Simulation and game programmers are software developers who design, plan, and write video game or interactive simulation software. The specific job of the programmers is to turn ideas, art, sound, animation, and music into a game/simulation that actually works.

The simulation and gaming engineering technology program is designed for the student who wishes to work as a programmer/developer/analyst with expertise in real-time 3D graphics, simulation, multimedia, and visualization. The program is structured as a broad-based degree, giving students a primary mixture of computer science, computer programming, and 2D/3D graphics programming with additional classes in arts, design, math, physics, and other support classes.

Graduates of this degree program are able to work as game/simulation programmers, designers, and architects. The breadth of the graduates’ education allows them to also understand, appreciate, and participate in the entire game/simulation production process, but from a programmer’s perspective. Additionally, the strong computer science, computer engineering, and programming component of the degree allows graduates to obtain careers in many non-game related fields of computing.

Modern video games and simulations require that a broad range of skills and subjects come together in a coherent fashion. Skilled programmers, artists, and designers must work together, each understanding the other, to bring a project from concept to fruition. To create an educational experience that closely matches this real-world development environment, the students in the simulation and gaming engineering technology degree work closely with students in the simulation and gaming development arts program. The team-based open-ended project environment of the intertwined degrees allows graduates to become comfortable in a work setting with a diverse work force of other programmers, designers, and game artists.

Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology Student Outcomes (SOs)

Students in the Digital Simulation and Gaming program at Shawnee State University are expected to acquire at least the following six fundamental abilities during the program.

1. Apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modelling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
2. Analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
3. Design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
4. Apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
5. Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
6. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

Math Placement

	Fall Term	Spring Term
	ETGG 1801  Game Programming Foundations 1	ETGG 1802  Game Programming Foundations 2
	MATH 1250  Trigonometry	ETGG 1803  Concepts in 3D Graphics
	ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1102  Discourse and Composition	ENGL 1105 Comp and Argumentation
	ARTS1101  2-Dimensional Foundations	ARTS 1105  Digital Foundations
	GEP	GEP
	UNIV 1100 First Year Experience Program

Students who don’t meet the requirements for MATH1250 should work with the Engineering Technology department and/or their academic advisor to develop an alternate schedule.

Computer Requirement

All students in the B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology, B.S. in Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology, and A.A.S. in Electromechanical Engineering Technology degree programs are required to purchase a laptop computer for use in class.  Any operating system, vendor, and graphics card are acceptable.  If the laptop is the student’s only computer (i.e. they don’t have a desktop computer at home), a higher-end laptop is preferable.  Basically, if you can play modern games on your computer, you should be good for class. 

Many vendors offer academic discounts to university students.  See the respective vendors’ websites for more information on how to take advantage of these discounts.

Careers

Careers available to graduates of the simulation and gaming engineering technology program include:

• Game/simulation programmer
• Game/simulation technical lead/technical director
• Game/simulation engine developer
• Graphics programmer
• Medical/scientific/military simulation programmer
• Multimedia developer
• Applications programmer/analyst
• Software engineer
• Simulation research and development engineer