Game & Application Development (BS)

Innovative, Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Our well-rounded, innovative curriculum starts with an overview of operating systems and programming languages. In Game Theory, you’ll explore the mathematical foundations of games and logic puzzles. Then, with each new level you clear (or, rather, class you take), you’ll gain knowledge in areas like:

• 2-D and 3-D animation
• Concept design
• Data analytics
• Dynamic web content
• Game development
• Game engine programming
• Modeling and texturing for games
• Multimedia law and ethics
• User interfaces
• Visual development
  Security and privacy

As you learn game development, you’ll also explore:

• Player data storage
• Multiplayer environments
• Strategic decision-making
• Cooperative and non-cooperative games
• Zero sum and non-zero sum games

Real-World Learning Opportunities

Software development is a hands-on discipline, but your learning will extend beyond the campus computer labs:

Campus Collaborations

Consider it a cooperative game. You’ll collaborate with your peers from animation, digital media, music technology and other majors on projects.

Internships & Practicum Experiences

Beta testing, but for your career. USF internships connect you with companies where you can hone your skills alongside programmers, designers and other members of product teams.

Research & Capstone Projects

Pursue independent, faculty-mentored research in a gaming or development topic you’re passionate about or use your capstone project to find a solution to a real-world challenge.

Our Faculty and Facilities

You will learn from seasoned programmers and tech-savvy business professionals, such as program director Rick Miller, who brings decades of computer and IT experience to USF. He’s also active in the community, serving on the board of Star 88.3, a local Christian radio station.

Dedicated Computer Science Lab

Explore advanced topics and tackle hands-on projects in a dedicated computer lab with industry-standard programs and equipment, including:

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Autodesk Maya
• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Unity Engine
• HTC Vive Virtual Reality Headset
• Windows and Linux operating system

The support from faculty is great. They give us one-on-one attention and are always available for extra help if we need it. Each of the professors has an area of expertise —like game and app development or web programming —and they work in the industry.

Lauren Gill ’19
Game and application development

Career Opportunities: Game & App Development Jobs

Whether your dream is to land a video game developer job or find a UX design position with a new start-up — or you whether you want to work independently or on a team — USF will prepare you for a variety of creative and technical roles, such as:

• 3-D modeler
• Business analyst
• Character artist
• Concept artists
• Game animator
• Game designer
• Software developer
• Mobile application developer
• Quality assurance technician
• Programmer analyst
• Product manager
• Project manager
• Technical writer
• Texture artists
• Sales engineer
• Web developer
• Trainer

As you gain experience or as your company grows, you could find opportunities for advancement, such as product manager, team lead or department manager.

Where You’ll Find Our Graduates

USF students with an interest in game design and software development take their skills, talent and imagination to roles such as:

• Junior modeler, Aechelon Technology
• Multimedia designer, Ruoff Home Mortgage
• Product designer, Assurant
• Product designer, GrubHub
• Senior software developer, Q2ebanking
• Software engineer, Allied Payment Network
• Staff UX designer, Qualcomm
• UI/UX (front-end) developer, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company
• Worldbuilder (lead environment artist), Tripwire Interactive LLC