Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Gaming Degree

Everything that goes into game development behind the scenes – software engineering, artificial intelligence, programming, and more.

Students playing video games
Students playing video games

Types

Associate
Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus
Online

Credits

39*

Cost

$9,875
$220/credit hour

All the basics of game development in a college degree? Game on.

You will never look at a video game the same again. While pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Gaming from University of the Cumberlands, you will focus on the foundational elements of gaming, such as gamification, game design, and game development. The world of gaming is a treasure trove of creativity, intelligence, and entertainment. In addition to computer science, this growing, techno-creative gaming industry is a balancing act of consumer interest and high-end technology, immersive stories and imaginative gameplay.

Start earning your Associate’s Degree in Gaming at University of Cumberlands while deciding if a bachelor’s level program is right for you. With the skills learned in your associate’s program, you can start pursuing professional roles upon completion. From there, you can pursue your bachelor’s game degree while starting your career.

With your gaming degree, you can turn information and stories into interactive experiences the world will never forget. Understanding the contemporary landscape of gaming at the intersection of creativity and technology is vital to creating impactful video game experiences that resonate with a wide audience. Make your dreams come to life on screen!

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$109,020

Average Salary

25%

Industry Growth

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

5

National Distinctions
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Gaming

Pursuing a degree in something you’re passionate about is an investment in your future. If you love computer science and video games, then a gaming degree from University of the Cumberlands may be perfect for you. Your classes will peel back the layers of gaming, and you’ll gain an understanding of essentials like computer programing, software engineering, and more. Explore databases and simulations, interactions and AI, all in a supportive environment focused on your success. Your courses will prepare you not only for a career in game development but also for high-demand computer software jobs. You will have the knowledge and skillset to tackle any technological profession – and it all starts here.  

Course Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

Choose one foreign language sequence:

  • FREN 131        Elementary French I
  • FREN 132        Elementary French II
  • FREN 231        Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232        Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Minor in Gaming

Are you passionate about video games and computer science but have other interests as well? No worries; with University of the Cumberlands’ minor in gaming, you can explore other passions while learning more about game development too. You will grow as a developer and creator while still maintaining a balance between your other interests. Don’t sacrifice what you love. Embrace the flexibility of UC’s gaming minor. There are many jobs where a background in programming and game development will benefit you. 

Required Courses (21 hours)

Associate of Science in Gaming

Earn an associate degree that gives you a broad fundamental understanding of important game development concepts. You'll cover the essential knowledge and skills to make you more marketable in the gaming and IT industries, and it won't take you four years to get there.

Required Courses (18 hours)

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Program Mission

The purpose of the gaming degree program at Cumberlands is to instill in you solid critical-thinking skills and technological awareness. We're here to prepare you for a successful career in multiple avenues of computer-based professions.

Design video game concepts for diverse audiences.
Apply the fundamentals of interactive/UX design.
Understand the basic concepts of gamification.
Create advanced multi-player game environments.
Adapt games for a mobile platform.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Gaming Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Video Game Designer: $78,790

Video Game Designer: $78,790

Video game designers are an integral part of making video games come to life. They work to help others play by designing games and working on them through every stage of their life cycle. 

Computer Programmer: $93,000

Computer Programmer: $93,000

Programmers write, modify, test, and launch code to run software and applications. 

Video Game Artist: $78,790

Video Game Artist: $78,790

Video game artists create the art that brings a video game to life. They design characters, backgrounds, objects, and more that shape the way a video game looks. 

Quality Assurance Tester: $109,020

Quality Assurance Tester: $109,020

Quality assurance testers test programs, applications, and more to find any issues or bugs that need to be resolved to improve the overall quality of the project.  

Software Developer: $109,020

Software Developer: $109,020

Software developers design and improve computer, mobile, and console applications and programs. 

Web Developer: $78,300

Web Developer: $78,300

Web developers create, modify, and test code in order to create and maintain websites.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A gaming degree focuses on the development and design of video games, incorporating elements like software engineering, artificial intelligence, game design, and user experience. It prepares students for roles in the gaming industry by teaching them the technical and creative aspects of game development.

An associate degree in gaming typically takes two years, while a bachelor's degree usually requires about four years to complete. Both programs consist of a mix of general education courses and specialized gaming coursework.

Yes, many institutions offer online gaming degrees, allowing students to complete coursework remotely. These programs provide flexibility and cover the same essential topics as on-campus programs, such as game design, programming, and development.

A gaming degree can be worth it for those passionate about entering the game development industry. With growing demand and high earning potential in fields like video game design, programming, and quality assurance, a degree can provide a strong foundation for a successful career.

Graduates with a gaming degree can pursue roles such as video game designer, software developer, game artist, quality assurance tester, or computer programmer. These roles involve various aspects of game development, from designing and coding to testing and improving video games.

To get a gaming degree, enroll in an accredited associate or bachelor's program in game development or a related field. Complete required courses that focus on game design, programming, and other technical aspects of game creation.

Yes, many colleges and universities offer degrees specifically in gaming or game development. These degrees cover a range of topics, including game design, computer science, artificial intelligence, and interactive storytelling.

While there are degrees related to game development, there aren’t specific degrees for becoming a professional gamer. However, some colleges offer programs or clubs that focus on esports, which may provide a path toward a professional gaming career through competitive gaming opportunities and related studies.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Gaming

See the faces behind the screens. This is your chance to learn more about your future gaming professors!

Dr. Aashis Luitèl

Dr. Aashis Luitèl

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Aashis Luitèl

Contact Information

ash.luitel [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Vinu Russell Viswasadhas

Dr. Vinu Russell Viswasadhas

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Vinu Russell Viswasadhas

Contact Information

309.533.4880
vinu.viswasadhas [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Mark Mosley

Dr. Mark D. Mosley

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Mark D. Mosley

Contact Information

615.547.1246
mark.mosley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
View All

Request Information

You have questions? We have answers.

Loading...