Bachelor of Science - Game Design and Development (Co-op)

Game design and development emphasizes game programming within a core computing education to prepare students for careers in the game, simulation, modeling, training, and visualization industries. The emphasis on computing fundamentals gives students more career options and also prepares them for graduate school. Students gain a breadth of knowledge in game design, interactive media, user interaction, animation, modeling, math, science, and design in the context of computational game development. Students can further specialize in engines, graphics, audio, narrative, and more with elective choices that span the entire university.

The game design and development major allows students to explore the entertainment technology landscape and related areas, while still pursuing a broad-based university education. The degree is intended specifically for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field, such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization. This degree also provides students with a core computing education that prepares them for graduate study or employment in a number of computing fields.

With an emphasis on game programming, the major exposes students to a breadth of development and design processes. Students complete a core of required course work and then pursue advanced studies that can be customized to individual interests and career goals. Students can further specialize their major by taking electives in areas such as game design, production, engines and systems, graphics programming and animation, mobile, web, audio, and more. This depth of course work also enables students to build a robust portfolio of games and other interactive projects. Students are required to complete two blocks of co-op, which may start after their second year of study. Although students usually complete co-ops during the summer term, they may also be completed during the academic year.