Planning to sharpen your creative edge? University of Silicon Valley has just launched the new Concept Art and Game Audio Diplomas. These stackable credentials are available on-campus or online and can be applied toward bachelor’s degrees in animation or digital audio.
Keep reading: this post walks you through each diploma, what you learn, how they fit into bigger goals, and how to explore them further.
What is the Diploma in Concept Art?
The Diploma in Concept Art at USV is your all-access pass to leveling up your drawing, digital painting, and visual storytelling skills — whether you’re sketching in the studio or from home. It’s not just about creating stunning characters and environments — it’s also your launchpad toward a Bachelor’s Degree at USV.
Who should consider this program?
- Aspiring concept artists, illustrators, storyboard artists, or anyone pursuing visual design for games, animation, or film.
- Learners who want to build portfolio pieces while developing strong fundamentals in character/environment design and narrative visuals.
What do you study?
- Drawing & Rendering Principles: Perspective, form, composition.
- Digital Imaging & Painting: Color, lighting, texture using industry tools.
- Character & Environment Design: Portfolio-ready design training.
- Storyboarding & Visual Sequencing: Narrative planning for animation and film.
Where could this lead?
- Roles like Concept Artist, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, Visual Development Assistant, and more.
- Seamless transfer of credits into USV’s Bachelor of Arts in Digital Art & Animation if you want to pursue a full degree.
What is the Diploma in Game Audio?
The Diploma in Game Audio at USV shows you how to create, record, and design the sound that makes video games unforgettable. If you dream about turning your love for gaming and music into a real skill set, this is your chance — and you can even roll your credits into a Bachelor’s in Digital Audio Technology at USV later on.
Who should consider this program?
- Anyone passionate about game sound design, music for games, or audio integration.
- Musicians, producers, or audio technologists who want to apply their craft in interactive storytelling.
What do you study?
- Interactive Audio Design: Sound implementation in modern game engines.
- Desktop Production Fundamentals: DAW-based recording, editing, mixing.
- Sound Synthesis & Songwriting: Creating original game-ready audio.
- Game Audio Production: Hands-on projects tailored to gaming platforms.
Where can this lead?
- Possible paths include Sound Designer, Audio Implementer, XR Audio Engineer, and other game audio roles.
- Credits transfer into USV’s Bachelor of Science in Digital Audio Technology.
Why should someone choose one of these diplomas?
What’s the benefit of a diploma instead of diving right into a full degree?
- Focused learning — Learn key skills from professors who have come from the industry!
- Flexible delivery — Both programs are offered on-campus and online, ideal for working students or creatives balancing other pursuits.
- Stackable credits — Diplomas stack into bachelor’s programs (either Digital Art & Animation or Digital Audio Technology), offering a clear path if you choose to continue.
How do the diplomas align with USV’s learning style?
USV’s approach limits full‑time students to three courses per term (instead of the typical four), supporting deeper engagement, improved retention, and better work–life balance.This structure is a core part of both programs.
How do you decide which diploma fits your goals?
Concept Art Diploma
- Want to visualize characters and worlds?
- Interested in visual storytelling, illustration, or animation?
- Focused on building a visual arts portfolio.
Game Audio Diploma
- Love crafting soundscapes, music, and audio effects?
- Curious about working with game engines and interactive sound?
- Looking to apply audio training in a hands‑on game/audio production context.
If you see yourself working in animation or visual development, consider the Concept Art path. If you’re drawn to sound design, music production, and game audio implementation, the Game Audio track may be a better fit.
What can you expect from each program?
Both diploma programs focus on building real-world skills through hands-on coursework and portfolio development. Here’s what each one covers:
Diploma in Concept Art
- Build a foundation in traditional drawing techniques like form, perspective, and composition
- Learn digital painting using industry-standard tools for color, lighting, and texture
- Develop characters and environments that bring your storytelling to life
- Practice storyboarding and visual sequencing for games, animation, and film
- Create a portfolio that reflects your unique artistic style and creative direction
Diploma in Game Audio
- Study music theory, sound synthesis, and songwriting for interactive media
- Learn professional audio production workflows including recording, editing, and mixing
- Gain hands-on experience integrating sound into game engines and interactive projects
- Explore interactive audio design principles that enhance gameplay immersion
- Work on real-world projects to create a portfolio that showcases your audio skills
Both programs are designed to help you build tangible, creative experience while supporting your long-term goals in concept art or game audio.
What are the next steps to explore or enroll?
- Visit the program pages:
- Attend virtual info sessions:
- USV regularly hosts informative live sessions where prospective students can learn more about creative careers, program details, and insights from faculty. To stay updated on upcoming events, follow USV on social media or visit their events page for the latest info.
- Review application requirementsand timeline:
- Both programs are available on-campus or fully online.
- They offer rolling credit transfer into USV bachelor’s programs.
Ready to get started?
If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in concept art or game audio—while keeping your options open for further study—these diploma programs offer focused training, flexible formats, and paths toward deeper study.
One way to get started is by exploring formal training options like University of Silicon Valley’s Diploma in Concept Art or Diploma in Game Audio programs. Reach out to learn more or start your application today.
FAQs
What’s the duration of each diploma?
Both diplomas are 48 credits split evenly between 4 terms. Duration may vary by student, so it’s best to contact us to understand your degree roadmap.
Can credits from the diplomas be applied to a degree?
Yes—Concept Art credits roll into the BA in Digital Art & Animation, and Game Audio credits into the BS in Digital Audio Technology at USV.
Are prerequisites required?
Prerequisites vary; typically a high school diploma or equivalent is needed. Some programs may ask for an art or audio sample or relevant background.
Are the programs available online?
Yes, both are offered on-campus or online, giving flexibility for different learning styles.
Can I enroll while working or studying elsewhere?
It is possible—the flexible scheduling and reduced‑per‑term course load support working professionals or busy students. Again, it’s best to contact us and talk to an enrollment professional to learn more about the program.
By launching the new game art and concept audio diplomas, University of Silicon Valley offers creative learners a new, pathway-linked option for exploring concept art or game audio production—with the flexibility to start small and build toward a full degree over time. Whether you’re sketching worlds or composing game scores, these programs offer a starting point for exploring your creative interests.
Ready to explore your path? Start with a Diploma in Concept Art or Diploma in Game Audio today.
