May 10, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin (DRAFT) 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Bulletin (DRAFT)

Game Design & Development-Art, B.F.A.


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         Game Design and Development-Art, B.F.A.: 4-year sequence  

This program has an accelerated (UG+GR) option, allowing eligible students to begin their master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s degree. For more information and how to apply, see our Accelerated Programs (UG+GR) information page 

Introduction

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Game Design & Development-Art prepares students to apply knowledge, techniques and methods necessary to become a successful artist and game designer. The student will have a balance of art, design, game design, art history, computer science, English, and psychology to help them become a vital part of the game design and development industry upon graduation. The industry has shown a steady increase in need for more game developers (which includes artists, designers, and programmers) over the last 10 years. The increase in jobs will continue.

The BFA in Game Design & Development provides outstanding opportunities to create art and games for a vast array of applications and industries, including entertainment, advertising, simulation and education. Students will develop a strong foundation from an award-winning art and design program while experiencing a hands-on approach to education that uses industry standard software and hardware.  Collaboration is the backbone of the major with multiple courses bringing art and computer science students together to form interdisciplinary teams.  BFA students will learn and use skills necessary for game development such as game design principles, foundations in drawing and design, 2D pixel art and animation, 3D modeling and animation, concept art in environment and character design, and graphic and user interface design.

A required mid-program portfolio review offers game design students an assessment of their progress in foundation art and design courses. A 2.0 overall grade point average and a 2.5 or better in Art and Design department courses (ART/ARTH/DES/GDD) is required to complete this Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  Game Design students must present a portfolio of their work in the final semester as part of a public exhibition hosted by the School of Art and Design. The BFA in Game Design program provides a specialized education and is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design.

General Requirements

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Total for Graduation: 120 credits  
Stout Core General Education Requirements: 33-36 credits  
Major Requirements: 80 credits  
Free Electives: to reach 120 credits                                                                                                                                                                         

Program Requirements


Stout Core General Education Requirements (33-36 credits)


Math & Quantitative Reasoning (3-5 credits)


Social & Behavioral Science (6 credits)


Humanities & Arts (6 credits)


Natural Science & Wellness (6-7 credits)


Take at least one natural science with a lab.

Civics & Perspectives (3 credits)


Program Designated Courses


Some of the following required courses may fulfill Stout Core General Education Requirements (CGER) and program requirements.

Major Requirements (80 credits)


Game Design Core (20 credits)


Collaborative game development studios in which BFA students complete art-related roles and BSCS students perform programming-related roles.

Professional Development (2 credits)


Preparation for transition to industry.

Studio Selectives (18 credits)


Art Studio Selectives (3 credits)

Additional ART-XXX courses may be available; seek approval from Program Director prior to start of course to verify suitability.

Drawing Selective (3 credits)

Choose one of the following drawing courses:

Media Selective (3 credits)

Choose one of the following time-based or interactive media courses:

Discipline Selectives (6 credits)

Additional ART-XXX or DES-XXX or PHOTO-XXX or VID-XXX courses may be available; seek approval from Program Director prior to start of course to verify suitability. Some courses listed may require pre-requisites or instructor permission.

Art and Design History Requirements (9 credits)


Free Electives to Reach 120 Credits


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