Bellevue College

Bellevue College approaches visual media and game production through two distinct educational tracks: the Digital Media Arts (DMA) department, which focuses on artistic asset creation and visual design, and the Software Development program, which addresses the technical programming and backend architecture of interactive systems.

Digital Media Arts

The DMA curriculum is organized around hands-on production rather than theoretical coursework. It awards an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as well as focused certificates in 3D Design, Game Design, Video Production, and Visual Design. In the Video Production track, students storyboard, direct, and shoot original work starting in their introductory class.

A notable component of the 3D Design track is the inclusion of SideFX Houdini alongside Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. Providing procedural generation and dynamic simulation training at the associate degree level allows students to build technical art foundations early in their studies. Game design coursework within the DMA department explores visual asset workflows, game mechanics, and implementation in Unity and Unreal Engine.

Game Development Track

For students focused on the programming pipeline, the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) in Software Development offers a dedicated Game Development track. This pathway centers on computer science fundamentals, emphasizing object-oriented programming, C#, Python, and database management, with coursework leading to playable digital prototypes.

Facilities and Community

Instruction across both tracks emphasizes critique, portfolio development, and faculty mentorship from practicing designers, filmmakers, and digital artists. Students have access to dedicated computer labs, production studios, and a campus makerspace, complemented by extracurricular collaboration and networking through the DMA Student Organization.