Real-Time Interactive Simulation

Program Overview
The electronic and digital entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing and most exciting career choices of the future. Video games, movies, military simulations, air flight simulations - these industries are only a few of those that demand well-trained, enthusiastic programmers, designers, artists, and managers. DigiPen Institute of Technology is a key provider of these individuals, and the Bachelor of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation prepares programmers for these industries. Designed and developed by industry experts and DigiPen faculty, our four-year R.T.I.S. program is a computer science degree that is highly focused on the technical area of graphics and simulations. Students in our program specialize in the skills and tools necessary to create real-time simulations of real world events.

The B.S. in R.T.I.S. program offers extensive training in mathematics and physics as a foundation for the various topics presented in general computer science and computer graphics. R.T.I.S. students participate in several major team-based projects, which embody in a practical way the theoretical knowledge gained from the courses offered in the previous and current semesters. Forming the cornerstone of the program, these projects exemplify many of the skills necessary in the video game industry today: team work, design, implementation, follow-through, and business knowledge, among others. R.T.I.S. students gain the experience of designing, programming, and testing a variety of simulations and games: text-based, scrolling, simulation, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional games. Students in this degree program work both individually and collaboratively to learn the fundamentals of game design, production, and programming. Additionally, they write game design documents and technical design documents, learn how to schedule tools and techniques, and participate in the full production of several games.

These projects are game-oriented productions since games are a perfect media to present complicated subjects in a format agreeable to students. Such game-oriented productions:

• Are graphics-oriented simulations, including two and three-dimensional based simulations.
• Can realistically reproduce or simulate natural phenomena and real-life events. Flight simulators are excellent examples of such simulations.
• Are highly interactive, requiring an elaborate and efficient Graphical User Interface (GUI). The development of a GUI requires the management of windows, menus, dialog boxes, and hardware resources including keyboards, mice, and display monitors.
• React in real time. The implementation of such simulations requires a thorough knowledge of computer hardware and computer languages.
• Are story-based simulations requiring a plot in which game objects must interact intelligently with each other. Therefore, in order to make games challenging and interesting, students must design and implement good artificial intelligence algorithms, which serve as the cognitive processes for the computer-controlled game objects.
• Could be designed for either a single or multiple-player environment. The development of a multiple-player game requires the understanding of subjects such as computer networks, TCP/IP, and Internet programming.
• Provide valuable experience in working on large and complex productions. Teamwork is essential to the successful completion of such productions. Therefore, students are divided into teams and are rigorously trained in Object-oriented programming languages, paradigms, and Software Engineering techniques and practices. These collaborative efforts reinforce student ability to work competently within a group while completing projects.

Graduates of this program will gain the skills required to successfully pursue entry-level careers in the rapidly growing world of computer technologies in general, and computer graphics and simulations in particular. This degree prepares students to work in the computer and video game industry as intermediate-level programmers in graphics, artificial intelligence, networking, or general programming; beginning designers; or engineering tool staff members. Some of the job titles that graduates of this program may aspire to are Solutions Architect, Compatibility/Playability Tester, Game Analyst, Quality Assurance Engineer, Quality Assurance Supervisor, Computer or Software Programmer, Software Engineer, Game Programmer, Engine and Tools Programmer, Game Graphics Programmer, Artificial Intelligence Programmer, Audio Programmer, Web Programmer, or Software/Lead Tester.

This degree program is an intensive educational experience in a specialized, highly technical area. Rather than attempt to provide a broad, general education, this program directly prepares students for a rapidly expanding career field. Staff and faculty are prepared to guide students desiring more general education course work about supplementary opportunities available through other institutions.

Length
The Bachelor of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation consists of 154 credits offered over 8 semesters of 15 weeks each. This program usually takes four academic years to complete.

Math Minor
Students who fulfill a total of 27 credits in MAT courses numbered above (and not equal to) 100 or PHY 300, with a C- or better, will earn a math minor. Of those 27 credits, 6 credits must be completed from MAT courses numbered 300 or higher, and at least 9 credits must be taken at DigiPen.

Recommended Course Sequence
Click here to review the recommended course sequence for the Bachelor of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation. Please note the following:

• Students must achieve a grade of C- or higher in the Core courses to earn credit toward this degree.
  
• Students must receive special permission from the Dean to take more than 18 credits first semester and 22 credits second semester.

See also: Admission Requirements