Whether it's designing video games, writing programs or developing network
security, you love it and you spend many of your waking hours intensely
involved with technology. UAT is a community of geeks—passionate seekers
of knowledge and truth in an ever-expanding universe of technology.
www.uat.edu/online
If it wasn't, you wouldn't be thinking about a college degree. You don't wantto be "just" a technician, you want
to use technology to create new worlds and improve this one. The right education for you is one that combines
a respected college degree with a powerful focus and hands-on experience in state-of-the-art and advancing
technology. Without true expertise in the latest technology, you know that you can't accomplish all that you
want to. Without a college education, you could have difficulty convincing others of what you can do.
UAT-Online was created specifically for people like you, with intelligence, a passion for technology and the
challenge of time or distance to pursuing an on-campus education. Whether you are just starting your college
experience, continuing an educational path you began earlier or trying to schedule courses around a full-time
job, you'll receive an education that combines the classic elements of a university education with a unique
focus and hands-on experience in advancing technology.
UAT has been delivering online education successfully for over a decade. Every course offers a comprehensive learning environment that is the closest thing to actually being in class. You can pursue your degree from anywhere with a computer and Internet access, at any time—day or night—you choose.
As a UAT-Online student, the skills you learn will be reinforced and expanded as you develop complex, polished final projects. Students will also get their hands on industry-standard toolsets and techniques. Unlike other schools that focus narrowly on software skills, the classes will also encourage creative and design skills. The pre-determined curriculum is structured and goal-oriented for each degree, allowing you to stay focused on developing the skills and knowledge you need to be successful.
At the undergraduate level, classes are taken one at a time, each lasting five weeks. This allows online students to concentrate 100% on individual course material. Three five-week classes make up the 15-week semester. Students will move through their degree program and courses with the same group of peers with which they start. This enhances group interactions and projects, while building a sense of community online.
Please see www.uat.edu/fastfacts for the latest information about degree program performance, placement and costs.
UAT has developed a vibrant,
multi-faceted online academic
environment where students are
challenged to explore new and
traditional concepts, practice what
they learn in real-world situations
and achieve their full potential. The
combination of research, scholarship
and application creates technically
adept graduates who are equally at
home in academia and the working
world, and are valued by both.
The UAT-Online degree programs
utilize a predictable and manageable
rhythm in all online classrooms.
Our leading edge courses are
constructed with a logical progression
of concentrated curriculum creating
a balance throughout the course. The
scope and sequence of the learning
objectives are equally balanced.
The courses are structured with
consistent due dates and participation
requirements from week to week and
from course to course. Assignments
and discussions are developed
and supported by UAT's signature
learning methodology, YRBL (Year
Round Balanced Learning.) YRBL
has evolved over the last twenty five
years to UAT's exclusive process of
Synchronic Learning. Synchronic
Learning™ incorporates real-world,
hyper relative external learning to
compliment each course's objective.
This allows students to experience
learning from a variety of
perspectives in a steady, consistent
and nurturing environment that
is designed to produce innovators
and industry leaders.
As a UAT-Online student, you will be able to connect to the University at all times through the Intranet.
You will enter and exit your online classroom through the Intranet, as well as participate in live chats with UAT deans, check email and grades, and read the latest UAT news and events.
www.uat.edu/Intranet
UAT has developed an online classroom to ensure your college experience is every bit as diverse, challenging and rewarding as though you were right on campus. While typical online programs consist of nothing more that reading chapters and taking quizzes and tests, UAT-Online programs immerse students in semester-long projects, group activities and threaded discussions. You will get to know fellow students and instructors as if you were in a physical classroom with them.
Students can communicate with instructors and classmates through threaded discussions. These interactive discussions covering course materials and related issues require students to participate and become active in the course.
UAT-Online students have the capability to interact with other students in their classes in a group environment. When a group is created, special links in email and document sharing will be automatically created for the group. Also, a separate chat room is automatically created for each group, to which only the members of that group have access. Students are encouraged to communicate and work together within the online classroom, and will often form online study groups and help each other through projects.
Students have constant access to all assignments and grades to keep track of their progress in the online classroom. Lesson plans and assignments are clearly defined, allowing busy students to plan ahead of time for big projects. If there are any questions regarding assignments or grades, students can email their professors. Questions are typically answered within 24 hours.
Through live chats, students can receive tutoring and help from both instructors and their peers. There are virtual tools, such as interactive whiteboards, to assist communication. If students encounter technical or connectivity problems within the online classroom, there is a 24-hour technical help desk available.
Students enrolled in UAT-Online programs must meet the requirements stipulated in the Minimum Technology Requirements. Additionally, UAT students may complete an online skills assessment to ensure they have basic technology skills. These assessments include an evaluation of the suitability for learning in the online environment, as well as an orientation to the online classroom delivery platform.
Associate and Bachelor of Arts
Associate and Bachelor of SCIENCE
Students within all of UAT's colleges
take a common University Core—a set
of courses that provide a foundational
knowledge base associated
with fundamental proficiency in
professional technology practice
as well as lifelong learning skills.
The University Core is comprised of
foundational courses for both the
Arts and Sciences programs and
each class prepares students for the
pursuit of any arts or sciences degree
offered by the University. Regardless
of their selected degree, all students
within the University are required to
complete the Core curricula in order to
earn their degree from the University.
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree
The framework of the general education program at the University is designed to provide students with both a depth of study and a variety of general education courses. Such courses provide students with the opportunity to expand their understanding of the world around them and place their technology disciplines appropriately within relevant contexts. As a technology-focused environment, UAT invests a great deal of time and energy in the creation, development, support and assessment of the general education program in order to ensure that UAT graduates are provided with meaningful and varied learning experiences.
www.uat.edu/Intranet
Bachelor Degree
Minimum 36 total general education credit hours, including:
Majors are established by the University in order to provide specialization and advanced work in a technological discipline. Each major represents an industry-current technology field, and each major is designed to change as the technology within the field progresses. In completing the course requirements of a major, students select topic areas that emphasize skills associated with specific industry targets. Students are encouraged to seek out guidance from their Academic Advisor when making course choices for their major. Please geek responsibly.
www.uat.edu/online
Upon successfully completing the above requirements and meeting all University graduation requirements put forth in the graduation policy, a Bachelor or Associate of Arts degree will be awarded.
Students in the Game Art and Animation program will gain an insight into what is involved at all levels of game development to create 3D art assets for multiple video game platforms such as PC, consoles, handheld games, Internet, phone and other hybrids. Students will master the artistic principles used in 3D video games art asset creation such as color theory, lighting, shading, anatomy, life drawing, perspective, scene staging, modeling low polygon and high polygon, 3D mesh topology, texturing, rigging, hand key character and prop animations as well as motion capture and facial animation. Students in this program will be prepared for jobs such as character artist modeler and texture artist, character artist animator and rigger, environment artist modeler and texture artist, environment artist animator, mechanical mesh modeler and texture artist, and mechanical mesh animator and rigger.
GAME ART AND ANIMATION
OBJECTIVES
Game Design students focus on the design principles, skills and techniques required to create mechanics, design documents and functioning prototypes for innovative game projects. Game Design students will be exposed to all the tools of the trade, as well as programming and asset creation skill sets. The coursework emphasizes design skills such as strong initial concepts, design documentation, game balancing and play-testing, interactive storytelling and interface design. Students in the Game Design program will also take a critical approach to the study of gameplay, player interaction and community dynamics as well as the unique features of the numerous game platforms available in the marketplace. In team-based projects, design students will work with artists and programmers to create complete projects. Applying all the elements of the game creation process, Game Design students will also develop the leadership skills to see projects through from initial concept to publisher-ready final product.
GAME DESIGN
OBJECTIVES
Digital modeling and animation technologies have become a part of many entertainment industries but the availability of these technologies for more serious and productive businesses is becoming main stream. Whether developing new ways to produce electronic assets or using these electronic assets do view data or virtual spaces, the technology used to design, model and view information is advancing. Applications in this degree can vary in focus from using technology to develop 3D models, using electronic assets to visualize data outputs or linking the electronic assets and real-world assets together to enhance the understanding of the context of a situation. Each of these presents specific challenges to the developer but all rely on the integration of visualization and information.
VIRTUAL MODELING AND DESIGN
OBJECTIVES
Upon successfully completing the above requirements and meeting all University graduation requirements put forth in the graduation policy, a Bachelor or Associate of Science degree will be awarded.
The Advancing Computer Science (ACS) degree involves students in the craft of programming. The craft of programming transcends individual programming languages and emphasizes design across multiple scales, from the design of individual programs to complex multi-platform software architectures. The ACS program balances the science of computing and the art of design, with the application of these principles to real-world problems. Graduates in ACS will be prepared for software development positions where understanding of algorithms, computing theory and complex software design are important.
ADVANCING COMPUTER SCIENCE
OBJECTIVES
Courses in game programming will emphasize the essential issues and the skills required to develop games for multiple platforms such as web, console, PC and mobile devices. These skills have broader applications in related industries such as entertainment, business, research and training. Game programming students begin with the programming principles, skills and techniques shared in all programming disciplines and then specifically focus on game-specific features and techniques. Game programming emphasizes C++ programming, scripting, data handling, DirectX/Open GL development, game engine architecture, gameplay interaction, artificial intelligence, networking and the use of middleware and industry APIs. Students in game programming will also develop a critical approach to the study of gameplay, interaction and design. The UAT game programming student will have a broad, deep skill set and be comfortable on many platforms and with a myriad of languages.
GAME PROGRAMMING
OBJECTIVES
A network security specialist is a professional who focuses on ensuring information confidentiality, integrity and availability. This includes the design of information assurance programs, policies, procedures and architecture utilizing the concepts of "security by design." Network security utilizes proactive techniques, including "defense-in-depth" and layered security, to mitigate or eliminate vulnerabilities in information systems and to protect against potential exploitation. Professionals in this career path may be highly technical and practice active (and sometimes aggressive) technical security methodologies to test and verify security implementations at various levels within an organization.
Security professionals possess intimate knowledge of technical business critical components. They also provide analysis and assessment of the security risks and requirements of those information systems while still developing non-technical skills such as teamwork, troubleshooting, problem solving, documentation and interpersonal communication. The Network Security degree reflects the application of theory and is aligned with industry standards and guidelines. It provides students with the opportunity to synthesize and apply the vital skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce.
NETWORK SECURITY
OBJECTIVES
A technology forensics specialist is a role that will require the knowledge of systems and investigative techniques in order to impartially produce electronic evidence; develop attribution links; and counter advanced tactics, techniques, and protocols (TTP) of the adversary so that valuable data may be found in complex systems. Graduates from the program will have both the technical skills for recovering evidence and the presentation skills to provide both detailed technical and summary data to interested parties. This may include studies in the areas of electronic discovery, deposition and litigation, or in corporate personnel processes. Above all, this program will focus on learning the highly technical and cutting-edge technologies affecting IT systems today and tomorrow. Students become prepared to anticipate new and emerging technologies so they can be successful within the rapidly evolving computer forensic environment and the increasingly complex threat landscape. Students synthesize and apply the vital skills and knowledge necessary to not only succeed in the workforce but to have a highly desirable and technical education setting them apart from traditional digital forensics programs. Instruction will lead students into hands-on and real-world situations, where they will gain invaluable experience working with actual systems, software, and networks. Further setting this program apart is the ability of students to work with the actual tools utilized by industry professionals and real-world malware in a controlled teaching environment.
TECHNOLOGY FORENSICS
OBJECTIVES
Upon successfully completing the above requirements and meeting all University graduation requirements put forth in the graduation policy, a Bachelor or Associate of Science degree will be awarded.
| MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | |
| Program Core Credits | 12 |
| Minimum Program Degree-Specific Credits | 24 |
| Minimum Total Semester Credits | 36 |
Software development and computer science are moving in new directions, and in order to capture these movements, a modern day software developer needs to stay abreast of these changes. New algorithmic structures, code metaphors and programming languages are being developed to capture new architectures and paradigms in software development. Advancing computer science aims to capture the fluid movement of software development and to advance the field further through the development of cutting edge research and applications.
ADVANCING COMPUTER SCIENCE
OBJECTIVES
Emerging Technologies is a technology foresight, innovation and strategy (FIS) degree, focusing on identifying, envisioning, assessing and analyzing emerging technologies that may be beneficial, disruptive or of interest to real-world clients. Students gain exposure to emerging technologies in any of seven fundamental, rapidly accelerating, and converging technology clusters—Physical Sciences, Engineering and Nanotech; Energy, Sustainability and Greentech; Military, Security and Transparency; Information Technologies, AI and Robotics; Social, Economic and Political Technologies; Cognitive, Educational and Neuro-technologies; and Biotech, Medicine and Enhancement. Depending on course scheduling, students may study a particular cluster of interest in class or in credited independent study. Case studies in each cluster stress technology foresight, innovation, strategy and assessment interrelationships with other clusters, and social, economic and political issues relevant to strategy. Students gain research, critical thinking, analytical, presentation, project and teamwork skills in course deliverables. Graduates may work in technology FIS, consulting, management, assessment, military, security, policy, journalism, education, non-profit and other domains.
Students are encouraged to do an internship at a particular client prior to or during the thesis, which may be analytical or applied. The thesis will include research, data, forecasting, foresight and strategy in relation to an emerging technologies opportunity or threat for a hypothetical or actual client.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
OBJECTIVES
The Game Production and Management program offers students the opportunity to utilize skills to analyze and produce complete works in the electronic gaming arena. Students will move through curriculum designed to build leadership and production skills applicable to the gaming industry allowing them to implement and maintain complete production pipelines. In addition, students will have the opportunity to evaluate recent trends in game technology, from critical studies to emerging genres and platforms. The curriculum will provide students with the background and experiences needed to navigate the game industry and lead an effective production team in entertainment or serious based games.
GAME PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVES
The program is designed around the skills associated with coordinating security efforts related to information technology and many other fields relating to security initiatives and standards. Students will discover the importance of a comprehensive system-wide information security program to ensure that appropriate policies, standards and procedures designed to protect the security of information are documented and followed. The Information Assurance degree reflects the application of theory and an alignment with industry standards and guidelines.
TECHNOLOGY FORENSICS
OBJECTIVES
Knowing how the changing technology infrastructure affects the strategic planning of an organization is a necessity in today's business world. Technology Leadership offers skills for the professional moving from development into management and administration. The program allows students to expand technical skills into the business realm, enabling them to manage projects and collaborate with teams, be entrepreneurial and understand legal issues associated with business and technology
TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of their program core and program electives, Master's candidates complete a thesis project. The thesis contains the candidate's review of prior research, and the candidate's own research, analysis and recommendations. It showcases the candidate's ability to analyze, synthesize and communicate. Master's candidates may complete either an analytical or an applied thesis project.
ANALYTICAL thesis
Applied thesis
Students enrolled in this program will be graduated with a Master of Science in Technology degree when they have:
