The Bachelors of Science in Game Design and Development defines a program of study that allows students to explore the entertainment technology landscape as well as other related areas, while still pursuing a broad-based university education. The program focuses its technical roots in the Computing and Information Sciences disciplines. Simultaneously, the program exposes students to the breadth of development processes through involvement in topics such as game design, design process, and animation.

The program is characterized by a clear focus on development, but meets the industry need for developers that will be involved in the design process from the beginning, just as they are in the professional field. The degree is intended specifically for students that aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field such as simulation, edutainment or visualization, and focuses on producing graduates that understand the technical roots of their medium, the possibilities that creative application of software development affords, and the way in which their industry operates. This degree also provides students with a core computing education that would prepare them for graduate study in a number of computing fields, and employment in more general computing professions.

The program is a 4-year undergraduate program (which students sometimes elect to stretch over 5 years because of extended co-op experiences) in which students complete a “core” of required coursework, and then pursue a block of coursework in “advanced studies” that is customizable to their individual interests and career goals. In addition, all students will complete coursework in the liberal arts, the social sciences, and the laboratory sciences in keeping with the long-standing traditions of a traditional university degree. Students can further customize their experience though both general elective coursework and free electives.

This degree represents a core partnership between the departments of Information Technology and Computer Science within the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, and involves additional offerings and support from the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. This degree resonates with the core focus of the Rochester Institute of Technology with respect to career-oriented education, and it is well integrated and situated with other programs within the College of Computing. This degree seeks to strike the appropriate undergraduate balance between specialization and general study, offering its students a specific course of study while still providing a well-rounded technical education. It is particularly well suited to prepare students for further study in the RIT Masters of Science in Game Design and Development.

The degree has been approved by the Rochester Institute of Technology at all levels, and has been ratified by the NY State Board of Education, and is accredited through Middle States. At this time, we are accepting applications for our second entering class in fall of AY2008. For information on applying to the program, admission requirements, etc., please contact the Information Technology Department for more information, or use the contact information on the main page for Professor Al Biles, undergraduate program coordinator.