Introducing Our New Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Technology

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The DAVE School is proud to announce our new Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Technology, designed for students looking to combine their creativity with technical skills. This comprehensive 36-month program offers three specialized concentrations—Visual Effects Production, Game Production, and Virtual Production—tailored to prepare students for careers in the digital arts, film, gaming, and interactive media industries.

This program blends hands-on training with advanced topics like AI in CGI production, 3D geometry, virtual production design, and emerging technologies to give students a strong foundation for success in today’s competitive creative fields.

 

General Education Courses

Students will gain essential communication, cultural, and ethical skills to prepare for real-world challenges through courses including:

  • Public Speaking
  • Communication in Cultural Settings
  • Cultural Studies
  • Visual Culture: Media, Art, and Technology
  • Public Policy and Artistic Expression
  • 3D Geometry
  • Psychology of Emotion and Motivation
  • Cyberpsychology
  • Introduction to Screenwriting
  • Ethics and AI 

Visual Effects Production Concentration

What Is Visual Effects Production?

The Visual Effects Production concentration takes students through the full filmmaking pipeline, from basic drawing and animation techniques to advanced post-production and VFX integration. Students learn to create breathtaking effects for movies, television, and games by mastering compositing, motion tracking, and cinematic workflows.

 

Major Courses:

  • Fundamentals of Asset Creation & 3D Design (DAVE 110)
  • 3D Animation: The Art of Motion (DAVE 210)
  • Compositing & VFX: Principles of Integration (VFX 310)
  • Advanced VFX Pipelines & Studio Production (VFX 405)

Core Courses:

  • Drawing for Animators
  • Previsualization
  • Audio Editing & Sound Design
  • Digital Cinematography
  • Motion Picture Editing and Workflow
  • Production Management
  • Professional Portfolio Development
  • Proportions and Anatomy
  • Color Theory and Equations
  • Exploring the Metaverse
  • AI Principles in CGI Production
  • Creative Problem-Solving Through Project-Based Learning

What You’ll Gain:

Students graduate with a professional portfolio showcasing the ability to create visually compelling VFX ready for studio production.

 

Game Production Concentration

What Is Game Production?

The Game Production concentration trains students to design and develop games from the ground up. From level design and character animation to scripting and gameplay mechanics, students gain hands-on experience using the latest tools and workflows that power AAA game development.

Major Courses:

  • Fundamentals of Asset Creation & 3D Design (DAVE 110)
  • 3D Animation: The Art of Motion (DAVE 210)
  • Game Asset Creation & Immersive Techniques (GAME 310)
  • Real-Time Technologies & Studio Production (GAME 405)

Core Courses:

  • C++ Programming for Gamers
  • Foundations of Game Design
  • Level Design and Scripting
  • Game Design Evaluation and Testing
  • Creature Creation and Animation
  • Character Animation
  • Professional Portfolio Development
  • Proportions and Anatomy
  • Color Theory and Equations
  • Exploring the Metaverse
  • AI Principles in CGI Production
  • Creative Problem-Solving Through Project-Based Learning

Graduates leave with a game-ready portfolio showcasing their ability to create interactive and visually compelling experiences.

Virtual Production Concentration

What Is Virtual Production?

The Virtual Production concentration blends traditional filmmaking with real-time digital production. Students learn on-set virtual production techniques, explore immersive storytelling, and create dynamic virtual environments using Unreal Engine and advanced production design strategies.

Major Courses:

  • Fundamentals of Asset Creation & 3D Design (DAVE 110)
  • 3D Animation: The Art of Motion (DAVE 210)
  • Compositing & VFX: Principles of Integration (VFX 310)
  • Game Asset Creation & Immersive Techniques (GAME 310)
  • On-Set Virtual Production (VPRO 405)

Core Courses (Select 3 Virtual Production Courses):

  • Introduction to Traditional Film Roles (VPRO 1500)
  • Unreal Cinematography (VPRO 2500)
  • Production Design: Creating Immersive Visual Worlds (VPRO 3500)
  • Virtual Production Studio Intensive: Crafting Immersive Virtual Experiences (VPRO 4500)
  • C++ Programming for Gamers
  • Color Theory and Equations
  • Exploring the Metaverse
  • AI Principles in CGI Production
  • Creative Problem-Solving Through Project-Based Learning.

Students will complete the program with a polished, portfolio-ready capstone project, showcasing their expertise in virtual production.

Why Choose the Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Technology?

The DAVE School’s Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Technology is designed to reflect real-world production environments and industry demands. Here’s why this program stands out:

  • Hands-On Training: Students gain practical experience through studio-based projects that mirror professional production pipelines.
  • Industry-Standard Tools: Learn software like Unreal Engine, Maya, Nuke, and AI-driven technologies.
  • Flexible Specializations: Choose a concentration that aligns with your career goals, whether it’s VFX, game development, or virtual production.
  • Portfolio Development: Build a portfolio with projects tailored to meet industry standards.
  • Orlando Advantage: Study in the heart of Orlando’s billion-dollar simulation and entertainment industry, offering students access to networking opportunities and potential career paths.

 

Program at a Glance

  • Award Type: Bachelor of Science
  • Duration: 36 months
  • Credits: 125–129
  • Program Starts: Programs begin 4 times per year

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Technology are prepared for a variety of roles, including:

  • Visual Effects Artist
  • Game Designer or Level Designer
  • Virtual Production Specialist
  • 3D Modeler or Animator
  • Cinematic Artist

Potential employers include animation studios, game development companies, film production houses, and digital media firms.

Learn More
Apply Now

About The DAVE School

The DAVE School was founded on June 8, 2000. Today, The DAVE School offers specialized training in Visual Effects and Game Production with extensive practice under industry-level supervision.

Located on the backlot of Universal Studios Florida®, The DAVE School has a facility of over 17,000 square foot space that includes studio lab classrooms and lecture theater and secure student access.

NUC University (NUC) is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. NUC’s NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), and The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School) are included in this accreditation. NUC’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on 2019 was to reaffirm accreditation.  MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.