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!

Anchor: Stats
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

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.)

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

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:  

  1. Design video game concepts for diverse audiences 
  1. Apply the fundamentals of interactive/UX design 
  1. Understand the basic concepts of gamification 
  1. Create advanced multi-player game environments 
  1. 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.

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. Hartford Dawson

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Hartford Dawson

Contact Information

hartford.dawson [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

Dr. Bernard Sharum

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Bernard Sharum

Contact Information

bernard.sharum [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

Dr. Patrick Haney

Adjunct Professor
School of Computer Information Sciences

Dr. Patrick Haney

Contact Information

patrick.haney [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

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