Degrees Offered: B. A. Film and Digital Media, Art: Electronic/Digital Media; B. S. Computer Science: Computer Game Design; M. F. A. Digital Arts and New Media; Ph. D. Film and Digital Media, Computer Science with focus on Games
Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $12,447, nonresidents $35,325; graduate residents $12,214, nonresidents $27,316 for the 2011 - 2012 school year.
Contact Information:
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 68197
831.459.4008 (Admissions)
www.ucsc.edu
Scope of Program:
University of California, Santa Cruz was the first University of California campus to create a major in Computer Game Design. The campus boasts five games-related research laboratories. Computer Science: Computer Game Design students take courses in interactive game design, computer science, artificial intelligence and game AI, computer and game console architecture, online gaming and creating virtual worlds. Senior Game Design Studio serves as a capstone. Art: Electronic/Digital Media students focus on visual arts, 2D and 3D design, computer art, intermedia, digital and film photography and electronics for intermedia. Seven studio classes and one seminar are required in addition to a senior exhibition. A portfolio review is required during the senior year. Film and Digital Media students concentrate on film experience, digital media, cinema history, film history and criticism. Students choose a concentration; options include Critical Studies, Integrated Critical Practice and Production. Production concentration students may choose digital media courses. A senior project, thesis or seminar is required.
Master's Degree candidates in Digital Arts and New Media begin their studies with a collaborative research project in one of four areas: Mechatronics, Participatory Culture, Playable Media or Performative Technologies. Students focus on critique and practicum, research and seminars. A thesis project and accompanying documentation are required. Doctoral candidates in Film and Digital Media are expected to create "hybrid work" that pushes traditional media and filmmaking boundaries. Computer Science doctoral candidates take traditional computer science courses, but may also concentrate on game design.
M. F. A. candidates in Digital Arts and New Media must submit a portfolio with their application. This program also requires students to purchase a laptop. Art Division scholarships are available. UC Santa Cruz also offers merit scholarships of $500 to $1,500 per year. Internships are available. Undergraduate applicants from outside California must have a minimum grade point average of 3.40 on a 4.0 scale. Health insurance through the university is required ($1,551) unless proof of insurance is submitted.