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video gaming degree

DeVry University in Orlando has recently launched their Video Game Design degree program. Most of the students currently in the program are under the age of 25 (no big surprise there), and there is a high percentage of male students. Students who enrolled when the program first began are now in their 6th semester and haven’t yet graduated, but the program is definitely in demand.

“Game and Simulation Programming has been the fastest growing program in Central Florida for the past few semesters.”

Because the program is so new, they haven’t had any graduates, so they don’t yet have Rate of Employment statistics for grads. But, says Eddie R. Wachter, Ph.D., Dean of Academic Affairs at DeVry University in Central Florida: “We anticipate a number of graduates in the spring of ‘08. According to industry statistics, entry-level salaries (requiring 1 – 2 years of experience) for game development range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.”

While there isn’t a comparable program at Jacksonville’s DeVry Campus, plenty of students start their studies in Jacksonville and later transfer when they get past the core curriculum. It isn’t just Jacksonville students who transfer into the program. Apparently it’s popular enough that it draws students from all over the globe.

“In-state students constitute the overwhelming majority of GSP students at DeVry University in Central Florida. But due to the popularity of the program, students enroll in the GSP program in Central Florida from 15 states and other countries outside the US.” Faculty qualifications include “advanced degrees in Modeling and Simulation, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Computer Engineering.” Some of the staff have even designed, developed and marketed their own games.

Graduates apply high-level math and science skills to programming interactive video game images, and the focus is less on the artistic aspect of game design and more on practical application.

“The focus of the program is on creativity of software programming in game development, as well as game software engineering and project management across multiple platforms…Applied research, written and oral communications, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a technical environment are integrated into the program.”

Coursework includes game and simulation development, mathematics for game programming, game and simulation design, multimedia programming, software engineering, game engine design, and programming for massively multi-player online games (MMOG). 

employment in video game design

According to Wachter, “The largest concentration of companies who employ graduates who have an interest in game development are located in California and Texas, while Central Florida is the epicenter for simulation and training. Companies that are located in Central Florida and could employ graduates include EA Tiburon, Intel, Walt Disney Internet Group, Walt Disney Imagineering, Game Beat, Lionshead Entertainment, LucasArts Entertainment, Big Huge Games, Helixe Games, Lockheed Martin, and the US Government.