL, CHEM, or PHYS courses | 6 | |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| Total: 9 Credits | ||
Major Requirements
| Freshman Art Foundation | Credits: | |
| ARTD 102 | Design System | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ARTD 103 This course explores the fundamentals of three-dimensional design through structured thinking and spatial composition. Students will develop skills in form, space, and modularity, learning to create consistent, repeatable designs that function within a larger system. Drawing from principles used in design systems, the course emphasizes consistency, purpose, and spatial relationships, preparing students for advanced work in structured, multi-dimensional design. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTD 103 | Design Elements | 3 |
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This course introduces the foundational elements of two-dimensional design, focusing on how line, shape, color, and texture interact to create visually impactful compositions. Students will explore principles like balance, contrast, and unity to develop cohesive designs, using both traditional and digital techniques. By examining how these elements communicate meaning, students build a versatile foundation in effective visual communication. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTD 155 | Maya I – Hard Surface Modeling | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 251 In addition to the introduction of Maya 3D, its interface and the most important modeling techniques, this course emphasize the creation of hard surface models. Students learn various methods of polygonal modeling, as well as foundations of UV layout, texturing, lighting and animation as they become increasingly important in the following courses. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTW 101 | Design Drawing I | 3 |
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This introductory course focuses on foundational drawing techniques for design, guiding students through perspective, figure drawing, and observational skills. Emphasis is placed on visual communication fundamentals- capturing form, light, and composition in both traditional and digital formats. Students work with still life, figures, and small object-based drawing to build a versatile skill set that will support advanced design work. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTW 151 | Design Drawing II | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTW 101 Building on the fundamentals from Design Drawing 1, this advanced course explores complex perspective, anatomy, and spatial dynamics to develop skills in representing three-dimensional subjects on two-dimensional surfaces. Students focus on storytelling, narrative-driven compositions, and creating dynamic scenes with depth and motion. The course incorporates both traditional and advanced digital techniques, encouraging exploration of immersive tools to support industry-relevant design workflows Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| Total: 15 Credits | ||
| Art History | Credits: | |
| ARTH 101 | Design History I | 3 |
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Design History 1 explores the origins and evolution of visual communication and design from prehistory through the early modern period. Students will study foundational design movements, technologies, and cultural milestones that shaped the field, including the invention of writing, early typography, illuminated manuscripts, and the impact of the printing press. Through lectures, discussions, and projects, students will connect historical design principles to modern applications in graphic design, UX/UI, animation, and game design. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| ARTH 151 | Design History II | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ARTH 101 Design History 2 examines the evolution of modern and contemporary design from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Students will explore the impact of pivotal movements such as Bauhaus, Constructivism, and Art Deco, as well as the influence of digital revolutions on design practices. Special focus is given to how these historical movements inform current trends in graphic design, UX/UI, animation, and game design. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3 |
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| ARTH 201 | Art History III | 3 |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| ARTH 301 | Aesthetics I | 3 |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| Total: 12 Credits | ||
| Computer Graphics Sequence* | Credits: | |
| ARTC 201 | Digital Tools I | 3 |
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This foundational course introduces essential digital design principles and tools, guiding students in creating and manipulating digital imagery for diverse visual applications. Students will develop core skills in digital workflows, learning to translate design ideas into effective digital formats while building an adaptable digital skill set. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 251 | Digital Tools II | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ARTC 201 This advanced course builds on foundational skills to explore industry-standard digital design practices, emphasizing complex compositions and applications like digital branding, product design, and identity development. Students will be introduced to emerging tools, including AI-driven design techniques, to enhance their workflows and expand creative possibilities. The course emphasizes precision, consistency, and audience engagement in professional digital design. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 301 | Motion Graphics I | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 251 This course is an introduction to the fundamental techniques used in creating time-based motion graphics and animations. This course assumes a fundamental understanding of digital imaging. Particular emphasis will be placed on projects using typography, image, and narrative sequence. Students will master motion graphics and animation skills step-by-step through the development process, from storyboard to the final product, emphasizing industry best practice. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 351 | Digital Compositing | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 301 Digital Compositing I will introduce compositing of multimedia in one single project. This course will introduce students to the process of digital compositing to create powerful visual effects for storytelling purposes. Digital images, videos, animations, and other visual effect elements, will be layered, manipulated, and put together in one compositing project to create complex scenes, emphasizing industry best practices. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| Total: 12 Credits | ||
| * All computer graphics courses require department permission prior to registration. | ||
| Game Design Concentration | Credits: | |
| ARTC 260 | Introduction to 3D Modeling and Animation | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 201 and ARTC 251 This course is an introduction to 3D modeling and animation using industry standard software. Topics covered include introductory 3D modeling, texturing, animation, lighting, and rendering in three dimensions. Students will bring together these techniques into 3D workflows to complete 3D animation projects from start to finish, using the single artist pipeline. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 270 | Game Theory + History: Intro to Interactive Game Design | 3 |
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This course will give students an introduction into the history of game design. Exploring the history of common game mechanics and expanding the knowledge base of the students by introducing new games to them. This class will also introduce the concept of critical thinking in regards to games and the process of productive feedback. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 370 | Game Design I | 3 |
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In this course, students will create 3D models for use in a real-time environment, emphasizing game-specific techniques. Students will research and analyze basic game assets and extract level design needs and apply them to an early-stage block test. Topics include theory of interactivity, game theory, game feel, working in 3D for games, software engines, and shipping a finished product. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 371 | Game Design II | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 370 In this course, students will develop either individually or as members of a team to conceptually create functional game projects within an existing engine. The development will consist of but be limited to introductory asset development. Industry standard tools will be used for rapid prototyping for various platforms within the game genres. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTQ 301 | Level Game Design | 3 |
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This course will explore the connection between art and games through the role of a level designer. Students will learn about common level design techniques as well as design their own 3d level. Students will explore storytelling through the environment as well as learn to port aspects from 3d modeling programs. Students will work in teams to develop a portfolio piece that is centered around the exploration of environmental storytelling as well as level design. Students will learn of all the aspects that go into creating a “level” that they see in games today. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTQ 451 | Game Design – Coding for Game Development | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ARTC 371 This course will teach coding for industry game engines. Beginning with easier topics and expanding into more advanced topics students will learn the basic needs of coding to be able to create games as a solo developer, or assisting as a programmer. Students will learn ways that they will be able to utilize version control software inside their development process and make a series of small games to hone their skills as a beginning programmer. They will learn the vocabulary used within programming to be able to communicate with software developers when working on a team. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTQ 452 | Game Design III – Technical Artist Studio | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ARTC 371 This course will enable students to create rapid prototypes and build a portfolio for future use. In this course students will make six two week long prototypes focusing on different visual art aspects. Students will explore different elements of working as a technical artist, doing short projects in each to have a well rounded foundation of technical art skills. They will then choose one of the projects and expand on it further to understand what work would be needed to take a class prototype to the level of portfolio showcase Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTQ 453 | Emerging Technologies for Games and Interactive Applications | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ARTQ 452 This course will explore emerging technologies and how they can be used to create and showcase games. In this course students will choose an emerging technology they are interested in and develop for that technology. Students will develop a game prototype guided by a specific emerging technology that they cover in this class. Working in groups the students will research and experiment with the possibilities of emerging technologies inside the field of game development. Students will explore how emerging technologies can push the gaming industry forward as well as begin to think about how games can influence other industries as well. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| Total: 24 Credits | ||
| Thesis and Portfolio | Credits: | |
| ARTC 400 | Design Studio I | 3 |
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This course allows students to self-sufficiently explore a topic of their choice and professional. They may select a project further expanding their line of study building valuable portfolio material. The projects are conducted under the approval, guidance, and evaluation of the advising faculty. The course is process-oriented and emphasizes skill-building, the exploring of various methods and professional practices with the goal to create high quality outcome in the respective field of application. This is a repeatable course. This course requires advisor/chair approval to register.Classroom Hours- Laboratory and/or Studio Hours- Course Credits: 1-3-3 Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 405 | Thesis I | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 400 This is the first of two capstone courses dedicated to the thesis project. In Digital Art & Design, a thesis is a creative project that emphasizes the use of digital tools and working principles. Students are required to demonstrate both their theoretical and practical skills and apply them to a project within their area of professional interest and specialization. They are expected to identify critical stakeholders, understand market requirements, and research all technical, social, and artistic aspects of their project. The design process that follows will be informed by this research. The outcome of this course is a project proposal, a previsualization of the design and concept, and proof-of-concept tests of the techniques and tools critical to producing the project. Students will be required to defend their proposal by presenting it to a faculty panel. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 406 | Thesis II | 3 |
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Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ARTC 405 In this course, senior digital arts students begin the production of their thesis project as proposed in the prior course, ARTC 405 Thesis I. It is inherent to every project that details are refined, designs are finalized, and technical challenges may lead to different solutions. However, the core idea and nature of the project must remain unchanged. If this is not the case, students are required to retake the prior course, ARTC 405 Thesis I, and develop a new proposal. A successful thesis project demonstrates and documents the intellectual ability and skills required to produce a digital product that meets the expectations of a junior professional in the respective area of choice. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| ARTC 410 | Design Studio II | 3 |
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Like ARTC 400 Design Studio I, this course allows students to self-sufficiently explore a topic of their choice and profession. They may select a project to further expand their line of study building valuable portfolio material. The projects are conducted under the approval, guidance, and evaluation of the advising faculty. The course is process-oriented and emphasizes skill-building, the exploring of various methods and professional practices with the goal to create high-quality outcome in the respective field of application. This course requires advisor/chair approval to register. Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3 |
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| Total: 12 Credits | ||
| General Electives | Credits: | |
| Choose courses in consultation with advisor. | 12 | |
| Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses | ||
| Total Required Credits = 120 |