Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design - Lawrence Technological University

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design - Lawrence Technological University
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Game Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts
All Programs
Game Design
Curriculum
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design is a project-driven, multi-disciplinary program centered on game systems design, level design, and game assembly. You’ll learn an industry-ready approach that includes asset creation and integration, digital environment design, narrative development, and collaborative production workflows with designers and programmers.
Throughout your game studio sequence, you’ll design, build, and release fully playable games, working across multiple disciplines and within real development pipelines. You’ll strengthen your ability to communicate ideas visually, understand industry trends, and apply proven design principles and patterns.
You’ll also receive a high-performance Lenovo ThinkPad P1 G5 through LTU’s
laptop program
, equipped with Unreal Engine and all the professional tools needed for game development.
This program prepares you for careers in game design, level and systems design, and a broad range of interactive media roles.
What You’ll Learn
Core principles of gameplay systems and level design
Unreal Engine for game development
Digital prototyping, iteration, and playtesting
Interactive storytelling and worldbuilding
Building engaging digital environments
Collaboration with programmers
Why LTU
Build and publish fully playable games using Unreal Engine
Strong focus on level design and game systems
High-performance Lenovo ThinkPad P1 included with professional development software
Work in collaborative teams with Game Software Development students
Studio-based courses taught by experienced designers
Where Our Students and Graduates Work
Students and alumni work in game and interactive media roles such as:
Level Designer
UX/UI Designer (Games)
Narrative Designer
Environment Artist
Concept Artist
Current students and graduates are employed at local and national companies such as:
Ford
Jackbox Games
Chimera Labs
Azure Ravens Entertainment
Dead Art Games
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Mackevision
Seventy 7
Flyover Games
Quicken Loans
Pluto
FanLabel
Pixo
3DExcite
, and
Dreaming Door Studios.
What You’ll Graduate With
Fully playable games
Deep experience with Unreal Engine and professional development workflows
A polished, industry-ready portfolio and demo reel
Strong collaboration skills
Preparation for roles in game design, level/systems design, and interactive experience creation
Admissions + Curriculum
Admission follows standard University requirements. Portfolios are not required.
Total Semester Credit Hours:
120
Contact
Ahu Yolaç
ayolac@ltu.edu
248.204.2861
Stephen Mallory
smallory@ltu.edu
248.204.2864
Curriculum
» Curriculum Documents
Game Design Progression Flowchart 2026-2027 Academic Year
The information below is based on the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design Progression Flowchart for the 2026 – 27 academic year (last updated February 6, 2026). View our
Course Catalog page
for more information about our individual courses.
First Year
Fall Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
College Composition
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.
COM1103
Introduction to Design
An introduction to the fundamental issues shared by all design disciplines: design as process, visual literacy, how design communicates, ordering systems, principles of composition, global design cultures, and design ethics. Examples for study and discussion are drawn from a broad range of designed media: architecture, transportation, literature, graphics, games, music, cinema, common consumer objects, cultural artifacts, and dance.
DES1022
Drawing and Design Geometry 1
The ability to draw complex concepts, objects, and environments from the imagination is absolutely essential to the industrial and transportation design professions. Visual communication of physical objects is exemplified throughout this course. The students will be introduced to the basic tools and methodologies of sketching, both free-hand and digitally. Extensive information is presented on the correct usage of tools, basic perspective, composition, light and shadow, and line dynamics. Basic geometrical 3-view drawings and 3D CAD software will be introduced, as well, that will support and validate the reality of expressed ideas. This class requires extensive and repetitive practice to develop the skills of sketching and visual communication.
IDD1813
Design Principles
An introduction to formal and process principles that underlie all design disciplines. The course explores both fundamentals of visual interpretation as well as conceptual processes and tactics that are involved in building more complex methodologies. The focus of the course is on visual literacy, formal principles and the identification of relevancies as building blocks in design project significance and meaning.
DES1213
Mathematics Elective*
1XX4
Total Credits:
15
Spring Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
Engaging Ancient Texts
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1213
Engaging Modern Texts
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1223
Drawing and Design Geometry 2
As a continuation of Drawing & Design Geometry 1, this course introduces more realism techniques for communicating surface transitions, colors, materials, textures, reflectivity, and transparency. More advanced 3D CAD modelling techniques will be taught to build the complex surfaces required for manufacturing processes. This course requires extensive and repetitive practice to develop the skills of sketching and visual communication, that address the needs of the industrial design profession.
IDD1823
Intro to Game Systems
The fundamentals of game system design is introduced through the principles and techniques for interactive game experience including, but not limited to, game mechanics, game loops, player dynamics, social and multiplayer structures, statistics, systems analysis, standardized vocabulary, and the fundamentals of critique, focus and usability testing.
GAM1513
Design Methodologies
Advanced application of basic principles in dynamic situations that include multiple disciplinary interests and priorities. Students are introduced to working methodologies that are used in design contexts practice to ideate, generate, explore, propose, and finalize works of design. Disciplinary-specific contexts are introduced within larger project-based delivery. (Studio)
DES1223
Total Credits:
12
*Mathematics Elective courses include:
MSC 1254 Geometry in Art
MCS 1074 Precalc
MCS 1414 Calc 1
MCS 2124 Statistics
Second Year
Fall Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
CoAD History Elective*
2XX3
3D Environment Modeling
Development and exploration of digital environments using 3D modeling software. Focus on how to design for specific game engines as well as architectural approaches of spatial design.
GAM2133
Digital Drawing and Painting
Digital drawing and painting techniques are introduced through practice, study, and an emphasis on critique. Students will exercise their understanding of 2D digital art (form, perspective, value, etc.) and apply them to the game design focus. Fundamental concepts are strengthened alongside exploration of production techniques.
GAM2123
Level Design
An in-depth look into level design theory through the use of industry-standard game engines and the
research, planning, and development of game environments. Game component interaction and processes are
explored to create, refine, and define successful player experiences within game spaces.
GAM2253
Scripting for Game Design
In this course, students will learn object-oriented programming techniques and write scripts for a current game engine. Students will gain a basic understanding of computer science concepts, awareness of different scripting languages, explore a program-development environment, and become aware of code syntax. The course will also emphasize an understanding of control structures, data structures, and program logic.
MCS2193
Total Credits:
15
Spring Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
LLT Elective
2XX3
Human Factors and Ergonomics
This course will focus on physical and cognitive ergonomics. Students learn to observe and examine the behaviors and skills of humans and specifications for our designed environment.
IDD3713
-OR-
Human Behavior in the Built Environment
An exploration of the influences of environments on human behavior, including a study of the methods and tools used to evaluate psychological response and human needs.
INX2413
Digital Spaces Lab
The study of interactive digital spaces with a focus on the methods and techniques that use the balance between spaces as physical limits and place as sites of attachment, belonging and significance.
GAM2333
Sophomore Portfolio Review
The course is a one-time portfolio submittal during the second semester of the sophomore year. It is administered by the Directors of the respective programs. Used for advising, faculty from the programs will review the contents of the portfolio to guide students towards a successful completion of their chosen degree path. Students will be provided a template to inform the content of their portfolios.
DES2020
Speculative Systems
As part of the speculative design and environmental storytelling, students will learn to use audio as a critical tool to build atmosphere, guide the
player, and embed narrative directly into the game world. Students will leverage their level design, scripting, and 3D modeling skills to build
immersive worlds. The class focuses on narrative and speculative design for digital environments, asking students to create interactive experiences
that explore diverse scenarios and complex themes that engage sight and sound.
GAM2503
History of Game Design
The class will provide a broad history of games from the origins of games in 3500 B.C. to video games of the 1970s to contemporary console game systems. The class will focus on game mechanics; explore narrative structures, player expectations and response, and game technology. Games are affected by, and influence, social, cultural, and political events. Through a series of lectures and assignments, students will experience the universal development of graphic design through its history.
GAM2213
Total Credits:
15
*CoAD History Elective courses include:
ARC 3613 History Designed Environment 1
GRA 3563 History of Graphic Design
INX 2313 History of Interiors
IDD 3723 Industrial Design History
Third Year
Fall Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
Technical and Professional Communication
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
Creative Writing
The application of creative writing techniques through various literary genres: poetry, fiction, drama, screenwriting, non-fiction, and critical evaluation. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: LLT 1213, LLT 1223.
CRW2513
Natural Science Elective
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX3
Game Systems
The study of interactive game design focused on the methods and techniques for rapid digital prototyping, iteration, tuning, and balancing.
GAM2513
Visual Culture
This course addresses the relationship between sight, knowledge, and power to consider the aesthetic and cultural value of images. Students learn to
analyze the production, reception, and circulation of images to understand their visual meaning as well as social and cultural impact. Coursework addresses the visual world as manifested in design, art, architecture, popular media, and more, and draws from a variety of fields, including art and design history, media studies, critical theory, and philosophy.
GRA2223
Total Credits:
15
Spring Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3D Animation Lab
Digital model generation and techniques used for animation with a focus on animation for game environments.
GAM3143
User Interface & User Experience Design
This course focuses on designing digital and physical user experiences and interfaces. Content will address concept ideation, user journeys, and information architecture, and will stress workflow, testing assumptions, and prototyping.
IDD3823
Integrated Game Studio
A full game design environment is simulated from project framing to operational prototype. Project development and management is introduced in a group setting focused on quick development, prototyping and presentation techniques for game design.
GAM2523
Multi-disciplinary Design
Course not found.
DES3623
Total Credits:
15
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
Natural Science Elective
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX3
Natural Science Elective Lab
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX1
Design Leadership
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.
DES4112
Alternative Spatial Interactions
Course not found.
GAM4143
Game Systems Senior Project 1
The first part of a multi-term capstone experience involving in-depth study and application of game design and development knowledge in addition to project management skills to produce a playable prototype.
GAM4513
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
Total Credits:
15
Spring Semester
Course Name
Course #
Credits
Humanities Elective
LLT, PSY, or SSC
3/4XX3
Professional Practice
This course explores various models for professional practice, from corporate to entrepreneurial, and from traditional to innovative. Studies are supported by visiting professionals, firm tours, portfolio development, interview skills and different modes of self-promotion. Emphasis is placed on visual and verbal presentation techniques, ethics, job search skills and professional etiquette.
GRA3323
Game Systems Senior Project 2
The second part of a multi-term capstone experience involving the implementation of formal game elements into an industry-level playable prototype. Professional skills are engaged alongside design processes and game system knowledge. This process culminates in a completed project built to industry standards and practices.
GAM4523
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
Total Credits:
15
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