Simulation and game programmers are software developers who design, plan, and implement 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, also known as game programming, 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, architects, as well as any computer science-related field. 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 in the classroom assignments and extra-curricular activities with other programmers as well as students from other disciplines 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

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.

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

Computer Requirement

All students in the B.S. in Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology in 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.