Digipen Institute of Technology Game Design Degrees
The DigiPen Institute of Technology is located in Redmond, Washington. It is a small school, with a student body of just under 900 students. DigiPen has approximately 830 undergraduate students and about 50 graduate students. Classes are small, with an average enrollment of 20 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is a low 1:16.
Students accepted to DigiPen participate in a hands-on program. The courses are designed to be relevant to the students’ studies. Each student at DigiPen takes a project or a game course every year, which allows them to practice the skills they have learned in other courses. The projects can be incorporated in the student’s portfolio to show to prospective employers after graduation.
The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, as well as a Bachelor of Science program in the same major. The Bachelor of Science in Game Design is designed for people who excel in science and mathematics. They must be able to think logically to do well. The Bachelor of Arts degree is geared toward students who are interested in visual art.
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design
Students who choose this degree will take the following types of courses:
- 2D and 3D environment and background art
- 2D and 3D level design
- Animation techniques
- Art history
- Character design
- Computer science
- Design documentation
- Drawing
- Economics
- English
- Game mechanics and history
- Law
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Scripting and programming
- Sociology
- Tone, color, and composition
- World history
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Game Design
The Bachelor of Science program is a bit different, and students will take these types of courses:
- Artificial intelligence for games
- Computer science (C, C++, and scripting languages)
- English competition
- Fundamentals of drawing
- Game design theory and history
- Game mechanics and game implementation techniques
- Graphics and animation for designers
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Product management
- Psychology
- World history
How to Apply to the DigiPen Institute of Technology
DigiPen accepts applications for admission on a rolling basis. The Admissions Department considers materials as they are received and provides prospective students with a decision within two-four weeks. New students start their classes in September each year.
The school is specifically looking for students who are prepared to work hard and are driven to succeed. The ability to think logically as well as appreciate creativity is another trait that will help an applicant get accepted to DigiPen. Once accepted into a program, DigiPen students will be subject to having their work evaluated regularly. The ability to accept, and learn from, constructive criticism is another key component to success at DigiPen.
Prospective Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science students must have completed grade 12 and obtained a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5. Along with a completed application form, the following documents must be submitted:
- Application fee
- Art portfolio (15-20 original items)
- Character or world analysis (optional)
- Game modification analysis
- High school transcripts
- Personal statement
- SAT or ACT scores