DePaul Game Dev Programs of Study
Graduate Study
Master of Science in Game Development
Our new Game Dev MS is designed for those interested in game development programming at the highest level, including computer science and computer graphics professionals retooling for the game industry. In addition to advanced courses relevant to game development, including computer science, computer graphics, software engineering and networking, graduate students develop a thesis project either individually or on teams.
View the MS in Game Development curriculum and program requirements
Undergraduate Study
The game development process can be classified into three areas: programming, animation/art, and production/design. Students at DePaul are able to sample from all three areas before deciding on their area of specialization.
Not sure which one is for you?
There’s no need to rush your decision. Students in the three areas share overlapping courses, so we advise that students try out a variety of courses in their freshman year before making a choice. A university education is for exploring your potential. All of our faculty serve as student advisors, so make sure you consult with them before choosing courses and your degree program.
Bachelor of Science in Game Development
Programming Concentration
Students in the Programming concentration engage in the rigorous study of computer science basics, and then apply this knowledge to the demanding specialization of game programming. The program was created in consultation with our Game Dev Industry Advisory Board, and is the result of input from many of the top game programmers in the Chicago area. Areas of study include computer graphics development, computer systems, linear algebra, game physics, and artificial intelligence programming.
View the BS in Game Development curriculum and program requirements
What if you change careers later in life?
While the Programming concentration offers specialized training in the demanding aspects of the game industry, it also prepares you for a variety of computer science careers. The problem solving and teamwork skills you’ll learn are in demand in many fields. Your degree will be from the College of Computing and Digital Media, a well-respected school for information technology, and you’ll be a graduate of DePaul University. This degree is excellent preparation for graduate study in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Graphics, and of course Game Development. DePaul also offers a five year combined BS/MS program.
Bachelor of Science in Animation
Students in the Animation BS degree program receive a grounding in the basic skills of traditional animation, cinema and drawing, and then concentrate on 3D modeling and animation for game development and cinema. Many of our advanced 3D animation courses are taught by working game professionals, so students are instructed in the latest techniques and approaches used in industry. Students have access to a motion capture studio, green screen stage, and labs equipped with Maya, Motionbuilder, ZBrush, Painter, After Effects and the Waccom Cintiq.
Animation students share many courses with students in the other Game Dev concentrations, and work together on teams during the two-quarter Game Dev Capstone project.
View the BS in Animation curriculum and program requirements
What if you change careers later in life?
While the BS in Animation offers specialized training in the demanding aspects of the game industry, it also prepares you for a variety of animation and multimedia careers, including movies, television, commercials and the Internet. Your degree will be from the School of Cinema & Interactive Media, a school with a reputation for blending the arts and cutting-edge technology, and you’ll be a graduate of DePaul University. This degree is excellent preparation for graduate study in Animation and Digital Cinema, including a five year combined BS/MS program.
Bachelor of Science in Game Development
NEW: Production and Design Concentration
Students in the Production and Design concentration receive an education in all areas of game development, including game design, programming, and animation, but also the basic business skills of project management, budgeting, contract negotiation, marketing and quality assurance. This program was created in consultation with our Game Dev Industry Advisory Board, and is the result of input from many of the top game producers and designers in the Chicago area.
The Production and Design concentration includes two new courses, Intro to Game Production and The Business of Games (see descriptions below).
What if you change careers later in life?
While the Production and Design concentration offers specialized training in the demanding aspects of the game industry, it also prepares you for a variety of information technology and business careers. The technology, creative problem solving and teamwork skills you’ll learn are in demand in many fields. Your degree will be from the College of Computing and Digital Media, a well-respected school for information technology, and you’ll be a graduate of DePaul University. This degree is excellent preparation for DePaul’s prestigious MBA program, or the MS in IT Project Management.
BS in Game Development - Production & Design Curriculum
First Year
GAM 224 Intro to Game Design
GAM 244 Game Development I
GAM 245 Game Development II
ANI 101 Animation for Non-Majors
or ANI 201 Animation I
ANI 105 Intro to Visual Design
DC 201 Intro to Screenwriting
Second Year
MAT 150 Calculus I
GAM 341 Intro to Level Design
ANI 230 3d Modeling
CSC 261 Programming Languages I: C/C++
CSC 262 Programming Languages II: C/C++
GAM 230 Intro to Game Production
Third Year
ANI 231 3d Animation
GAM 374 Action Games Programming
IM 220 Interactive Media I
WRD 204 Technical Writing
IT 228 Ethics in Computer Games and Cinema
Fourth Year
GAM 333 The Business of Games
GAM 392 Game Mod Workshop
GAM 394 Game Development Project I
GAM 395 Game Development Project II
New Courses
GAM 230 INTRO TO GAME PRODUCTION
Game development is a big business, and production teams can now exceed one hundred people. This course is an introduction to the production methods used in the game industry, and to the demanding role of the Producer on the game development team. Students will work to develop skills in team building, project presentation, organization, and dealing with people. Subjects covered include scheduling tools, collaborative software, project management, vendor relations, inter-departmental relations, and quality assurance. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE.
GAM 333 THE BUSINESS OF GAMES
This course gives an introduction to the business aspects of the game development industry, including development, publishing, distribution and marketing. Subjects covered include game development contracts, milestone-based development, management techniques, marketing, customer and community support, personnel, budgeting, outsourcing, pipelines and external partnerships Prerequisite: GAM 224
