Enrollment > FAQ

Q. How does it work?

At Sessions School of Game Art, every course is taught completely online. No special plug-ins or software are required, other than you must provide your own required design software for selected courses(see program prereqs).

Students interact with their instructors and other Sessions students entirely online. Courses consist of lessons, exercises, quizzes, critiques, and discussion boards. Students upload their assignments and receive personal instructor feedback and mentoring all in our online learning environment.

Q. What are the program preprequisites?

Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya are the only two software programs required for core courses. So, the tools for getting started may already be on your computer:

• Computer with an Internet connection, broadband preferred.
• Adobe Photoshop CS or CS 2.
• Basic experience in Adobe Photoshop. If needed, the Photoshop Basics course can help you meet the requirements: course description.
• Autodesk Maya 7 or higher (free PLE version is acceptable).
• Computer that meets the software manufacturer's system requirements.
• Three button mouse required for PC users, recommended for Mac users.
• Access to a current or next generation game console (PlayStation 2, Xbox, or GameCube minimum).

Please check elective courses for any additional prerequisites.

Q. How do I choose my courses?

In the Game Art program, you complete eight classes: four (4) required classes and four (4) electives. During student Orientation, program advisors will help you build a learning path that meets your goals.

Please Note: You can choose your electives after enrollment during student Orientation, and you can change your elective choices if you need to as you work through the program.

1) Core Courses. Four (4) Core courses must be completed.

Core Courses (Required)

Maya Basics

Tiling Textures

Game Lighting and Color

Character Animation

2) Electives. You can choose up to four (4) electives for your program.

Q. How long do I have to complete each course and program?

The program is designed to be completed in 12 months.

Each Sessions game art course is 3 or 6 lessons in length. Game art courses require students to spend at least 5-8 hours on each lesson, including lectures, exercises, quizzes, and interaction with the instructor.

You study at your own pace, but on average, our students complete one lesson per week. That's the equivalent of two nights or one day a week devoted to your game art program. At that pace, you might expect to complete a 3-lesson course in 3 weeks or a 6-lesson course in 6 weeks.

You'll receive 3 months of access to each course. Monthly course extensions are available up to 6 months for students with busy schedules.

Q. What's the benefit of enrolling in a Certificate program?

1. Comprehensive Program. Sessions certificate students benefit from a comprehensive program that gives them a broad exposure to game art challenges while selecting electives that complement their artistic goals. Certificates are invaluable if you're searching for a new job or promotion and need to document a broad understanding of a field.

2. One-to-One Feedback. Sessions gives you private faculty mentoring and critiques in each of your game art courses. Unlike online tutorials or even a traditional brick and mortar school, where one instructor teaches a course to many, at Sessions you receive personal one-on-one feedback from your instructors for every assignment.

3. Flexibility and Choice. Feeling creative? You can shape your own program. Choose from a growing roster of core courses focusing on game art topics. Take advantage of a broad range of electives in digital imaging, freehand drawing, photography, or the digital arts.

All students must graduate the program having completed a minimum of 312 hours of Game Art program coursework.

4. A Portfolio you can show the world. One of the most important factors in getting a job in any creative industry is developing a portfolio that you can show prospective clients and employers. Assignments in your courses are geared toward creating professional-looking work that you can use in your portfolio. So you're developing technical skills, developing project skills, and creating some work samples that can help you out down the road.

5. Cost-effective Programs. The Sessions certificate is an extremely cost-effective program. Enrolling in a certificate program gives you access to leading experts and educators in game development, without the expense and overhead of attending a brick and mortar art school.

Payment plan options allow you to pay for your certificate in monthly installments, and employer-assisted tuition is easy to set up.

Q. Who creates Sessions courses?

Courses are created by professionals carefully selected for their design skills, industry or teaching experience, or publishing track record, working in conjunction with members of our Education department.

The Faculty are a roster of game industry veterans who love to share their knowledge. Their credits include more than 50 published video games, titles that include Dungeons & Dragons, Superman, Godfather, MADDEN Football, Halo 2, and Half-Life 2.

Learn more about our Faculty.

Q. How will Sessions courses help me learn how to create game art?

Courses are built around hands-on projects designed to simulate the challenge of working in the game industry.

Design briefs establish the creative parameters of each exercise just as a client or employer would. In the core program, you might find yourself building objects and characters in 3D, texturing organic and architectural surfaces, developing a lighting scheme for a dungeon, or animating a character's walkcycle.

Each project gives you the opportunity to learn and apply software and design skills "on the job." In addition, you will be able to generate strong portfolio pieces that you will be able to show potential clients.

Q. How will I interact with Faculty?

All Sessions courses involve extensive Faculty mentoring and critique, with students receiving personal feedback on each assignment. Throughout your course experience, you will receive guidance, constructive criticism, and creative inspiration from instructors and classmates.

Our course developers and instructors are art/design professionals who teach not only fundamental design principles but also impart practical tips and techniques that are important for the design professional.

Q. How will I interact with other students?

Interacting with other Sessions students is one of the greatest benefits of enrollment. The chance to exchange thoughts and ideas is invaluable in the design world and Sessions provides you with the opportunity to do just that. Student interaction takes place via email, chat rooms, a virtual bulletin board for student comments, and a place for bios and pictures. In addition, students have the opportunity to review and critique each others work in Peer view in each class thus adding to the learning experience.

Q. Can I place out of a core course in a certificate program?

To substitute a core course, you can provide transcript of previous coursework, a sample of your work demonstrating proficiency in the subject, or a resume indicating relevant work experience.

Courses that are waived must be replaced by another core course in the program. In order to graduate, students must complete 312 hours of coursework by the end of the program.

Waiver requests can be emailed to advisor@sessions.edu or faxed to 212.239.3084, ATTN: Course Waivers.

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Enrollment, Payment, and Tuition

Q. How do I enroll?

To register for a course or program, simply complete our secure online registration form or contact our admissions department and register by phone, by mail, or by fax. Our Admissions Advisors will help you with the enrollment process or answer any questions you might have.

Call 1.212.239.3080, 1.800.258.4115 or email admissions@sessions.edu.

Q. After I've registered, how soon can I start?

Once you register and pay, you start immediately with a free Orientation Course in the Sessions online environment. Access will be provided as soon as payment is verified, generally within one business day.

Q. I don't have a credit card; how do I pay by check, money order or bank wire?

You can pay by check, money order, or bank wire for the full tuition. To pay by check or money order, here's what you need to do:

1. Write a check or money order for the total amount.
2. Make your check or money order payable to Sessions Online (SM)
3. Mail the check or money order along with the form to:

Sessions Online (SM)
350 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1203
New York, NY 10001
USA

If you wish to pay by bank wire, fill out this form and fax it to the Admissions Department.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 1.800.258.4115 or admissions@sessions.edu.

Q. I'd like to take a Certificate program. Can I pay in monthly installments?

Sessions offers the Easy-Pay Payment Plan to all Certificate Program students. No credit check is required. You can schedule your payment plans for duration of 3 to 9 months. You can also enroll with the Easy-Pay Payment Plan via our secure online registration form. Contact admissions@sessions.edu to find out more.

Q. Do you offer financial aid?

Sessions offers a number of financial aid options including Easy-Pay Payment Plans, SLM Financial Student Financing Loans, DANTES for Active Military Personnel, the Workforce Investment Act and Workforce Rehabilitation Act, as well Employer Tuition Vouchers.

Q. My employer would like to pay for my education at Sessions. What do I do?

Sessions.edu accepts tuition payments directly from most companies or corporations. To have your tuition invoiced to your employer, please fax the company voucher or purchase order to us: 212.258.3084.

If you do not have a company voucher, we can also invoice your company if you are able to provide the following info:

1. Authorizing manager
2. Purchase Order number
3. Billing contact

Please have your company mail the check to:

Sessions.edu, Inc.
350 Seventh Avenue, Ste 1203
New York, NY 10001
USA

Please call our Admissions Office at 800.258.4115 or 212.239.3080 if you need any assistance.

Q. Do you have a refund policy?

Sessions has an extremely equitable refund policy that allows students to withdraw or switch from classes if they are not fully satisfied. Full or partial refunds may be assessed, depending on duration of time in class. For more information please review our Refund Policy.

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Certificate Programs / Careers / Credits

Q. What kind of certificates can I expect to earn?

When you have completed the requirements of your Certificate Program you will receive a signed letter of completion, a complete transcript of courses, and a certificate bearing the mark of Sessions accreditation and licensure.

Q. How widely recognized is the Sessions certificate?

Sessions Online School of Design is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, and is licensed by the State of New York Department of Education. Accreditation is a recognition that Sessions meets the high educational standards set by authorities in distance learning. In addition, the Sessions certificate is fast becoming recognized and acclaimed in the design industry as an indicator of a high level of design skills, technical proficiency, and self-motivation.

Q. What's your grading policy? What's your failure policy?

Each Sessions course is assessed on an O/S/U system, where O = Outstanding, S = Satisfactory, and U = Unsatisfactory. To pass the course, students must complete and pass all graded exams (Midterms and/or Final Exams) with a score of 65 or higher (S or O) and achieve a course average of 65 or higher (S or O). Course exercises that are deemed (U) Unsatisfactory must be resubmitted for instructor evaluation (a maximum of 3 times) with a goal of achieving a passing grade for the exercise. Students that score less than 65 on a Midterm or Final Exam may retake the exam.
 
The Sessions grading policy takes into account the following factors:
 
1. Did the assignment fulfill the learning objectives of the exercise?
2. Was the assignment a creative solution to the design challenge?
3. Did the assignment demonstrate a satisfactory level of research and preparation for the project?
4. Was the assignment presented with adequate communication skills?

 
Hardware & Software Requirements

Q. What hardware do I need?

Sessions Game Art courses can be taken on a PC or a Mac, although do bear in mind that the PC is preferred paltform in the game industry.

Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya are the only two software programs required for core courses. So you'll need a computer that meets the software manufacturer's system requirements. Three button mouse required for PC users, recommended for Mac users.

Q. What kind of software discounts are Sessions students eligible for?

Sessions does not sell or distribute software. However, for many software titles, enrolled status as a Sessions student can result in deep educational discounts. Many students and professionals also find discounts on design software through local resources or auction sites such as eBay. Also bear in mind that Career Training Loans proceeds can be applied to not only course tuition, but also purchase of software and hardware.

Q. Do I need to buy textbooks in addition to your courses?

Sessions courses do not require you to buy any textbooks. Our courses are developed by game artists working with a team of designers, educators, writers, and programmers with dozens of years of combined experience and are designed to be completed without supplementary texts. At the same time, however, we do recommend that students utilize books from leading design and technology publishers to keep abreast of the field.

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For International Students

Q. Can I pay in my own currency?

Sessions only accepts payment in U.S. currency. Normally, if you pay by credit card online, or if you write a check in US dollars, the bank will automatically make the currency conversion for you.

Q. Can I get a visa to travel to (or stay in) the U.S. through Sessions?

Sessions does not provide visas. But, because we're completely online, Sessions can be accessed from anywhere in the world. You don't need to be in the U.S. to study with us, so no travel is necessary.