Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games)

The goal of the BS in Computer Science (Games) program is to graduate students with a solid grounding in computer science and a cross-disciplinary background in game development.

Topics covered in the cross-disciplinary game development portion of the degree program include game production, visual design for games and interactives, computer animation, videogame programming, game hardware architectures, game engine programming, serious game development, introductory and intermediate game design, and two semester long final game projects.

Students graduating from this program will be capable of engineering next-generation games and simulations and their technologies in the entertainment and serious game fields. Additionally, graduates from this program will be able to further their education in graduate programs in game development and computer science. This degree will be offered by the School of Letters Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games)(Click here for PDF)

Computer Science Core Classes (37 credits)

- CSCI 101 (3) Fundamentals of Computer Programming
- CSCI 102 (4) Data Structures
- CSCI 105 (2) Object-Oriented Programming (C++ version)
- CSCI 201 (4) Principles of Software Development (C++ version)
- CSCI 271 (3) Discrete Methods in Computer Science
- CSCI 303 (3) Design & Analysis of Algorithms
- CSCI 377 (3) Introduction to Software Engineering
- CSCI 402 (3) Operating Systems
- CSCI 460 (3) Artificial Intelligence
- CSCI 480 (3) Computer Graphics
- CSCI/EE 450 (3) Intro to Computer Networks
- EE/CS 352 (3) Computer Organization & Architecture


Game Development Core Classes (42 credits maximum)

- CSCI 180 (3) Survey of Digital Games & Their Technologies
- CSCI/ITP 280x (4) Intro to Videogame Production (Individual Projects)
- CSCI 281 (3) Pipelines for Games & Interactives
- CTAN 452 (2) Intro to Computer Animation
- CS/ITP 380 (4) Videogame Programming
- EE/CS 452 (3) Game Hardware Architecture
- CSCI 487/ITP 485 (4) Programming Game Engines
- CSCI 486 (3) Serious Games Development
- CTIN 484 (2) Intermediate Game Development
- CTIN/CS 488 (4) Game Design Workshop
- CTIN 489 (2) Intermediate Game Design Workshop
- ITP 461 AI in Videogames Lab (1)
- ITP 481 Videogame Graphics Lab (1)
- CSCI 491a (4) Final Game Projects I
- CSCI 491b (2) Final Game Projects II


Math (12 credits maximum)

- MATH 125 (4) Calculus I
- MATH 126 (4) Calculus II
- MATH 225 (4) Linear Algebra/Diff. Equations or EE 241 (3) Applied Linear Algebra for Engineering

Highly recommended

- MATH 226 (4) Calculus III
- EE 364 (3) Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Electrical Engineering

Science (4 credits)

- PHYS 151LG (4)
- Fund. Of Physics I: Mechanics & Thermodynamics

Writing Classes (7 credits)

- WRIT 140 (4) Writing and Critical Reasoning
- WRIT 340 (3) Advanced Writing

General Education (20 credits)

The major will comply with the university general education requirements. Note: GE requirements total 24 units. However, PHYS 151 also satisfies the Category 3 GE.

Technical Electives (6 credits)

- BUAD 301 (4) Technical Entrepreneurship
- BUAD 307 (4) Marketing Fundamentals
- CSCI 351(3) Programming & Multimedia on the WWW
- CSCI 410 (3) Translation of Programming Languages
- CSCI 477 (3) Design & Construction of Large Software Systems
- CSCI 485 (3) File and Database Management
- CSCI 490 (2-4) Directed Research
- CSCI 499 (3-4) Special Topics
- COMM 300 (4) Foundations for the Study of Entertainment, Communication & Society
- COMM 422 (4) Legal Issues and New Media
- COMM 430 (4) Global Entertainment
- COMM 457 (4) Children and Media
- COMM 465 (4) Gender in Media Industries and Products
- COMM 498 (4) Ethical Issues in Entertainment and Communication
- CTAN 330 (2) Fundamentals of Animation
- CTIN 401L (2) Interface Design for Games
- CTIN 403 (2) Advanced Visual Design
- CTIN 404L (2) Usability Testing for Games
- CTIN 405L (2) Design and Technology for Mobile Experiences
- CTIN 406L (2) Sound Design for Games 2
- CTAN 443 (2) 3D Animation & Character Design
- CTIN 458 (2) Business and Management of Games
- CTIN 459L (4) Game Industry Workshop
- CTIN 462 (4) Critical Theory and Analysis of Games
- CTIN 463 (4) Anatomy of a Game
- CTIN 459L (4) Industry Workshop
- CTIN 482 (2) Designing Online Multiplayer Game Environments
- CTIN 483 (4) Programming for Interactivity
- CTIN 491 (4) Advanced Game Project
- CTIN 492L Experimental Game Topics
- CTWR410L (4) Character Development and Storytelling for Games
- EE 320 (3) Digital Media Basics for Multimedia
- ENGR 395abc . Engineering Co-Op (students who take 3 units of Co-op can use it as one technical elective).
- FA 336 (4) Visual Arts and Technology
- FA 350 (4) Art Theory and Criticism
- JOUR 340 (4) Introduction to Advertising
- JOUR 371 (4) Censorship and the Law: From the Press to Cyberspace
- JOUR 381 (4) Entertainment, Business and Media in Today's Society

TOTAL: 128 Credits

Note - Portfolio required for graduation. That portfolio will include a minimum of three projects. Sample projects might include a rendering engine, an AI engine, mod of an existing game, add-on feature to existing game, pipeline tool, programming for team game, game networking infrastructure. The portfolio will consist of a personal web site maintained by the student during the degree program