The Game Design and Development Minor provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation in the design, development and production of interactive digital experiences. Through six carefully selected courses, students learn how games are conceived, designed, programmed and brought to life while developing practical skills in game engines, programming, computer graphics, animation, storytelling and collaborative production.

Hands-on projects throughout the curriculum provide opportunities to create playable games and build a portfolio of original work.

The curriculum progresses from the principles of game design and player experience to game programming, production and advanced technical or creative topics.

Why Choose this Minor

Students work both independently and in teams to design engaging gameplay, solve technical challenges, and create interactive experiences that combine creativity with software development. Elective courses allow students to tailor the minor toward areas such as computer graphics, animation, narrative design, spatial computing or interactive audio.

Designed for students from a variety of disciplines, the Game Design and Development Minor welcomes both aspiring developers and creative storytellers who are interested in interactive media.

By combining technical computing with artistic and creative coursework, the program prepares students to contribute to games, simulations, immersive experiences and other emerging interactive technologies while developing the collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills valued throughout the industry.

Sample Courses

• CSC 170 Introduction to Game Design
• CSC 270 Introduction to Game Development
• FMX 339 Game Design and Production
• CSC 370 Computer Graphics
• FMX 217 3D Animation I
• COM 346 Writing for Interactive Media
• FMX 320 Animation for Interactivity and Games
• FMX 430 Spatial Computing
• MUS 108 Recording and Electronic Music I

Find more information on courses and degree requirements in the University catalog.

Career Opportunities

• Game Designer
• Gameplay Programmer
• Game Developer
• Software Developer
• Level Designer
• User Experience (UX) Designer
• Simulation Developer
• Virtual Reality 
• And more

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Learn by Building Games

• Design, program, and develop playable games from the start.
• Build a portfolio of original interactive projects.

Combine Creativity with Technology

• Develop skills in programming, design, storytelling, animation, audio and UX.
• Explore both creative and technical areas of game development.

Customize Your Learning Experience

• Choose electives in graphics, animation, interactive media, spatial computing, narrative design and audio.
• Tailor the minor to complement your major and interests.

Collaborate Like a Professional Game Studio

• Work on team-based game projects.
• Gain experience in communication, production and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Prepare for More Than Games

• Build skills applicable to software, simulation, immersive technology, interactive media and digital storytelling.
• Prepare for careers across industries using interactive experiences. 

Admissions Requirements

The Game Design and Development Minor has no separate admission process or additional admission requirements. Students interested in the program should consult with their academic advisor to incorporate the minor into their degree plan and review any course prerequisites.