Emerging technologies, the rapid growth of software engineering, and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence keeps the demand for well-trained experts in the computing field a top priority. These technical advancements signal an increased need to understand complex algorithms and sophisticated data structures, and our undergraduate computer science degree provides the tools to make it happen.
With the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, you’ll encounter a variety of educational and career opportunities, no matter if you’ve coded before or if you’re jumping into the world of programming for the first time. Starting with the foundations of C, C++, and other lower-level programming languages, your developing skillset will lend itself to yearly video game or computer science team projects, a core element of the DigiPen curriculum. These multidisciplinary teams group students from different degree programs to help facilitate real-world working environments and teams, readying you for your future career. This degree’s specific focus on databases, networks, and distributed computing will help you better engage with an increasingly tech-focused world.
Where students eventually find employment aligns pretty well with the goals of the program, and our students have the freedom to focus their efforts on entering either the game industry or non‑game tech companies.”
Pushpak Karnick, Ph.D.
Program Director
A Byte-Sized Program Breakdown
Study All Things Programming
Designed to help you make great games and cool tech with a focus on databases and networking, even if you are new to computer science.
Collaborate Across Disciplines
Built around yearly game projects where your computer science degree drops you into a technical role that powers every aspect of your game.
Learn From Seasoned Pros
Engage with experienced faculty from across the game industry and build connections with local companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, and more.
Excel in Your Career Path
Focuses on the nuts and bolts of game development that will prepare you for your chosen career in software engineering, programming, and more.
Invest in Your Career
Guides you into relevant industries where regional software developers in Washington make an annual mean wage of $175,600.*
*Hourly median wage in Washington state as of May 2024. Source: ww.bls.gov
Alumni Highlights
Turn your passion into your career.
No matter how you slice it, DigiPen graduates go far. Through our comprehensive courses and project‑focused methodology, our graduates enter the industry ready to start coding software and programming games alongside a top‑notch network of developers and creatives.
Current students connect with top industry professionals through exclusive events hosted by DigiPen’s Career and Alumni Relations department.
- Networking Mixers
- Industry Company Days
- Reverse Career Fairs
- Internship Support
- Course Audits for Alumni
A sample of entry-level game programming jobs and tech roles our graduates have landed that kick off their professions.
- Software Engineer
- Gameplay Programmer
- Technical Designer
- Engine and Tools Programmer
- Security Engineer
Our graduates shape the next generation of games and tech at major influential companies, close-knit indie studios, and their own passionate ventures.
- Amazon Web Services
- Epic Games
- Microsoft
- Docusign
- Turtle Rock Studios
- TEKSystems
The game class is where they bring [game design and programming techniques] all together. And to me it’s so incredibly important, because they’re putting everything into practice.
Ellen Beeman
Associate Professor
It’s very nice to see how when [students] first came here, they knew only a small nugget of information, and then it just expands and expands. It’s an absolute joy.
Anand Thirumalai
Assistant Professor
Call of Duty uses its own tech, and because of DigiPen, I’ve gotten very used to bespoke code.
Shareef Raheem
Degree Program Alum
Student Teams
Skills aren’t formed through books and lectures alone.
It’s a yearly endeavor — students form teams and collaborate to complete an original video game from start to finish. Every member of the team brings a unique perspective to the game project, and your newfound expertise from your degree program can secure you a relevant role within your team.
Focus Areas
Tools
Bridge the gap between the technical and the creative. Build tools like level editors to bolster your ideas and aid your designers.
Engine
Build the framework that powers game dev from start to finish. Your custom engine will enable a high level of control in every aspect of development.
BS/MS Accelerated Schedule Academic Concentrations
Your Degree, Your Way.
Take your education in the direction that best fits your goals. Define your coursework based on the topics that matter to you most by picking one of seven optional specializations.
Artificial Intelligence
Physically‑based Simulation
Image Processing
Graphics
Machine Learning
Sound Synthesis
Digital Signal Processing
Look over this list of programming languages and software you’ll use for video game development throughout the program.
- C, C++, C#
- Git
- Visual Studio
- Python
- PyCharm
- SQL - Structured Query Language
- Unity
- Unreal
Our students are passionate, and our game team interviews bring their development stories to the forefront.
Find Out What Makes Us Different
Chat directly with a student ambassador or tune into an online info session — there’s always a way to learn more about DigiPen.
Ask-a-Dragon on Discord 
Anatomy of a Student Team
Curriculum
Instructors with Industry Insight.
From your first day of class to the day of your commencement, our renowned faculty and network of diverse professors have curated your academic progression to transition you into the workforce with ease and confidence.
Featured Courses
A small selection of fundamental courses included within all our computer science degree programs.
- CS 120 High-Level Programming I
- CS 230 Game Implementation Techniques
- MAT 140 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Our instructors come from rich and diverse backgrounds, and these are just some of the companies they’ve made their mark on.
- Nintendo Software Technology
- Xbox Game Studios
- Amazon
- Electronic Arts
- Lucasfilm Games
- Crystal Dynamics
- Activision
- Wizards of the Coast
- Wargaming
- Bungie