Computer Game Design, B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design

This degree provides students with the fundamental skills needed to work in video game design, development, and production or in similar areas such as interactive or simulation based software and digital media. The program is interdisciplinary and requires substantial teamwork from students while they take courses in game design, digital arts, and software design. Core courses include writing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, software development, calculus, and physics. Electives enable students to pursue their interests or enhance specific design and development skills.

Video games are an engine for economic growth.  In 2018, more than 166 million adults played video games in the US.  In 2019, around 2.4 billion people will play mobile games.  Video game players represent a diverse cross section of the population covering all ages, genders, and ethnicities.  Computer and video game companies directly and indirectly employ more Thant 146,00 people in the United States.  Job titles and duties vary by genre and company organization, and jobs change rapidly as new technology emerges.

Location(s): Madison Main Campus

Learning Outcomes

Plan of Study - Computer Game Design (BS) 24-25  

Apply
 

Note:

Students may complete their degree by earning the 19 elective credits from any area.  Students might pursue additional courses in art or programming or interests as varied as history or economics.

Emphasis

Students may concentrate on a specific area of game development by taking additional courses.  To earn an optional Emphasis, students may (in consultation with their program advisor) select and complete 30 credits from one of the following three areas:

Game Art Emphasis (30 credits)

• ART 111 - Drawing I 3 credits
• ART 122 - Design II Color 3 credits
• ART 123 - Three Dimensional Design 3 credits
• ART 213 - Figure Drawing 3 credits
• ART 231 - Painting I 3 credits
• ARTD 185 - Introduction to Animation 3 credits
• ARTD 245 - History of Graphics 3 credits
• ARTD 250 - 2D Digital Animation 3 credits
• ARTD 280 - Digital Photography I 3 credits
• ARTD 286 - Motion Graphics and Compositing 3 credits
• ARTD 356 - Digital Painting 3 credits
• ARTD 380 - Digital Photography II 3 credits
• ARTD 388 - Environmental Design 3 credits
• ARTD 439 - 3-D Design - Preproduction 3 credits
• ARTD 441 - 3-D Design - Production 3 credits
• ARTD 460 - Digital Editing 3 credits
• ARTD 480 - Digital Photography III 3 credits
• GAME 491 - Independent Study 1-3 credits (3 credits required)
• GAME 492 - Topics 1-3 credits (3 credits required)

Narrative Design Emphasis (30 credits)

• ARTD 185 - Introduction to Animation 3 credits
• CSC 447 - Artificial Intelligence 3 credits
• DAD 310 - Sound Design for Film 3 credits
• GAME 291 - Independent Study 1-3 credits (3 credits required)
• GAME 292 - Topics 1-3 credits (3 credits required)
• GAME 360 - Narrative Design 3 credits
• GAME 363 - Game Genres: 3 credits
• GAME 366 - Contemporary Myth and Media 3 credits
• GAME 370 - Game Mechanics 3 credits
• GAME 491 - Independent Study 1-3 credits (3 credits required)
• GAME 492 - Topics 1-3 credits (3 credits required)

Software Development Emphasis (30 credits)

• CIS 484 - Database Management Systems 3 credits
• CIS 487 - Database Programming 3 credits
• CSC 403 - Programming Graphical User Interface 3 credits
• CSC 410 - Parallel Computing 3 credits
• CSC 433 - Computer Graphics 3 credits
• CSC 443 - Scripting for Network Administration 3 credits
• CSC 447 - Artificial Intelligence 3 credits
• CSC 451 - Mobile Development Environments 3 credits
• CSC 456 - Operating Systems 3 credits
• CSC 461 - Programming Languages 3 credits
• CSC 466 - Language Processing 3 credits
• CSC 482 - Algorithms and Optimization 3 credits
• GAME 355 - Experimental Games I 3 credits
• GAME 356 - Experimental Games II 3 credits
• GAME 491 - Independent Study 1-3 credits (3 credits required)
• GAME 492 - Topics 1-3 credits (3 credits required)
• MATH 201 - Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 3 credits
• MATH 315 - Linear Algebra 3-4 credits (3 credits required)
• MATH 316 - Discrete Mathematics 3 credits (3 credits required)

Note:

Students double majoring in Computer Science and Computer Game Design are required to take other courses as part of the Computer Game Design requirements that address the content of CSC 285  and CSC 470 , so these two courses are being waived from the CSC major requirements.