Computer Science and Game Design

The field of digital entertainment relies on highly technical engineers working with creative designers to make immersive, engaging experiences for audiences around the world. This has created a growing demand for a hybrid engineer/designer: someone who has strong programming and mathematics skills, combined with formal training in game design. This type of developer is the bridge between the scientific and creative sides of game development, able to work as an engineer or designer as needed. They can use their technical skills to implement designs that are polished, efficient, and robust, while also being able to use their design skills through a technical lens when creating dynamic systems, levels, and user interfaces.

Graduates of this program will be trained to write computer programs in core languages such as C and C++, giving them the technical foundation to become proficient in programming with scripting languages, game logic, dynamic user interfaces, artificial intelligence, design tools, procedural generation, automation, and telemetry. Graduates will also be able to design and implement game levels, game systems, and game behaviors. Graduates will have extensive experience testing, iterating, and polishing, through the completion of many individual projects and multiple team game projects.

Graduates of this degree program will be prepared to enter the video game industry as entry-level Software Engineers and Game Designers. Possible entry-level position titles include Software Engineer, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Development Engineer in Test, Software Analyst, Computer Programmer, Gameplay Programmer, Artificial Intelligence Programmer, User Interface Programmer, Tools Programmer, Game Scripter, Technical Designer, System Designer, Level Designer, User Experience Designer, Content Designer, Encounter Designer, and Game Designer. This degree program also includes secondary training that can contribute directly to a graduate obtaining positions with titles such as Producer, Program Manager, Technical Program Manager, and Technical Writer, or many other Engineering, Programming, Scripting, Technical, Developer, Testing, Analysis, Design, or Production positions. After many years in the industry, graduates may obtain titles such as Lead Engineer, Lead Designer, Technical Director, Creative Director, and Director.