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 a 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 development. The world of gaming is a treasure trove of creativity, intelligence, and entertainment. In addition to computer science, this growing, techno-creative industry is a balancing act of consumer interest and high-end technology, immersive stories and imaginative gameplay. 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 games that resonate with a wide audience. Make your dreams come to life on screen!
By the Numbers
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.
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
ITAD331 Foundations of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
ITGS130 Introduction to Game Development
ITGS231 Fundamentals of Interactive/UX Design
ITGS233 Essentials of Gamification
ITGS330 Human-Computer Interaction
ITGS431 Games for Learning & Simulation
ITGS435 Advanced Multi-Player
ITSS131 Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
ITSS230 Fundamentals of Databases
ITSS 333 Video Game Programming
ITSS338 Programming of Mobile Devices
ITSS435 Software Engineering
ITSS440 Capstone
Plus two classes (6 hours) of electives from outside your concentration
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.
Course Requirements
Seven classes (21 credit hours) as follows:
ITSS 131 Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
ITGS 130 Introduction to Game Development
ITGS 231 Fundamentals of Interactive/UX Design
ITSS 230 Fundamentals of Database
ITGS 233 Essentials of Gamification
ITSS 338 Programming of Mobile Devices
ITSS 333 Video Game Programming
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.
Course Requirements
(Course requirements coming soon.)
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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.
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.
Common Questions
The options are basically limitless. You could become a software developer, video game designer, video game artist, programmer, and more with the skills you learn through this degree pathway.
Short answer, yes. A bachelor’s in gaming can help you boost your skills to get the career you want. It can also help you increase your salary and job security because of your education. Technical roles, such as software development, typically require a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s in gaming is an undergraduate degree that focuses on the foundational elements of the gaming industry in areas such as gamification, game design, and development to equip learners for entry into this growing, techno-creative field. It’s not just playing videogames; this program introduces learners to the different concepts of gaming and how it has adapted to function as a socially conscious and educational pursuit.
Yes. This bachelor's degree program in gaming is available in both on-campus and online formats, so you can choose which pathway works best with your life and goals.
Through Cumberlands’ gaming degree, you will learn how to:
- 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
All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation. For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.
Faculty Experts in Gaming
See the faces behind the screens. This is your chance to learn more about your future gaming professors!
Dr. Scott Morrissette
Dr. Leveque Levec
Dr. Joseph P. Lengyel
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