The 12 credit Graduate Certificate in Game Design and Interactivity is comprised of 4 courses for those who wish to gain the foundational skills and knowledge to enter the burgeoning digital arts and design fields.
What are the Required Courses?
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester (select 2 of the following) | 6 | |
| Visual Storytelling and Storyboarding | ||
| Environment Design | ||
| History of Game Play and Interactivity | ||
| Second Semester (take the following) | 6 | |
| Digital Audio | ||
| Physical Computing - Interaction Design | ||
What will I learn?
- DD 622 - Visual Storytelling and Storyboarding - (core course) Storyboarding is the preparation of a conceptual and thematic graphic plan to tell a story using animations, video games, interactive media and experiences, advertisements, music videos, or graphic novels. This course will cover the fundamentals of visual storytelling and the various applications possible in a visual narrative. Techniques for art direction are covered including the use of storyboards, concept art, and animatics to communicate. Students will translate a written narrative into a visual experience in this project-based class with the use of camera framing, camera angles, gesture, and expression. Issues of lighting, color, and mood will be included resulting in a student developed full-story pitch.
- DD 624 - Digital Audio - A studio class that provides a baseline understanding of sound design within an animated video and video game environment. Course includes an introduction to sampling, field recording, sound effects, production techniques, mixing, and general sound design for the purpose of integrating and managing the integration of audio in motion pictures, television, video games, and any other sound-supported media. Analytical and creative projects are required.
- DD 625 - Environment Design - (elective) - The course will introduce students to the language and conventions of manipulating tools and techniques to develop and create simulated environments.
- DD 631 - History of Game Play and Interactivity - A guided exploration through the world of games. Students will experiment, play, and analyze various aspects of games - from early traditional games to current generation electronically-mediated games; from individual games to collaborative online games. Game types will be analyzed with particular attention paid to the virtual environments in which these games take place. The expressive and persuasive aspects of games will also be explored. Students will learn underlying principles behind various game development technologies from traditional to digital format. Assignments will ask students to analyze the structure of various games and prepare them for creative final projects. The latter half of the semester will be focused mainly on individual student research toward a creative final project.
- DD 634 - Physical Computing for Designers – Interaction Design - Design studio focusing on two-and three-dimensional visual communication of data, including interactive and scripted/animated communication as well as still-image utilization. Applications may include website creation, information kiosks, exhibit design, educational videos, scientific visualization, and other graphics-intensive projects.
In what job titles might a holder of this Certificate fit?
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects; Game and Interactive Media Design; Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia; and Digital Arts.
In what industries might a holder of this Graduate Certificate find employment?
As digital media continue to proliferate, locally, regionally, nationally, and globally, there is increasing need for qualified professionals able to fill positions in digital content creation, management, and distribution. This certificate program prepares those with introductory knowledge to fill entry level positions in the NY metro area and beyond.
Into which MS degree will this Graduate Certificate convert?
This is being proposed as a stand-alone certificate, however is planned to stack along with a second graduate certificate in this area, or with relevant coursework, to lead into a forthcoming eventual MS or MFA in Digital Design.
Take Note
Check the course descriptions for more information. Some courses have prerequisites and must be taken in order.
Faculty Advisor: John Cays
Available 100% online!
This program is available 100% online! Questions?
E: online@njit.edu
P: 973-596-3462
