This certificate equips you with the skills to merge live-action video and computer graphics using advanced virtual production technology. You’ll gain practical experience working with software and equipment that bring stories to life and prepare you for the fast-growing digital film industry.
Prepare for careers in digital cinema
At a glance
Format
On-campus
Start dates
Fall, Spring, or Summer
6courses
18credits
What you'll learn
Students in the 18-credit virtual production certificate program will develop skills in digital video, 3D design, lighting, and field production through hands-on courses. They’ll learn to create virtual sets, combine live-action with computer graphics, and manage production lighting and audio. This training prepares students for careers such as SFX artists, producers, and video technicians. With growing industry demand and IU Indianapolis’ prime location in a Midwest tech hub, graduates are well positioned for success in this evolving field.
The right time and place
Fueled by the pandemic, virtual production is coming into its own. Virtual production:
- Reduces production costs and time
- Enables greater creative visualization and collaboration
- Allows virtual assets to be saved and re-used
Employers in marketing, film, broadcast, and music sectors want to hire people with strong virtual production skills. IU Indianapolis' central location in a burgeoning Midwest tech hub is ideal for virtual production, which isn’t tied to a fixed location.
We've got the gear
You’ll work with the same equipment as the pros to develop skills in 3D imaging and animation, sound, video, graphics, and special effects.
Get a head start on your bachelor's degree
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, which you can use to pursue a 4-year degree. If you decide to earn a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Science from our school, the classes from your Virtual Production Certificate will count toward it.
Careers
Careers in virtual production include:
- SFX artists and animators
- Producers, directors
- Lighting, audio, and video techs
- VFX pipeline developer
- Motion control specialist
- Engine technical director
Certificate requirements
You earn our 18-credit-hour undergraduate certificate in virtual production by taking the following courses over two years.
- NEWM-N 230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 243 Introduction to 3D (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 253 Introduction to Digital Video (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 330 Intermediate Game Design and Development (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 356 Lighting and Field Production (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 458 Beyond the Frame: New Forms of Video Production (3 cr.)
A C- or higher is required for all courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
This plan of study is subject to revision.
Getting started
You can earn this as a stand-alone certificate, or as part of an undergraduate degree. To get started, you’ll need to be admitted to IU Indianapolis as an undergraduate student.
Current students
Contact your advisor to add this certificate to your major.
New students
You will need to apply to IU Indianapolis as an undergraduate student.