College Catalog

The Gaming and Simulation degree exposes students to the core skills that allow graduates to design and create applications for a range of existing and emerging fields, such as commerce, entertainment, education, training, emergency management, recruitment, and health sciences. The curriculum is designed to give students a well rounded knowledge in gaming and simulation design and programming, as well as knowledge in mathematics, physics, sciences, IT security, networking, Web applications, databases, communication, and liberal arts.

Career Opportunities

The Gaming and Simulation major prepares students for careers in computer game design, computer game programming, software application development, programming analyst, and system administration.

Recommended High School Subjects

Students entering the bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Sciences directly from high school should have a strong background in English, mathematics (College Algebra and Trig ready), and sciences. Familiarity with computer programming, hardware, and software eases the transition.  Gaming and simulation students will benefit from having physics in their high school curriculum.

Special Admissions Requirements

All developmental course work must be completed prior to entry into the degree. A placement test will be required.

Special Equipment Needs

A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all Information Technology majors including the Gaming and Simulation major. Laptop specifications are available on the Gaming and Simulation web page.

Remediation Strategies

Placement examinations are conducted prior to program entrance.  Appropriate developmental work will be required before Gaming and Simulation course work can begin.

Students with double deficiencies shall postpone their degree entrance until such time that the deficiencies are remedied.

Transfer Procedures

Students seeking entrance through transfer into Gaming and Simulation major should strive to take courses at their respective institutions that provide competency in the following areas: programming (two semesters minimum – same language preferred); networking; Unix and/or Linux.

Students transferring from institutions that have articulation agreements with Penn College should seek advisement from their respective institutions.

Program Goals

Graduates of this program should be able to:

• apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to programming.
• demonstrate proficiency in the core information technologies such as programming, networking, Web development, database, and security.
• assess the needs of an information technology (IT) related problem and select, develop, integrate, deploy, secure, and administer an appropriate solution to address users’ interests.
• apply necessary problem-solving, collaboration, organizational, and project planning skills to accomplish a common goal.
• demonstrate core IT skills within the gaming and simulation application domain.
• identify and explain the professional, social, ethical, and legal issues surrounding IT and the associated responsibilities of IT professionals.
• communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, using language appropriate for the intended audience.
• identify, evaluate, and explain the local and global impact of computing applications on individuals, organizations, and society.
• identify and explain the need for continuing professional development in the IT discipline.
• consider and apply basic financial principles of business and its impact in the gaming and simulation domain.
• identify and explain the importance of human computer interaction concepts when creating gaming and simulation applications.

Performance Standards

Students must maintain a 'C' or greater in all Information Technology courses. All Information Technology and Information Technology Science majors use an A, B, C, and F grading scale in all BWM/CIT/CSC/IAS courses. Failure to achieve a grade of 'C' or above after the maximum attempts allowed by College policy results in withdrawal from the major. Students should work closely with their advisers and with the program faculty to ensure that they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.

Curriculum