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Undergraduate Major Game & Simulation Programming (BS)

Game Design programs at SNHU

Turn Your Love of Gaming into an Exciting Career with a Major in Game & Simulation Programming

Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Science in Game and Simulation Programming can take you beyond simply playing games to actually making the next big video game sensation. This BS program balances a solid foundation in IT fundamentals with advanced training in the tools and techniques used by industry professionals today.

Students learn and apply principles used in writing code, developing artificial intelligence, working inside of game engines and designing realistic physics for video games. Courses mirror the industry-standard workflow pipeline used in the production of games across multiple platforms - from web to console, PC and mobile - so that when you graduate, you're ready for your new career as a game programmer.

Designed to incorporate industry experience and prepare you for the workplace more rapidly, a number of your credits will be earned through experiential learning—which may include studio work, lab work, project-based courses, internships, or industry certifications.

You’ll also learn through a mix of face-to-face classroom and online formats. That means less seat time in traditional classroom settings, and more time engaging with faculty members as project leads, internship advisors, or coaches.

Inkwell Interactive Studio

Looking to level up your portfolio? SNHU’s Inkwell Interactive Studio on campus can help you gain the experience you need to break into the industry. Modeled after a real-life work environment, Inkwell connects you with internal and external clients to fully design and implement projects – from virtual tours and games to medical simulators and more.

See Yourself Succeed with a Major in Game & Simulation Programming 

Creativity, critical thinking and technical skills all come together in this in-demand undergraduate program. You'll emerge with the skills you need to enter an industry that is as fast-paced as it is exciting.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in game programming and development at SNHU include:

  • Supportive community. Join the SNHU campus community of students who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
  • Affordability. It’s our mission to make higher education more accessible. That’s why, SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire. 
  • Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands.
  • Opportunity. Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities.
  • Campus experience. Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine

Internships & Outcomes

The game design industry in the United States continues to grow, with industry revenues topping $30.4 billion in 2016 according to the Entertainment Software Association. Skilled game programmers are consistently in demand and SNHU’s major in game and simulation programming prepares you well for positions such as Game Programmer, Physics Programmer, Tools Engineer, Game Engine Programmer, and UI Programmer.

In addition to faculty with industry experience, this undergraduate program helps you develop deep connections with other professionals. Students have opportunities to complete internships with game development companies, interact with industry professionals who regularly speak on campus and join a vibrant community of game developers in the game design club.

Most importantly, students work on teams to develop publication-quality games as part of GameJams and other competitions held throughout the school year. We want to make sure that when you graduate, you have connections in the industry and a rich portfolio of work to show prospective employers.

Curriculum

Coursework includes requirements from our core undergraduate general education and business programs. You'll then add courses to satisfy the major requirements, such as interactive animation, 3-D modeling, artificial intelligence and more.

Faculty will push, inspire and encourage you to realize your full potential as a game programmer. At Southern New Hampshire University, we keep classes small, allowing you to connect with faculty who are there to support you on your journey. Take Professor Ed Brillant, for example - a former Art Director at Seven45 Studios in Boston with over 10 years of experience in the game industry, having worked on games for companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Sony. Students are consistently connected with faculty members who really know what it takes to be successful in the industry.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Life & Career

SNHU's bachelor's in game programming and development program includes:

  • General education courses
  • Degree-specific courses

General Education Program

SNHU's required general education program, known as The Commons, aims to guide you toward success in not only your academic career, but your personal and professional life too.

Throughout the curriculum, you'll gain some of the most in-demand skills in today's workplace, including:

  • Research and information analysis
  • Diverse audience communication
  • Critical thinking and ethical problem solving
  • Leadership, emotional intelligence and collaboration

This expertise will prove practical, transferable and invaluable as you grow in your career and contribute positively to society.

Beyond foundational skill development, the general education program also provides the benefit of allowing you to explore a wide range of fields outside of your intended major.

Two campus students using their laptops to complete school work

Campus Undergraduate Tuition

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

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