Degrees Offered: A. S. Graphic Design; B. S. Computer Animation, Digital Arts and Design, Game Art, Game Design (online only), Game Development (traditional only), Graphic Design (online only), Web Design and Development; M. F. A. Media Design (online only); M. S. Game Design (traditional only)
Tuition Information: Varies by program. Tuition is priced by the program for traditional (classroom) degrees and by the credit hour for online degrees. Typically, two semesters of undergraduate study cost approximately $31,000 and two semesters of online study cost $11,112 for the 2010 – 2011 school year. Traditional graduate programs cost between $20,354 and $25,524 for two semesters. Tuition includes "all reading materials," according to the Full Sail University website.
Contact Information:
3300 University Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792
800.226.7625
www.fullsail.edu
Scope of Program:
Full Sail University offers a wide range of traditional (classroom) and online degree programs in the digital and media arts. New degree programs begin each month; classes are four weeks long. Undergraduate Computer Animation students focus on drawing, 3D modeling, anatomy, compositing, character motion and character rigging. Digital Arts and Design students concentrate on art history and theory, computer graphics, digital publishing, motion graphics, digital video and photography. Game art students take courses in character creation, scene design, texturing and 3D animation. Game Development students take classes in calculus, physics, Windows programming, artificial intelligence, engine development, game design and game production. Game Design students study storytelling, game design, product testing and management and design tools. Graphic Arts students take coursework in print and 2D design, motion graphics, web design, digital publishing typography and layout.
Master's degree candidates in Game Design concentrate on quality assurance, design mechanics, game production tools and methodologies, marketing and media relations. Media Design degree candidates focus on brand development, design ethics and design strategies. They may choose one of three concentrations: Brand Development, Design Strategies or Production Workflow.
All students complete some type of capstone project, such as a demo reel, game prototype, personal identity (branding) project or portfolio.
An admissions interview is the first step in the application process. All students must purchase a laptop computer and school-specified software. Merit scholarships, typically in the $3,000 range, and need-based scholarships are available.