Dakota State University - Computer Game Design, Digital Arts and Design Programs Profile

Degrees Offered: B. S. Computer Game Design, Digital Arts and Design with Specialization in Audio Production, Computer Graphics, Digital Storytelling, Production Animation, Web Design and Production

Tuition Information:  Undergraduate residents $2,743, nonresidents $4,115 for the 2011 – 2012 school year.  Tuition does not include fees of $3,498 per year.

Contact Information:
820 N. Washington Avenue
Madison, SD 57042
605.256.5111
www.dsu.edu/

Scope of Program:

Computer Game Design majors at Dakota State University concentrate on 2D and 3D design on computers, computer graphic effects, computer science, object oriented design, web application programming, data structures, structured systems analysis and development, storyboarding, mathematics of games, project and process, computer game analysis and development and web-based interactivity.  Students participate in a project development course, during which they develop a complete computer game.

Digital Arts and Design students specialize in Audio Production, Computer Graphics, Digital Storytelling, Production Animation or Web Design and Production.  Students in all specializations complete core coursework in design, color, animation, digital storytelling, 2D design on computers, web-based interactivity, audio production, contemporary rhetoric and team-based projects.  All students complete an internship. 

Audio Production students focus on digital soundtrack production, MIDI technique, applied music and recording sessions.  Computer Graphics students concentrate on 3D design on computers, computer graphic effects, digital editing and digital typography.  Digital Storytelling students complete coursework in motion graphics and compositing, storyboarding, digital editing and writing digital stories.  Production Animation students take courses in 2D and 3D design on computers, environmental design, 3D character design and modeling and 3D character animation.  Web Design and Production students study web application programming, documentation and presentation, advanced applications: database, marketing and 2D design on computers.

Tuition reciprocity is available for Minnesota residents.  Lab fees may apply for some classes.  Dakota State University issues all students a tablet computer and software; wireless computing fees of $724 per year are added to each student's account.  Merit and need-based scholarships are available.  South Dakota residents are encouraged to apply for state-sponsored grants and scholarships.