Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The world of game design combines art, storytelling, and technology to create immersive interactive experiences.
At SFA, students can pursue their passion for gaming through two distinct academic pathways—one grounded in computer science and programming and the other centered around visual design and animation.
Each pathway provides students with the opportunity to design, develop, and publish games, simulations and interactive applications that bring creativity and technology together. Students gain hands-on experience with game engines, 3D modeling, animation, AI-driven behavior and interactive storytelling—skills that prepare them for careers in the gaming and digital media industries.
Program Options
Students interested in game design can pursue one of two complementary degree options offered jointly between the Department of Computer Science and the School of Art.
Computer Science Major with a Studio Art Minor
This pathway emphasizes technical design, programming and software development.
Students majoring in computer science with a studio art minor learn to create interactive worlds, develop 2D and 3D games and code gameplay systems that respond dynamically to user input.
Coursework focuses on:
- Game development using Unity or Unreal Engine
- Programming for physics, motion, and AI-driven behaviors
- Computer graphics and rendering
- Data structures, algorithms, and software design
- Integration of artistic assets and animation pipelines
Students graduate with a strong foundation in computer science while gaining artistic fluency that allows them to bridge the gap between programming and creative production.
Animation Major with a Computer Science Minor
This pathway emphasizes visual storytelling, animation and interactive art supported by computational thinking.
Students majoring in digital animation with a computer science minor focus on the creative side of game design—developing visual worlds, characters and animations—while learning the programming principles necessary to implement their designs interactively.
Coursework focuses on:
- Digital art and 3D modeling
- Animation principles and motion design
- Game aesthetics and user interface design
- Scripting for interactivity and logic
- Collaborative development with programmers and artists
Students graduate prepared for roles in animation, visual effects and interactive media production with the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.