The College of Engineering and Applied Science at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is home to the Department of Computer Science. Within the department are several paths to study game design. Options include a Computer Science BA (BACS) with a Game Design (GD) track; a Bachelor of Innovation (BI) in Game Design and Development (GDD); and minors in GD and Game Programming + 3D. Both minors require 21 credit hours. Course examples across programs include Fundamental Game Design Concepts; Introduction to Programming for Game Developers; and Computer Graphics.
The Computer Science Department also houses one graduate option: the interdisciplinary MS in Computer Science with Games and Media Integration (MSCS-GMI). This program provides a solid foundation in the research, design, and development of games, animation, filmmaking, wearable computing, VR/HCI, and complex systems.
The UCCS MSCS-GMI also allows students to pursue a specialization through electives and develop an industrial portfolio with an interdisciplinary focus. Elective examples include Virtual Reality and Human Computer Interaction; Animation and Visualization; Multivariate Control I and II; Advanced Computer Graphics/Morphing; Evolutionary Computation; and Multi-Media.
The culminating experience for the MSCS program is the Thesis or Project. Final works are eligible for submission to events such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC), virtual reality and HCI interaction conferences, the International Symposium on Wearable Computing (ISWC), and/or the SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival.
The BACS program at University of Colorado Colorado Springs focuses on software design and development, and computer applications. The GD track focuses on game design and development, graphics, game testing and distribution, user interfaces, and game theory. Course examples include Python Programming; Design & Analysis of Algorithms; Programming with C; Advanced Software Engineering; and Programming with UNIX.
BACS students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate, including 42 credits in their chosen track. Students may also use these credits to complete a minor, second major, or even a second degree.
The Bachelor of Innovation Program at UCCS is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The program prepares students for careers in traditional games for entertainment, serious games, and casual games. The curriculum focuses on game design and development, technical design, and programming. BI students will also explore other areas such as art and music. Course examples for the program include Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Games; Game Design for Diverse Populations; Commercial Game Design Practicum; and Team-Based Game Testing and Deployment.
Graduates of the Computer Science and Games programs at University of Colorado Colorado Springs are prepared to pursue roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at major studios across the U.S. Others have launched their own studios and freelance businesses where they have created original and commercial games for leading studios, companies, and organizations.
Founded in 1965, University of Colorado Colorado Springs serves more than 12,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 80 nations. The school offers more than 50 undergraduate degree options, dozens of master’s degrees, and eight doctoral programs across six colleges and schools. University of Colorado Colorado Springs is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).