2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, B.S., Game Design and Development Concentration


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Program Coordinator: Mehdi Mekni, Ph.D.

The bachelor's degree program in Computer Science with a game design and development concentration is nationally accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET). Its objectives are to inform, challenge, and train our diverse student body for a constantly changing world of technology. This program develops a solid body of knowledge and understanding of computer hardware, software, and theory, as defined by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curriculum guidelines. The concentration in game design and  development builds upon the core and the required major courses to create enterprise-level game products.

Students enrolled in this concentration will enter the workforce as qualified game designers and game developers.

At the time of graduation, every student should have achieved the following program outcomes:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.

The program consists of a required core that exposes students to a wide range of computing and technology topics, including the study of databases, hardware, networks, programming, software design, and security.  Advanced courses and the senior design project will focus on game design and development.

Typical initial job titles include applications developer, software engineer, entrepreneur, game designer or game developer, 3D animation and modeller, game producer, game programmer, game user researcher, serious game and simulation designer/ developer.

Internship Requirement

An internship enriches the academic experience of the student, providing exposure to a working computing environment and the interpersonal relationships of a workplace. Each internship is a partnership between the student and an employer or organization, with oversight by the academic advisor. Students must complete 60 credits toward the bachelor's degree before an internship is attempted. To complete the internship, a student must perform at least 200 hours of relevant work, submit an essay about the experience, and submit evaluations completed by both the student and the work supervisor. The internship requirement may be satisfied through employment, community service, or some other activity that is approved by the student's advisor.

UPE Honor Society

The university has a chapter of the national honor society for computer science, Upsilon Pi Epsilon.  Outstanding juniors and seniors are invited by the chapter to join this organization and participate in its service projects.

Program Requirements


A total of 128 credits, including the University Core Curriculum, is required for the degree of bachelor of science in computer science, Game Design and Development concentration.

University Core Curriculum


Core Tier 1

Core Tier 2

Other Requirements


  • Laboratory science restricted elective (see definition, below)
  • Mathematics restricted elective (4 credits) (see definition, below)
  • Two Restricted electives (see definition, below)
  • Free elective (see definition, below)

Definitions of elective categories and restrictions:


  • CC 3.1: any Tier 2 course, or any Tier 1 course from CC 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or any science course listed in CC 4.1, or MATH 2228
  • CSCI Sophomore or higher elective: any CSCI course with a number above 2000
  • CSCI Senior elective: any CSCI course with a number above 4000
  • Laboratory Science I, II, and Science elective: a laboratory science course that is intended for scientists or engineers
  • Mathematics elective: EASC 3345 or ELEC 3320 or a MATH course beyond the level of MATH 1118
  • Restricted elective: any course approved by the advisor that supports the student's academic focus (Math, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, Economics, or Accounting)
  • Free elective: any college course that is beyond the level that is considered as remedial in this program, and does not duplicate material of another required or elective course.  Remedial courses are those below the level of ENGL 1105, MATH 1117, CHEM 1115, PHYS 1150, and BIOL 2253

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