Bachelor’s Degree in Simulation and Game Design
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Overview
Bachelor’s Degree in Simulation and Game Design
Tell your parents they may have been wrong after all. It turns out that sitting in front of that game console all those years prompted your interest in one of today’s most dynamic careers.
In recent years, industries including computer science, visual arts, and interactive media have grown exponentially. With growth comes opportunity for careers paths for individuals who have a passion for video gaming, game simulation, interactive media and game design.
The Simulation and Game Design (SGD) program at William Peace University provides an expansive background and exploration in the gaming industry, whether you’re interested in the entertainment side of it or the burgeoning field of serious gaming. Through the degree program, you will learn to master design, 3D modeling and programming used in developing video games or simulation training in military, healthcare, academic and industrial applications.
Growth in the industry has increased demand for artists, animators, programmers and designers who can combine an artistic background with technical know-how, creative storytelling, and an understanding of the complex interconnectedness of the world we inhabit. The curriculum and coursework emphasizes aesthetics, technical skills and computer science, programming languages, and audience analysis and development. The SGD Lab is a state-of-the-art space with the latest and greatest technologies available to students.
Internship and career opportunities are numerous: there are currently dozens of simulation and game development businesses and computer graphics organizations in the Triangle area with continued growth expected.
Interested in becoming a game designer? Check out our enrollment process and start your journey with interactive media, game design, storytelling, and more.
SGD students turn their hobbies into careers in one of the highest-paid professions in the United States -
Courses
Video Game & Simulation Design Coursework
The courses listed below are for the Academic Catalog and are subject to change. High school students should reference the Academic Catalog for further information and course descriptions. If you are a current student, please reference the catalog for appropriate coursework needs and consult your academic advisor.
Bachelor of Arts in Simulation and Game Design
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Faculty
Department Chair of Art, Communication, and SGD; Associate Professor of Art, Communication, and SGD
Assistant Professor of Simulation and Game Design; Program Director of Simulation and Game Design -
Careers
Promising Career Growth and Opportunities for SGD Graduates
The video game industry is expected to reach $180.1 billion in revenue by 2021. This flourishing industry currently offers a projected career growth of 9.3% through 2026. According to Payscale.com, the median salary of a video game designer is $64,600.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the median salary of multimedia artists and animators at $75,270 in 2019 and projects an increase in career opportunities to continue to soar.
Career paths:
- Multimedia Artist or Animator
- Software Developer
- UX Designer
- Art Director
- Visual Programmer
Simulation and Game Design majors focus on learning the creative and analytical elements of conceptualizing, designing, building and producing for this fast growing industry. There are currently numerous simulation and game companies in and around Raleigh, NC and Triangle area with continued plans for expansion in this market.
Potential internship and employment sites within Raleigh and North Carolina include:
- Epic Games
- IBM
- Icarus Studios
- Lenovo
- Red Storm Entertainment
- Ubisoft
- Insomniac Games
- Imangi Studios
- Limited Run Games
- Horizon Productions
- Lucid Dreams VR
- Raleigh Convention Center
- PNC Arena
- Red Hat
Peace TV
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