Associate Degree in Computer Simulation and Gaming
Course descriptionOverview — Computer Simulation and Gaming is an associate degree program designed to prepare you for a career in the entertainment and "edutainment" industries, specifically animation and gaming. However, the skills obtained in this degree are transferable to many other industries such as computer programming, multimedia development and film production. This cross-discipline program is designed to create a work-like environment while teaching concepts of planning, design, development and testing of computer simulation and gaming products. Students enrolled in the degree program will decide if they want to focus on animation or programming in their second semester. Students from both disciplines will be required to work together on assignments so they are exposed to both aspects of the industry. The program gives students applied skills in upcoming technologies, object-oriented programming concepts, computer software languages, creative design, planning, modeling, communication, teamwork and problem analysis. Students will plan, create, produce and test simulations and games while understanding market applications, user ramifications and testing requirements. This degree is aimed at enhancing technical skills and preparing students for a broad range of jobs in rapidly changing technology fields.
Career Outlook — The use of this technology is widely accepted and increasing rapidly. Games are used as educational tools, not just for training pilots, soldiers and surgeons, but also in schools and businesses. Typical positions available are animator, modeler or artist in the animation focus; programmer, system analyst, application specialist or system software specialist in the programming focus. Other jobs in the gaming industry include tester, designer, writer, and audio producer.
Program Learning Outcomes — When you graduate from this program, employers will expect you to possess the following skills:
* Test simulations and games
* Design an architecture
* Lead team or project
* Create a working game module
* Communicate in a team environment
* Create 3D animations (Animation Focus)
* Create 3D models (Animation Focus)
* Design characters (Animation Focus)
* Storyboard your concepts (Animation Focus)
* Create environments (Animation Focus)
* Analyze, design and implement solutions (Programming Focus)
* Apply system software principles (Programming Focus)
* Convert logic concepts into OOP code (Programming Focus)
* Manage assets and revision control (Programming Focus)
* Apply artificial intelligence principles (Programming Focus)