Information Technology Sciences - Gaming and Simulation
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.
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: BGS – view in catalog
- School: Business & Computer Technologies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
About the curriculum
This is the first, and only, program of its kind offered by a public college in Pennsylvania.
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Special Purpose Labs
Our IT majors are supported by four special purpose computing labs (networking, IT security, GNU/Linux, and Mac OS), with advanced video cards and industry standard software packages. Our lab coordinator also maintains a Linux-based Apache Web server, an Oracle database server, and several GNU/Linux servers.
After graduation
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
According to Game Developer Magazine, this year's big number is the rise in the average salary across all disciplines and experience levels, with 2010's $5,244 gain having made for a strong rebound from the near $4,000 loss in 2009, bringing the latest average above 2008. *
| Job title | Average annual salary |
|---|---|
| programmers | 85,733 |
| artists and animators | 71,354 |
| game designers, creative directors, and writers | 70,223 |
| producers | 88,544 |
| audio professionals | 68,088 |
| QA testers | 49,009 |
| business and legal | 106,452 |
*Statistics reported in Game Developer Magazine's Tenth Annual Salary Survey April 2011
Internship Recommendation
Read more about the recommended internship.
Special Admissions Requirements
View Special Admissions Requirements.
Performance Standards
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all Information Technology majors including the Gaming and Simulation major. Laptop specifications
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store and Penn State Computer Store.
Clubs & Activities
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter
Gamers' Guild
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
