Game Design and Development, Bachelor of Science

Philosophy

Gaming is becoming integrated into how we learn, socialize, interact, and gather information. It is designing the interactions an individual makes when using an interface. It involves simulation for real world practice without consequence. Architecture, Medical Imaging, Military/Law Enforcement, and Education have integrated Gaming technology. In order to address industry demand, this program of study has been crafted to provide not only a foundation for the core of the degree, but also includes allied focus areas beyond the discipline to provide a holistic experience. Crossing the boundaries of traditional game programs, the Game Design and Development program combines both the programming and design aspects of creating video games for major platforms, consoles, and mobile devices. The program further provides preparation in virtualization for medical, educational, and military applications, as well as the next round of interactive applications. Combining the skills of video production, graphic design, interactive design, and 3D skills and programming, this interdisciplinary degree program prepares the student for the exciting world of game design and development.

Purpose

The Game Design and Development program is for the student wishing to design and develop two dimensional and three dimensional game, training and educational, and animation applications deployed to personal computers and game, recreational, and training consoles. The primary focus of this program is on design elements supported by game programming using available game engine platforms. Students will have an understanding of the workflow involved in designing and developing a game or training simulation environment, game design techniques, and be able to communicate to designers and programmers in the industry, with a base level of understanding.

The program prepares students with the “Gaming Skill Set” required for entry into the fast growing industry of game technology. It is designed to balance the programming and design skills needed to understand the industry pipeline of product creation. The “Gaming Skill Set” reflects a well-rounded individual capable of managing a project from inception to completion. The student will be prepared with an understanding of video and audio techniques as well as designing interfaces and user experiences. Additionally, students will learn to create environments that reflect real world scenarios or create new worlds to explore; program complex levels with physics, logic and purpose; and measure users’ progress through those scenarios. Classroom projects will provide users the tools to improve reaction time, improve hand-eye coordination, think strategically, process cause and effect, and increase ability to process multiple stimuli. Students will gain an understanding of every aspect of the gaming industry from concept development to character and environment creation to programming user interfaces and the “guts” of a game. Finally, students will be exposed to marketing their products and project management.

CAP (Community and Academic Partnerships)/Co-op Program

In order to provide relevant work experience, students in the Game Design and Development (GDD) degree program have the option of completing six credit hours via a coop assignment. The co-op option for GDD is the equivalent of two semester courses, for a total of six credit hours. Students can complete their GDD degree with 120 credit hours, whether they choose the co-op option or not. Because each co-op experience is individually designed, students must inform the Director of the CAP/Co-op program and the GDD Program Chair one semester before they would like to begin a co-op assignment.