Skip to main content
Back to top

Behind every sword swing, item drop, and hit point in a video game lies a complex system of rules embedded within the game’s code. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design teaches you to become a versatile software developer with the knowledge and ability to design, program, and implement these systems.

You’ll be balancing coursework in computer science with design classes that leverage your technical skills to create better games, levels, and mechanics. By the time you graduate, you will be a hybrid programmer and designer who can navigate both ends of the scientific and creative spectrum on any software development team.

If your passion for computers and technology is only matched by your love of creating games, DigiPen’s BS in Computer Science and Game Design program may be an excellent fit for you.

Who Should Pursue This Degree?

The BS in Computer Science and Game Design is a cross-disciplinary computer science program for those who also want to hone their design capabilities. In addition to advancing your understanding of math, physics, and computer science principles, you’ll be learning how to design fun and interesting game systems, levels, and mechanics. While this dual focus gives you the flexibility to pursue a wide range of roles on a game or software development team, it also means you won’t delve quite as deep into either subject area as you would in other degree programs.

As a student in this program, you will:

  • Become a Proficient Software Engineer

    Dive deep into core programming languages as you tackle coursework in data structures, artificial intelligence, user interface design, and more.

  • Study Game Design Theory and Methodology

    Examine the practice of game design from a variety of angles, including system design, level design, technical design, and more.

  • Gain Experience in a Collaborative Studio Environment

    Work with others on a large codebase and shared creative vision as you solve problems and tackle the challenges of game software development.

Academic Roadmap

As a BS in Computer Science and Game Design student, you’ll begin with foundational coursework in math and computer science in year one. After that, you’ll start taking coursework in physics and design, in addition to continued math and computer science. On top of that, you’ll also be working each year on multidisciplinary game projects. The final year of the program places a stronger emphasis on elective coursework across multiple subject areas.

View a sample course sequence

Admissions Requirements

In order to apply for the BS in Computer Science and Game Design program, you should have a strong foundation in math, science, and problem-solving. Precalculus (or its equivalent) is strongly recommended for applicants to this program, but not required.

View all requirements

Topics Covered

Students in the BS in Computer Science and Game Design program concentrate on the following subjects:

  • Computer science, mathematics, and physics, including programming in core languages like C and C++, data structures, artificial intelligence, algorithm analysis, linear algebra, calculus, and Newtonian dynamics.
  • Game and interactive design, including game design theory, 2D and 3D level design, UI/UX design, game systems and mechanics, playtesting, and team game project implementation.
  • Collaborative game development, in which students apply their programming and design knowledge toward yearlong team-based projects while building soft skills in communications, project management, and more.

Event Schedule

Anatomy of a Student Team: Fall Edition

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 — 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

VA Education Benefits Info Session

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 — 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Undergraduate Preview Day

Saturday, January 25, 2025 — 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

DigiPen Student Stories

Student Projects

Multidisciplinary team projects make up a core component of the BS in Computer Science and Game Design curriculum. As a student in the program, you will work with your classmates on a series of original game projects. In addition to building your own tools and software systems, you’ll have the chance to flex your skills as a designer of gameplay, mechanics, user interfaces, and more — applying both your computer science and design knowledge toward tangible game products. These are just a few examples of what students in the program have created.

Meet the Faculty

Faculty in the BS in Computer Science and Game Design program bring a wealth of experience in the game industry to the classroom as they teach students to think as both engineers and designers. These are just a few of the faculty who teach core courses in the program.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the BS in Computer Science and Game Design program can pursue a number of career paths in game and software development and experience design.

Potential Careers

Systems Designer

The systems designer helps lay the groundwork and design specifications for other developers to build large sections of a game or other application. A systems designer must rely on careful testing and have a solid understanding of technical limitations and efficiencies. They must be able to communicate well with an interdisciplinary team.

Game Designer

Game design is a broad term that can encompass many unique job types. In general, a game designer works to create and refine the interrelated systems that make up a game playing experience, from the mechanics of combat in a fighting game to the complex menu navigation in an online RPG. They often work closely with engineers and people from other disciplines to implement and fine-tune their design concepts.

Gameplay Programmer

The gameplay programmer is responsible for implementing the mechanical features and systems of a video game, often working with designers to turn ideas into working, moving parts.

Entry-Level Job Titles

  • Software Engineer

  • Software Development Engineering in Test

  • Software Analyst

  • Computer Programmer

  • Gameplay Programmer

  • Artificial Intelligence Programmer

  • User Interface Programmer

  • Tools Programmer

  • Game Scripter

  • Technical Designer

  • System Designer

  • Level Designer

  • Content Designer

  • Encounter Designer

  • Game Designer

Senior-Level Job Titles

  • Lead Engineer

  • Lead Designer

  • Technical Director

  • Creative Director

  • Director

Other Job Titles

  • Producer

  • Program Manager

  • Technical Program Manager

Touching Grass With DigiPen's Athletics Club

With regular soccer, hiking, and biking outings, the Dragon Athletics club makes physical and mental health a priority.

Faculty XP: Getting a Grip on Handheld Game Dev with Cartridge King Douglas Schilling

From the original Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, the DigiPen professor revisits his 14 years developing handheld games.

Watch the 2024 Student Game Showcase

Check out all the original games and projects that DigiPen student teams spent the year collaborating on.

Take the Next Step

Get connected with DigiPen and stay in the loop!

Sign up to get in touch with a personal representative at DigiPen, and we’ll also send you a digital viewbook detailing our degree programs.

Request Information

 

Start Your Application

Ready to take your education further? Head to our secure application portal and submit an application for admission.

Apply Online