Information and Policies
Introduction
The Art and Design: Games and Playable Media (AGPM) Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree at UC Santa Cruz focuses on the creation of novel game systems, spaces, and configurations that can produce broad ranges of player experiences, for a wide variety of purposes. It does this through:
- courses in related theory, history, and critical interpretation;
- courses that take a practice-based approach to experimental game creation;
- courses that provide a foundation in working with game media forms;
- courses that provide a foundation in working with game technical materials.
This degree complements the Computer Science: Computer Game Design (CSGD) Bachelor of Science (B.S.), which focuses particularly on the technical aspects of game development. The B.A. focuses more on experience design (in particular) as well as on history, theory, and media creation—while still taking advantage of courses developed for the B.S. and creating a shared community with those students.
Students in the AGPM major learn to understand game design as an art in and of itself, positioned within the context of a number of more disciplinary approaches. Furthermore, students understand game design as a practice of creation, within a much larger and deeper social and historical context.
The AGPM B.A. in the Arts Division ensures that students have the needed programming skills, and equally importantly, that they meld such technical skills with critical and historical understanding, which is essential for the production of socially conscious, inclusive, and emotionally engaging games.
Upper-division studio courses require coursework to be completed on computers. All students in the B.A. program are strongly encouraged to own a laptop computer. This expense is separate from the cost of tuition and other fees. There is not really a particular laptop that we recommend for AGPM since it really depends on what courses you take. Please take a look at the linked system requirement information below for the various programs that you might use when taking our courses:
• Adobe Photoshop (other Adobe Creative Cloud programs)
• Autodesk Maya
• Blender
• Unity
While pursuing coursework in the major, all students are to encouraged to build portfolios that showcase their growing body of work, with an emphasis on material from courses such as ARTG 80I, CMPM 80K, and ARTG 120, and CMPM 120.
AGPM Program Values
As a community we are committed to equity, inclusion, social and environmental justice. As an intersectional feminist program we recognize this is a process that must be grounded in shared leadership and radical gentleness.
In our work as students, faculty, and staff we embody the values of honesty, kindness, and critical thinking while maintaining a nurturing environment with a specific focus on health and well-being, critical consciousness, and growth.
We are committed to sustaining a program that is pro-LGBTQ+, anti-racist and anti-oppression. This work requires a proactive approach to sustainability and accountability, and ultimately relies on our shared experience and solidarity.
Academic Advising for the Program
Please refer to the AGPM advising page for the most up-to-date information on drop-in hours and appointments.
You can reach the AGPM office via phone by calling (831) 459-1554.
If you are a prospective junior transfer hoping to join AGPM, please be sure to carefully read the section below on Transfer Information and Policy.
Getting Started in the Major
Students interested in entering the Art & Design: Games & Playable Media (AGPM) program as frosh can do so as long as they are admitted into UC Santa Cruz.
Incoming frosh do not need to satisfy any programming or art requirements prior to arriving at UCSC.
While frosh may not need to satisfy specific requirements, they are urged to make games—using any materials, from Javascript to cardboard—and carefully study game systems. Developing an arts practice in any medium is also helpful, including drawing, writing, music, sculpture, filmmaking, and others. Finally, deepening your understanding of technology is good preparation, including computer programming, participating in maker groups, or whatever else grabs your interest.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who earn a B.A. in Art and Design: Games and Playable Media gain the skills, knowledge, and understanding that enable them to:
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
PLO 1: Demonstrate understanding of the connections between technical commitments and game system design, on one hand, and player experience and cultural communication goals, on the other.
PLO 2: Demonstrate the ability to define, develop, and communicate artistically innovative game ideas—situated historically and employing the methods of multiple art practices.
PLO 3: Demonstrate the ability to design and build a technical system in response to an artistic goal for audience experience that employs a fundamental understanding of algorithms and data structures.
PLO 4: Demonstrate an understanding of game history and interpretation sufficient to do independent research on a topic, identify relevant games and secondary literature, think critically about a particular games-related topic, and make a convincing, research-based argument about games.
PLO 5: Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively plan, organize, and execute complex, team-oriented projects, using appropriate communication and coordination techniques.
PLO 6: Demonstrate the ability to effectively use techniques for understanding how players experience a game system, and to compare this with a project's artistic goals—then successfully iterate and revise project shape, scope, and function based on external feedback and personal/team constraints.
Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process
Major Qualification
Prior to declaring the AGPM major, students must complete the following Major Qualification courses with a grade of C or better (these courses can also be taken as Pass/No Pass):
| ARTG 80H | Critical History of Digital Games | 5 |
| ARTG 80I | Foundations of Play | 5 |
| CMPM 80K | Foundations of Video Game Design | 5 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
Note: CSE 30 has MATH 3 (or higher) and CSE 20 as prerequisites. Grades in these courses are not considered for qualification.
Students receiving a C-, D+, D, D-, F or NP in one of the major qualification courses or associated labs may only declare once they have passed the same or equivalent course or lab with a grade of C or better.
Students need to complete these major qualification courses early in their studies so that the petition to major status is accomplished by the end of their sophomore year.
Appeal Process
We do not have a GPA requirement or appeal process for the AGPM major. As long as you complete all of our major declaration requirements with a passing grade, you will be able to declare our major. If you have any questions, please reach out to the AGPM adviser.
How to Declare a Major
Students that have successfully passed all of the major qualification courses should fill out the AGPM Major Declaration Form if they are declaring AGPM as a single major, or if you are changing your declared major.
Students pursuing a double major or major/minor plan must use the traditional petition for major declaration form and send it to agpmadvising@ucsc.edu with the subject line: "Your Name - AGPM Double Major or Minor Declaration."
Complete and sign the major declaration petition form and email it to the AGPM adviser. Students should have already created an AGPM academic plan with the adviser prior to submitting a major declaration petition form.
Transfer Information and Policy
Transfer Admission Screening Policy
In preparation for transfer to AGPM, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in programming, visual art, and game design. The following courses or their equivalents are required prior to transfer, by the end of the spring term for students planning to enter in fall:
Minimum grade of C (2.0) in courses articulated to UCSC’s Computer Science and Engineering
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
Students entering UCSC through fall 2021 also have the option to use a course articulated to CSE 15/CSE 15L (previously offered for this requirement as CMPS 12B/M, Introduction to Data Structures).
Minimum grade of C (2.0) in two courses articulated to courses in the following list:
| ART 15 | Introduction to Drawing for the Major | 5 |
| ART 20 | Any course in the ART 20 series | |
| ARTG 80G | Visual Communication and Interaction Design | 5 |
| ARTG 80H | Critical History of Digital Games | 5 |
| ARTG 80I | Foundations of Play | 5 |
| ARTG 91 | Introduction to Game Art Production | 5 |
| CMPM 25 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 5 |
| CMPM 26 | Introduction to 3D Animation | 5 |
| CMPM 80K | Foundations of Video Game Design | 5 |
| FILM 20P | Introduction to Production Technique | 5 |
| MUSC 1C | University Concert Choir | 2 |
| MUSC 2 | University Orchestra | 2 |
| MUSC 3 | Large Jazz Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 5A | West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Beginning | 2 |
| MUSC 5B | West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Intermediate | 2 |
| MUSC 5C | West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Advanced | 2 |
| MUSC 6 | Classical Guitar Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 8A | Beginning Balinese Gamelan | 2 |
| MUSC 8B | Advanced Balinese Gamelan | 2 |
| MUSC 9 | Wind Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 10 | Central Asian Ensemble | 2 |
| THEA 10 | Introduction to Theater Design and Technology | 5 |
| THEA 14 | Drawing | 5 |
| THEA 15 | Special Topics in Textiles | 5 |
| THEA 17 | Costume Construction | 5 |
| THEA 18 | Drafting for Theatrical Production | 5 |
| THEA 19 | Design Studio: Lighting Studio A | 5 |
| THEA 20 | Introductory Studies in Acting | 5 |
| THEA 21 | Acting Studio I: Psychological Realism | 5 |
| THEA 22 | Indonesian Dance and Drama | 5 |
| THEA 30 | Introduction to Dance Theory and Technique | 5 |
| THEA 31C | Dance Studio I: Contemporary Dance Theory and Technique | 5 |
| THEA 33C | Dance Studio I | 5 |
| THEA 36 | Introduction to Dance Composition | 5 |
| THEA 37 | African Dance | 5 |
| THEA 40 | Introduction to Directing | 5 |
| THEA 50 | Fundamentals of Theater Production | 2 |
| THEA 80Z | Indian Dance | 5 |
Additional Suggested Courses
Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize required and recommended major preparation, and may additionally complete courses that articulate to UC Santa Cruz general education requirements as time allows.
Transfer students who meet the requirements above and complete general education requirements will be able to complete the major in two years as shown in the academic plan in the Planners section of the Requirements and Planners tab on this page.
Because of the number of credits required by the B.A., transfer students who have general education requirements remaining may need to take summer session courses and/or additional courses over the academic year to allow graduation in two years. If a student meets the requirements for major qualification but cannot complete general education requirements, taking community college courses that are articulated for credit with courses in the Foundational Courses and lower-division Arts Requirements and Electives courses listed in the Requirements and Planners tab is recommended.
Getting Started at UCSC as a Transfer Student
Transfer students are strongly advised to attend a UCSC Summer Orientation session for transfer students. Transfer students should consult with an AGPM academic adviser prior to enrolling in classes to determine their status and to begin the declaration of major process as soon as possible.
Please see a recommended academic plan for junior transfer students in the Planners section of the Requirements and Planners tab on this page.
Letter Grade Policy
All courses used to satisfy any of the Art and Design: Games and Playable Media major requirements can be taken for a letter grade or as Pass/No Pass. This includes both introductory lower-division and advanced upper-division requirements, and with the major qualification courses. A grade of "Pass" is equivalent to meeting the requirement of "C or better" in the Major Qualification policy.
Course Substitution Policy
Students are able to petition a course to count as a substitute for any given elective requirement via the AGPM Course Substitution Petition form. Once submitted, requests are reviewed by the program chair. After they come to a decision, the AGPM adviser will reach out to the student and let them know whether their petition was approved or not.
Double Majors and Major/Minor Combinations Policy
Students may choose to do a double major or minor along with the AGPM program, but are advised that AGPM has a high number of course requirements. As a result students may be required to petition for a later graduation date in order to complete a double major or minor.
Requirements and Planners
Course Requirements
The AGPM major requires a minimum of nine lower-division and 11 upper-division courses in residence and satisfaction of the senior comprehensive requirement. The elective options for the major are grouped according to a student's desired career path at the AGPM Class Cluster website.
Lower-Division Courses
Foundational Courses
Complete the following seven courses:
| ARTG 80H | Critical History of Digital Games | 5 |
| ARTG 80I | Foundations of Play | 5 |
| CMPM 80K | Foundations of Video Game Design | 5 |
| CSE 20 | Beginning Programming in Python | 5 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
| CMPM 35 | Data Structures for Interactive Media | 5 |
| FILM 80V | Video Games as Visual Culture | 5 |
Notes:
• CSE 30 has computer science and mathematics prerequisites.
• Students with prior programming experience, AP credit, or who test out of CSE 20 can start with CSE 30.
Lower-Division Arts Elective
Complete one lower-division course from the following:
(Check with the Art Department and the General Catalog for restrictions or prerequisites on art courses.)
| ART 10D | 2D Foundation | 5 |
| ART 10E | 3D Foundation | 5 |
| ART 10F | 4D Foundation | 5 |
| ARTG 80G | Visual Communication and Interaction Design | 5 |
| ARTG 91 | Introduction to Game Art Production | 5 |
| MUSC 1C | University Concert Choir | 2 |
| MUSC 2 | University Orchestra | 2 |
| MUSC 3 | Large Jazz Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 5A | West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Beginning | 2 |
| MUSC 5B | West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Intermediate | 2 |
| MUSC 5C | West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Advanced | 2 |
| MUSC 6 | Classical Guitar Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 8A | Beginning Balinese Gamelan | 2 |
| MUSC 8B | Advanced Balinese Gamelan | 2 |
| MUSC 9 | Wind Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 10 | Central Asian Ensemble | 2 |
| MUSC 80L | Artificial Intelligence and Music | 5 |
| THEA 14 | Drawing | 5 |
| THEA 15 | Special Topics in Textiles | 5 |
| THEA 17 | Costume Construction | 5 |
| THEA 18C | Drafting-Computer Aided | 5 |
| THEA 19 | Design Studio: Lighting Studio A | 5 |
| THEA 20 | Introductory Studies in Acting | 5 |
| THEA 21 | Acting Studio I: Psychological Realism | 5 |
| THEA 22 | Indonesian Dance and Drama | 5 |
| THEA 30 | Introduction to Dance Theory and Technique | 5 |
| THEA 31C | Dance Studio I: Contemporary Dance Theory and Technique | 5 |
| THEA 33C | Dance Studio I | 5 |
| THEA 36 | Introduction to Dance Composition | 5 |
| THEA 37 | African Dance | 5 |
| THEA 40 | Introduction to Directing | 5 |
| THEA 50 | Fundamentals of Theater Production | 2 |
| THEA 80Z | Indian Dance | 5 |
History of Art and Visual Culture Requirement
Complete any one 5-credit History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) course. This can be either a lower- or upper-division course.
Upper-Division Courses
Game Design Requirements
Complete all the following courses:
Electives
Media Creation Electives
Check with course home departments and catalog for availability, prerequisites, or enrollment restrictions. ART courses may have restrictions or prerequisites. FILM courses have prerequisites and/or require an application, and are generally restricted to Film and Digital Media majors. MUSC courses are restricted to students in the electronic music minor, who will fulfill all of their media creation electives through the courses required for that minor.
Complete four courses from the following courses (note: completion of CMPM 25 and CMPM 26 counts as one Media Creation elective):
| ART 101 | Introduction to Computer Programming for the Arts | 5 |
| ART 104 | Digital Video | 5 |
| ART 106A | 2D Animation | 5 |
| ART 106E | 3D Modeling and Animation | 5 |
| ART 106O | 2D Animation | 5 |
| ART 108 | Activate Media! New Media Art Activism and Organizing | 5 |
| ARTG 118 | Character Creation for Video Games | 5 |
| ARTG 129 | Special Topics in Game Design | 5 |
| ARTG 129A | Special Topics in Game Design | 5 |
| ARTG 134 | Spectacular Play: Performance, Ritual, and Making a Scene IRL | 5 |
| ARTG 136 | Digital Sculpting for Video Games | 5 |
| ARTG 137 | Experimental Tabletop RPG Design | 5 |
| CMPM 25 | Introduction to 3D Modeling | 5 |
| CMPM 26 | Introduction to 3D Animation | 5 |
| CMPM 150 | Creating Digital Audio | 5 |
| DANM 140
/ART 105
| Introduction to 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and More | 5 |
| FILM 170A | Fundamentals of Digital Media Production | 5 |
| FILM 171D | Social Information Spaces | 5 |
| FILM 173 | Narrative Digital Media Workshop | 5 |
| FILM 177 | Digital Media Workshop: Computer as Medium | 5 |
| FILM 179A | Special Topics in Animation | 5 |
| FILM 179B | Documentary Animation Workshop | 5 |
| FILM 189 | Advanced Topics in Digital and Electronic Media Studies | 5 |
| MUSC 123 | Electronic Sound Synthesis | 5 |
| MUSC 124 | Intermediate Electronic Sound Synthesis | 5 |
| MUSC 125 | Advanced Electronic Sound Synthesis | 5 |
| MUSC 167 | Workshop in Electronic Music | 2 |
| THEA 104 | Multimedia Authoring | 5 |
| THEA 114 | Sound Design and Engineering for the Theater | 5 |
| THEA 117
/ART 147T
| Design Studio: Costume | 5 |
| THEA 124 | Movement for Performers | 5 |
| THEA 157 | Playwriting | 5 |
| THEA 159 | Advanced Playwriting | 5 |
| DANM 220 | Introduction to Programming for the Arts | 5 |
Game Design/Human-Computer Interaction Electives
CMPM and CSE courses may have restrictions or prerequisites.
Complete two of the following:
CMPM 179 also offered as ARTG 179; may be repeated for credit.
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division disciplinary communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement in Art and Design: Games and Playable Media is satisfied by completing:
Comprehensive Requirement
Students satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement by receiving a passing grade in all three courses of the game design studio sequence (ARTG 170, ARTG 171, and ARTG 172). This sequence will meet in collaboration with CMPM 170, CMPM 171, and CMPM 172.
Planners
The following is a recommended academic plan for students to complete during their first two years as preparation for the AGPM major.
Art and Design: Games and Playable Media B.A. Planner
^ The math prerequisite for CSE 30 can be satisfied in any of the following ways: successfully passing MATH 3, MATH 11A, MATH 19A, AM 3, AM 11A/ECON 11A, or a score of 400 or higher on the mathematics placement examination.
* ARTG and CMPM 120 are also offered during the summer.
** We highly recommend that students enroll in ARTG 80G for their LD Arts Elective course.
In addition to the specific courses shown in the four-year planner, a student must complete courses satisfying the CC, ER, SI, SR, TA, PR and C (WRIT 2) general education requirements.
Transfer Students Planner
The two-year planner assumes that a student has completed all general education requirements before transferring to UCSC.