Game Art University of Southern California

Overview

The Game Art programme at the University of Southern California offers an intensive professional education within the prestigious School of Cinematic Arts. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is designed to equip students with the creative and technical skills necessary to excel in the global interactive entertainment industry.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances artistic expression with rigorous technical training. The degree structure allows for specialisation in high-demand areas such as environmental design, visual effects, and character animation. By integrating pre-professional courses from the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the university ensures graduates possess a well-rounded academic background alongside their technical proficiency.

Why Game Art at the University of Southern California?

The programme is hosted by the world-renowned School of Cinematic Arts, providing students with access to industry-standard facilities and a network of creative professionals. This institutional strength allows for a unique teaching approach where game art is studied through the lens of cinematic storytelling and interactive media. The division focuses on cutting-edge technology, including motion capture and procedural animation, to keep students at the forefront of the field.

Distinctive features of the curriculum include the Digital Media Workshop and the Game Design Workshop, where students apply their skills to real-world projects. The university’s location in Los Angeles provides a strategic advantage, offering proximity to major gaming studios and technology hubs. This environment fosters a culture of innovation and professional excellence that is reflected in the high quality of student portfolios and collaborative projects.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 73260 per year
• National fee: USD 73260 per year
• Local fee: USD 73260 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Two-Dimensional Art Workshop
• Reality Starts Here
• Visions of Diversity in the Cinematic Arts
• 3-D Computer Animation
• 3D Modeling, Animation, and Visual Effects
• Intermediate Character Animation for Games
• Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games
• Advanced Character Animation for Games
• 3D Character Modeling for Games
• Intermediate Game Design and Production
• Pipelines for Games and Interactives
• Computer Graphics
• Concept Design for Animation
• Organic Modeling for Animation
• Character Design Workshop
• Digital Lighting and Rendering
• Digital Effects Animation
• Pipeline and Character Modeling for Animation
• Procedural Animation
• Motion Capture Performance
• Interface Design for Games
Character Development and Storytelling for Games
• Programming in Python
• Character Rigging for Games
• Technical Character Animation for Games
• Choreography for the Screen
• Contemporary Dance
• Improvisation and Theatre Games
• Movement for Actors
• Gender, Sexuality and Media
• Transmedia Entertainment
• Interactive Entertainment
• Survey of Themed Entertainment