Home >> 2010 - 2011 Undergraduate Catalog >> Programs & Courses >> Programs of Study >> Computer Game Design and Development

Computer Game Design and Development

Offering:
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development
The Minor in Computer Game Design and Development

Why study Computer Game Design and Development at SPSU?

The Bachelors of Science in Computer Game Design and Development equips students and graduates with the skills and knowledge to apply computing and software engineering techniques to the design and production of digital media for entertainment, research, and education. As a specialization within the field of computing, game design and development builds on and applies expertise in computing hardware and software to create engaging and immersive multimedia systems.

About the program

The program exposes students to the breadth of the field in the areas of digital media, human-computer interaction, the history and theory of gaming, game design, 2D and 3D graphics, simulation, modeling, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data structures, and algorithms. Current and emerging domains including online games (and massively multiplayer games or MMOG), casual games, mobile games, and serious/educational games are explored. Students are also required to select an upper-level concentration within the program to ensure depth in their program of study. While these concentrations will change as the field evolves, current offerings include media-production, distributed-mobile, education-serious, planning-management, and simulation-informatics.

One of the more innovative aspects of the program is the inclusion of a significant studio experience for students in their senior year. This two-course sequence provides an opportunity for students to be mentored by faculty and their peers in the first semester and in turn mentor fellow students in the second semester. The year-long capstone project developed in these courses is a vital component in graduates' portfolios and will be showcased on the program's Web site. Moreover, giving the recruitment and hiring practices in the digital entertainment and computer gaming industry, portfolios are crucial in helping graduates secure employment in the industry.

The program places significant importance on developing students' communication, team, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, skills that were identified as vital by industrial partners and employers. Courses integrate written and oral presentations as well as team-based design and development projects to ensure students build these skills.

BS CGDD Program Objectives

Meet the educational needs of students and prepare them for careers within the discipline

  • Students will be well versed in fundamentals of computing and game design and development
  • Students will develop skills in problem solving, teamwork, communication and critical thinking

Expand the visibility of SPSU and the University System of Georgia (USG) in the field of game design and development

  • Scholarship and research in regional, national, and international venues
  • Service and partnerships with professional societies and non-profit organizations in the field

Create a strong community of students and alumni

  • Offer an annual computer game design competition sponsored by SPSU and industrial partners
  • Develop an online digital portfolio that showcases the work of students, alumni, and faculty
  • Host and sponsor events in which students, alumni, and industrial partners connect and build relationships

Serve the community and industry

  • Partner with local industrial and non-profit partners through student team projects and consulting
  • Educate students to provide intellectual capital and leadership to advance the fields of game design and development and related industries


Computer Game Design and Development - Bachelor of Science Requirements

Computer Game Design and Development Minor