The Game and Simulation Programming degree exposes students to the core skills necessary to develop and implement interactive and engaging experiences, such as computer games and simulations. These experiences are applicable to a range of existing and emerging fields, such as entertainment, education, corporate training, information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and homeland security. The curriculum is designed to give students a well-rounded knowledge in computer and mobile device programming, as well as knowledge in mathematics, physics, information security, Web applications, databases, critical-thinking, communication, teamwork, innovation, and the liberal arts. Hands-on learning ensures a deep understanding of the programming and information technology subjects.
Effective Fall 2024
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
- More Information about Game & Simulation Programming
Career Opportunities
The Game and Simulation Programming major prepares students to be innovative, career-ready graduates who will be successful as: game/simulation developer and programmer; corporate learning programmer; mobile or Web application programmer; IT software engineer; software developer, and related positions. Acceptance into a graduate degree program is also a possibility.
Recommended High School Subjects
Students entering the bachelor’s degree in Game and Simulation Programming directly from high school should have a strong background in mathematics (i.e., minimum of College Algebra and Trigonometry ready), English, and the sciences. Familiarity with computer programming is not necessary, but will ease the transition. Students will also benefit from having physics in their high school curriculum.
Special Equipment Needs
A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all Information Technology majors, including the Game and Simulation Programming major. Review required Laptop Specifications here https://www.pct.edu/media/1111/download .
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy). Students will not be allowed to enroll in required Information Technology (CIT) courses until all remediation of mathematics (through MTH008) is complete.
Transfer Procedures
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.
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- identify and analyze the requirements that must be satisfied when developing interactive and engaging programs for games and simulations.
- employ current best practices during development of interactive and engaging programs, as well as assessing their effectiveness.
- use effectual collaboration skills when interfacing with others in a team.
- practice effective communication skills when writing and speaking.
- use current techniques to develop appropriate knowledge and skills needed to implement desired career path.
Performance Standards
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.
Curriculum
| First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1.0 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| CIT160 | Introduction to Programming | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CSC132 | Introduction to Gaming & Simulation | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CSC124 | Information, Technology & Society | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| MTD | Math Elective (MTH180 or Higher) | 3.0 | M | MTD | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16.0 | ||||||
| Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| CSC142 | Interactive 3D Modeling | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| EET145 | Networking I | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| CIT260 | Programming II | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| MTC | Math Elective (MTH182 or Higher) | 3.0 | M | MTC | |||
| PSY111 | General Psychology | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| FIT | Fitness & Wellness Elective | 1.0 | S | FIT | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17.0 | ||||||
| Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| CIT180 | Introduction to Database | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT224 | Game & Simulation Design Principles I | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT360 | Data Structures & Algorithms | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| ENL201 | Technical & Professional Communication | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| PHS115 | College Physics I | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| or | |||||||
| PHS201 | General Physics I | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16.0 | ||||||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| CIT246 | System Analysis I | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT281 | Secure Database Development | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT243 | Discrete Structures in Computer Applications | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT216 | Game Programming | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| FIT | Fitness & Wellness Elective | 1.0 | S | FIT | |||
| SPC101 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16.0 | ||||||
| Fifth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| CIT240 | Introduction to UNIX/Linux | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT324 | Game & Simulation Design Principles II | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT230 | Fundamentals of Information Security | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT444 | Game & Simulation Seminar | 1.0 | 1 | M | REQ | ||
| ARP | Core Arts Perspective | 3.0 | S | ARP | |||
| MGT115 | Principles of Management | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16.0 | ||||||
| Sixth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| CIT412 | Computer Simulation Applications | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT382 | Programming for Mobile Devices | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT351 | Web Systems & Technologies | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| MTH255 | Linear Algebra | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| CIT365 | C++ Game Development | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15.0 | ||||||
| Seventh Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| MTH161 | Statistics for STEM Fields with Computer Applications | 3.5 | 3 | 1.50 | M | REQ | |
| CIT419 | Gaming & Simulation Capstone | 3.0 | Writing Enriched Requirement | 3 | M | REQ | |
| CIT344 | Operating Systems Concepts I | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| BSP | Directed Gaming & Simulation Programming Elective | 3.0 | S | BSP | |||
| OEA | Open Elective | 3.0 | S | OEA | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15.5 | ||||||
| Eighth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| SCI | Science Elective | 3.0 | S | SCI | |||
| MGT410 | Management of Organizational Behavior | 3.0 | Writing Enriched Requirement | 3 | S | REQ | |
| HIP | Core Historical Perspective | 3.0 | S | HIP | |||
| BSP | Directed Gaming & Simulation Programming Elective | 3.0 | S | BSP | |||
| OEA | Open Elective | 3.0 | S | OEA | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15.0 | ||||||