We are thrilled to announce that our Game – Art program has been awarded Unreal Engine Academic Partner status for 2024! This status recognizes institutions that provide high-quality educational opportunities supported by experienced faculty, robust curricula, and comprehensive facilities and resources.
Our inclusion in this program underscores our dedication to fostering career success for our students and ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to excel. This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts of Game–Art Program Coordinator Jason Colthrust and our entire Game – Art faculty.
“Becoming an Unreal Academic Partner has enabled faculty in the Game – Art program to have a direct line of communication with the Epic Games team where we can arrange private demos, training, and share resources,” Jason shares.
Applying to become an Unreal Engine Academic Partner involved filling out an in-depth questionnaire, which Jason explains included questions about how the Game – Art program works and its strengths, biographies of current Unreal course instructors, what future plans they have in store for the program, and a sample syllabus of one of the program’s current Unreal Engine courses.
“We were also required to show multiple samples of student work created in Unreal Engine within the last academic year and share any awards/accolades that students have won. After review, we were happy to receive the news that we met the criteria to become an official Unreal Academic Partner,” he adds.
The Benefits of This Status for Students
Unreal Engine is a real-time 3D creation tool that has earned a top spot as one of the most popular game engines. Therefore, being part of its list of academic partners offers significant benefits for the program, translating into substantial advantages for students.
Since the program’s inception in 2006, even just teaching Unreal Engine has resulted in many successful students moving on to work on blockbuster games, films and television shows, which Jason explains utilize Unreal Engine and proprietary engines created by their respective studios. Alums have worked, or currently work, on major franchises, such as:
- Apex Legends (EA)
- Borderlands (Gearbox)
- Grand Theft Auto (Rockstar Games)
- Far Cry, Watchdogs (Ubisoft)
- Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Gotham Knights (WB Games)
“Some benefits of becoming an Unreal Academic Partner include promoting the program and student projects on the Epic Games/Unreal channels,” he says. “We also receive advanced information regarding internships and hiring events that we can share with our students.”
Jason continues, “Showcasing this badge on our program's page lets prospective students know that once they enroll in this program, they will be receiving the highest possible level of instruction with regard to Unreal Engine. It shows that faculty will be equipped with all the knowledge needed to help students kickstart their careers in game development and in many other industries where Unreal Engine is utilized, including film, television, architectural visualization, product design and many more.”
We are elated that the Game – Art program has been selected to receive this status! Check out the program page to learn more.
Article by: Alexandra Few
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