B.S. in Kinetic Imaging with an Emphasis in Game Art
GAME ART
The Game Art track challenges students to merge technology, artistic inquiry, and play across 3D modeling, animation, and game engine development. Using emerging technologies as creative raw material, students engage in experimental practices including motion capture, interactive visualization, virtual production, and extended realities to develop a unique artistic voice.
Through conceptual development and experimentation, students examine how games and interactive media shape digital culture, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and working in industry-leading facilities.
Rooted in Kinetic Imaging's interdisciplinary curriculum, the track cultivates collaboration, innovation, and critical engagement with technology, preparing students for careers across digital art, interactive media, and game culture.
Within the broader Kinetic Imaging program, Game Art students also intersect with coursework in Animation, Game Art, and the Multimedia Art Technology (MAT) program in the School of Music. This breadth gives them a range of skills applicable to a diverse set of artistic endeavors and media-focused careers.
Software
- Unity Game Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Substance 3D Suite
- Blender
- Reallusion Studios
- Marvelous Designer
Hardware & Facilities
- Motion capture systems
- 3D scanning and motion-tracking cameras
- Virtual reality workstations
- Digital fabrication labs
- Wacom drawing tablets
- High-performance Alienware gaming workstations
STUDENT WORK
KINETIC IMAGING
Western Michigan University's Kinetic Imaging program is a Bachelor of Science degree with tracks in animation, game art, and video art. The kinetic imaging core includes coursework in world building, character development, virtual production, augmented & virtual reality, creative coding, interactivity, 3D modeling, illustration, sonic art, experiential design, installation, and performance art.
Kinetic imaging prepares students for professional practice as multimedia artists by creating a multitude of contemporary approaches through a flexible curriculum. The program is a four-year course of study that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and experimentation, as well as the creative use and mis-use of technology. At critical points in the curriculum, the KI program intersects with the Multimedia Art Technology (MAT) program in the School of Music. By studying media history, theory, technique, methodologies and related technology, students will accumulate a wide range of experiences and skills applicable to a diverse set of artistic endeavors and media-focused careers.
CURRICULUM: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN KINETIC IMAGING
Basic Studies - 12 credits
- ART 1040 Object Drawing
- ART 1070 Form and Surface
- ART 1080 Form and Space
- ART 1090 Time and Process
Art History - 3 credits
Select at least one of the following
- ART 2200 Caves to Cathedrals
- ART 2210 Modern and Postmodern
- ART 2220 Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- ART 2230 Introduction to Asian Art History
Kinetic Imaging Core - 18 credits
- CFA 2000 Coding Lab (repeatable for credit)
- MUS 2240 Electronic Music Techniques
- ART 2290 Digital Video Concepts
- ART 2690 Illustration I
- ART 3780 Media and Culture
- CFA 4000 Experimental Lab (repeatable for credit)
- ART 4800 Topics in Kinetic Imaging (repeatable for credit)
Non-Digital Studio Art - 6 credits
Select at least two of the following
- ART 2160 Black and White Photography I
- ART 2300 Ceramics I
- ART 2310 Sculpture I
- ART 2380 Metals & Jewelry I
- ART 2400 Painting I
- ART 2800 Printmedia I
Kinetic Imaging Concentrations - 9 credits
Select at least one of the following:
Animation
- ART 2840 Animation I
- ART 3840 Animation II
- ART 3180 Topics in Animation (repeatable for credit)
OR
Game Art
- ART 2970 Game Art I
- ART 3970 Game Art II
- ART 3190 Topics in Game Art (repeatable for credit)
OR
Video Art
- ART 2750 Video Art I
- ART 3750 Video Art II
- ART 3170 Topics in Video Art (repeatable for credit)
Kinetic Imaging Capstone - 6 credits
- ART 4810 Projects in Kinetic Imaging I
- ART 4820 Projects in Kinetic Imaging II
SUMMARY OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN KINETIC IMAGING
- Kinetic Imaging Major—54 credits
- Western Essential Studies —37 credits
- Electives —31 credits
- Total Credit Hours—122 credits
Students should consult the WMU catalog for the kinetic imaging program course descriptions and requirements.