Online Game Art Degree
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts
"*" indicates required fields
Online Game art Degree PROGRAM OVERVIEW
As a student in RMCAD’s Online Game Art Degree Program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of taking concept art to production ready assets, characters and worlds. Online game art courses are taught by instructors who are practicing industry professionals and will teach you the essential technical skills to bring your creations to life.
You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio, ready to take on the exciting gaming industry with confidence and have the ability to deliver exceptional visual narratives that will set you apart from other game artists.
SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN
3D Modeling
Visual Storytelling
3D Environment Art
Lighting
Rigging
Texture Mapping
3D Character Art
Observational Drawing
STEPS TO ADMISSION
1
Complete your artist meeting with an admissions representative.
2
Submit an admissions application.
3
Create and submit your portfolio, to be considered for a scholarship.
4
Submit official high school and college transcripts (for transfer students).
5
Submit the current year’s FAFSA and other financial aid documentation.
ACCREDITATION
TUITION + FINANCIAL AID
At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.
Online Game Art Degree COURSE DETAILS
To ensure our online game art students get a well-rounded education, RMCAD has designed an online curriculum that merges technical and artistic coursework that covers the computer, analytical, and technical skills necessary to understand the mechanics of game art – from 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, surfacing and lighting for real-time engines.
With our student-oriented game art degree online, you’ll also receive collaboration with RMCAD’s online faculty, who are also practicing industry professionals.
Game Art Courses (48 Credits)*
AG 1070
Digital Painting for Film + Games
(3 Credits)
AN 3D 1210
3D Computer Fundamentals
(3 Credits)
GA 2710
Strategy + Psychology in Games
(3 Credits)
GA 3120
3D Modeling
(3 Credits)
GA 3330
Character + Level Design
(3 Credits)
GA 3860
Digital Sculpting
(3 Credits)
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Liberal Arts Courses (45 Credits)*
AH 1110
Art Historical Methods + Theories
(3 Credits)
EN 1110
Composition I
(3 Credits)
CCT 2000
Introduction to Speech Communication
(3 Credits)
NS 2030
Biology
(3 Credits)
The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Foundations Courses (24 Credits)*
FD 1020
2D Design: Elements + Principles
(3 Credits)
FD 1120
Topics in Color
(3 Credits)
FD 1370
Life Drawing I
(3 Credits)
FD 2200
Time-based Media
(3 Credits)
Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.
Studio Electives (6 Credits)*
AG 3840
Experimental Animation
(3 Credits)
AN 2335
Worldbuilding
(3 Credits)
GA 4110
Game Animation + Motion Capture
(3 Credits)
GA 4350
Character Rigging
(3 Credits)
*This section does not include the full list of courses eligble as electives for this program.
TECH + TOOLS
Our proprietary online learning management system gives students a structured yet flexible learning environment. Essential classroom tools for game art course online topics teach students how to combine a solid grasp of computer technology with their vivid imaginations. Your stylus will become an extension of your hand as you learn to explore the depths of your creativity.
GET TO KNOW OUR GRADS
Game Art Stories
Freelancing in Game Art: Building a Successful Independent Career
Game artists play a pivotal part in bringing video games to life, handling key tasks such as character design, lighting, environment design, and animation. Like many roles in the gaming industry, however, the work of
The Role of Concept Art in Game Development
Aesthetics play a huge role in shaping modern video games. Visuals determine how immersive gaming worlds feel and how connected players are to the main characters. These visuals need to feel cohesive, otherwise, a potentially
Game Art Portfolios: Showcasing Your Best Work
Want to make a lasting impression as you begin applying for jobs in the gaming industry? Presenting potential employers with samples of your best work in the form of a game art portfolio is a
GAME ART CAREERS
RMCAD Game Art graduates have taken on the world of art and design, and have pursued careers across several disciplines.
Props Artist
A props artist uses digital content creation software to digitally create and texture three dimensional assets of props, pickups, vehicles and other assets, often working from concept art or reference. They may work in a wide variety of industries, such as software, film, gaming, architecture, manufacturing, or advertising agencies.
Lighting Artist
A lighting artist brings the finishing touches to a game world by creating mood and tone through color, value, and composition. Lighting artists work closely with art directors and designers to use lighting to guide the player or viewer through a scene, emphasizing the important key elements. Lighting is a vital part of the production process and tends to require a more technical understanding of the renderer or engine, and the balance between art and technology.
Environment Artist
An environment artist 3D models and textures the worlds in a game or film. Environments can set the tone from fantasy to horror, or science fiction, and an environment artist uses digital content creation software combined with their art foundations to create those worlds. An environment artist must understand the technical side of renderer.
Texture Artist
As productions become more complex, studios have specialized texture and material artists to create surfaces for the rich worlds in their productions, along with props and characters
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the focus of the Online Game Art Degree Program at RMCAD?
The program focuses on developing skills in 3D modeling, character modeling, environment modeling, and visual storytelling for the gaming industry and ancillary industries.
What career opportunities are available for online game art graduates?
Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as game artists, props artists, character modelers, lighting artists, and environment artists in the gaming or film industry.
How are online courses delivered in the Online Game Art Program?
Courses are delivered through an interactive online platform, featuring video lectures, assignments, discussion boards, peer reviews, and opportunities to communicate and collaborate with your peers and instructors.
What skills will students learn in the Online Game Art Program?
Students will learn 3D modeling, character design, environment creation, and visual storytelling.
What are the technical requirements for the Online Game Art Program?
Students need a computer that meets RMCAD’s specifications, reliable internet access, and relevant software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, Substance Suite, and Maxon Zbrush. For more information on program materials, visit here.
What support services are available for online game art students?
All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.
What are the admission requirements for the Online Game Art Degree Program?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of the college’s application process. To be considered for a scholarship, students will also need to create and submit a portfolio of artwork.
What kind of portfolio should students submit for the Online Game Art Program application?
A portfolio showcasing your best work, including examples of 3D models, character designs, any animation projects, and examples of your current traditional skills.
How does RMCAD ensure the quality of online education?
RMCAD ensures quality through experienced faculty, regularly updated curriculum, and interactive, hands-on coursework designed for online delivery.
Are there any opportunities for online students to collaborate on projects?
Yes, online students can collaborate on projects through virtual classrooms, group assignments, and online forums.
What are the advantages of studying game art online at RMCAD?
Advantages include flexible scheduling, access to industry-standard tools, feedback from instructors, and the ability to study from anywhere.
What software and tools are used in the Online Game Art Program?
Students use software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, Substance Suite, and other industry-standard tools for game art. For more information on program materials, visit here.
Can online students participate in RMCAD's campus events?
Yes, online students are welcome to participate in campus events, exhibitions, and graduation ceremonies. Visit the events calendar here.
What are the Liberal Arts requirements in the Online Game Art Program?
The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.
What are the Foundations requirements in the Online Game Art Program?
Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.
How do online students showcase their work?
Online students can showcase their work through virtual galleries, online exhibitions, and by creating professional portfolios.
What is the difference between game art and game design?
The primary difference between game art and game design is aesthetic vs mechanic. To learn more, check out this blog – What’s the Difference Between Game Art vs. Game Design. At RMCAD, our campus and online Game Art Programs focus on game art and not game design.