Game & Simulation Programming

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

Whether you dream of launching the next epic video game or hope to make a difference with life-saving simulation programming, your path to a career in the field starts at Penn College. Specialized gaming and simulation design and programming coursework paves the way for a future in this thriving market that spans from commerce and entertainment to training and healthcare.

 
 

Courses

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.

Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions. 

Careers

  • Simulation developer
  • Computer game programmer 
  • Software application developer 

4

Specialized Computer Labs

Develop Technical Plus Teamwork Skills

100%

Students Employed Within 3-6 Months After Graduation

What's the difference between Information Technology and Computer Science?

Computer science (CS) is more theoretical, with increased math requirements. Many CS programs have a core focus on programming with a heavy emphasis on algorithm design and computer science theory.

While IT still includes theoretical topics, it is more applied and people-focused, making the tools of computing accessible to fit the needs of people and organizations, as well as creating computing tools and systems to meet user needs. IT is a bit broader at its core as it covers a variety of foundational skills in programming, networking, databases, modern platforms, systems analysis, and cybersecurity, while also allowing for specialization in a given IT area.

Featured Video: Women In STEM

What does it take to succeed in a STEM career? Curiosity. Critical thinking. A can-do spirit. And an educational experience that meets your passion head-on. Here, you’ll meet a community of innovators. Future pioneers who are learning by doing. Breathing new life into old concepts. Testing theories. And breaking barriers. Because the more you explore, the more you grow. And the bigger difference you can make.

Virtual Tour: Information Technology

Get a glimpse inside the labs where future IT professionals learn how to install, configure, and maintain computing systems. Meet Dr. Sandra Gorka, Associate Professor of Computer Science. And check out everything from gaming and simulation spaces to the hands-on labs decided to cyber security, networking, database management, and Linux systems.

Facilities: Game & Simulation Labs

Apply theory to the real thing in our specialized IT labs. Here, you’ll have access to both physical and virtual labs designed for networking, IT security, operating systems, and gaming. Apply the principles of ethical hacking, intrusion detection, and digital forensics in both physical and virtual environments. Labs also allow students to create 3D models, investigate hypervisors, build networks from bare metal to full production, and simulate a host of applications and network configurations.

Launch Virtual Lab Tour

Tour Schedule: Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, July 18 9 AM - 3 PM

Register

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Admissions Office

Scholarships

As a Information Technology student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 125 scholarships.

17 Program-related scholarships

108 Additional scholarships

Explore scholarships

Penn College News: Real World Ready

Penn College inducts seven into IT honor society

April 24, 2026

Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the only international honor society for computing and information disciplines, welcomed six students and one faculty member to the…

IT alumni, students connect during virtual event

April 10, 2026

Four Penn College information technology alumni served as panelists for a recent virtual networking event hosted by Alumni Relations and Rick R. Crossen,…

Penn College IT student receives scholarship from honor society

January 14, 2026

An honor society for the computing and information disciplines has recognized a Pennsylvania College of Technology student with a scholarship. Upsilon Pi…

VIDEO: Taking the lead

December 08, 2025

Meet Marissa Rupert. On her way to earning bachelor’s degrees in automation engineering technology and software development & information management, Rupert…

Alpha Chi members collect supplies for Kenya medical clinic

September 05, 2025

Three members of Penn College’s Pennsylvania Xi Chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society organized a drive to collect first aid items for a…

Penn College prof to fulfill ‘dream’ with Challenger Game

June 11, 2025

Stephen R. Cheskiewicz won’t be on the field during championship weekend this August at the Little League Baseball World Series, but he might be more excited…

'Inspired by IT'

April 29, 2025

When a number of students asked to have their instructor on the Tomorrow Makers podcast, the hosts just had to say, “Yes!” Meet information technology faculty…

Nine Penn College students inducted into IT honor society

April 16, 2025

Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the only international honor society for computing and information disciplines, welcomed nine new members to the Pennsylvania College of…

Alumnus offering free demo of his video game

January 27, 2025

Gamers can embark on a high seas adventure for free, thanks to a demo of Hullbreaker, a video game created by Pennsylvania College of Technology game &…

Penn College student to publish video game on Steam

December 09, 2024

Dalton R. Neece says he’s never ventured far from home. But that’s about to change. In January, the Hughesville native will embark on a high seas “voyage.” And…

People: Meet the Makers

Internship: Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life: Lead and put your skills to the test

Game Development Club of Penn College

The Game Development Club is a platform to share lessons, news, updates, and discussions on the game development industry. The club encourages and assists students in the creation of individual and class-based game development and promotes professional development. 

Learn more

Gamers’ Guild

Gamers' Guild is devoted to the continued enjoyment of classic games ranging from pen and paper RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons to classic console games, such as Nintendo and other major game producers.  

Learn more

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Get Involved

Study Abroad: Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

Learn More

Student Experience: The community as their classroom

Gaming student mentors teen

The gaming and simulation lab hosted WBRE-TV’s monthly segment that showcases children seeking a permanent family. James Temoshenko, shares his expertise with 13-year-old Mitchell. 

Read James' Story

More Information

Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.

Required Laptop Computer

A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all Information Technology majors, including the Game and Simulation Programming major. 
Review required Laptop Specifications.

Students must complete all required major courses in the Game and Simulation Programming major (those with the alpha-designators CIT, CSC, EET, and MTH) with a grade of “C” or higher.

Students seeking entrance through transfer into Game and Simulation Programming major should strive to take courses at their respective institutions that provide competency in the following areas: pre-calculus; programming (two semesters minimum - same language preferred); database; system analysis; and networking. Students transferring from institutions that have articulation agreements with Penn College should seek advisement from their respective institutions.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

Information Technology Advisory Committee Members

MC

Mr. James R Ankers, CISSP, CISA

IT Specialist (INFOSEC)

United States Navy

MC

Mr. Daniel J Clarke

Senior Solutions Architect

Arraya Solutions

DG

Dr. Todd W Griffith

Chief Technology Officer

Discovery Machine Corporation

MH

Mr. Brandon J Howe

Sr. IT Analyst

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

DK

Dr. Karl M Kapp

Assistant Director, Institute for Interactive Technologies

Bloomsburg University

ML

Mr. Brad E Lenig

Senior Enterprise Network Engineer

Pennsylvania College of technology

DP

Dr. Krish Pillai, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Lycoming College

MW

Mr. Mark J Watson

Administrative Director, Corporate Information Technology

Susquehanna Health

David Becker

David Becker

Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology

Dr. Stephen Cheskiewicz

Dr. Stephen Cheskiewicz

Associate Professor, Computer Information Technology

Rick Crossen

Rick Crossen

Instructor, Computer Information Technology

AH

Dr. Allen Heimbach

Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology, Co-Department Head

KK

Keenan Knaur

Instructor, Information Technology

Spyke Krepshaw

Spyke Krepshaw

Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology

John Maize

John Maize

Lecturer, Information Technology

Dr. Alicia McNett

Dr. Alicia McNett

Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology, Co-Department Head

KM

Karen Murray

Instructor, Technology and Information Literacy

Phil Warner

Phil Warner

Lecturer, Computer Information Technology

Melissa Webb

Melissa Webb

Assistant Professor, Technology and Information Literacy/Course Coordinator

Dr. Daniel Yoas

Dr. Daniel Yoas

Associate Professor, Computer Information Technology

Contact Information

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