Our joint educational programs:
Eight different gaming degree programs
Recognizing the inherently multidisciplinary nature of games, our program offers degrees in eight different areas across different schools and at different levels of teaching. However, while USC Game Academy students may enroll in different degree programs, we work very hard to integrate our programs so that students are part of the same collaborative community from day one and continue through all grades and to work together on disciplinary projects. Our community is truly interdisciplinary as it reflects the evolving landscape of the games and interactive entertainment industry.
At the undergraduate level, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games), a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interaction Design, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Themed Entertainment.
For graduate level students, we offer an MA in Interactive Media and Games, an MA in Cinematic Arts (Media Arts, Games and Health), an MA in Game Design and Development and an MA in Games Arts with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games).
Deciding which program is right for you depends on your goals and fitness level. All our degrees include practical project-based teaching. For those primarily interested in design and production, we recommend the School of Cinematic Arts' Game Design and Development, Game Development, and Interaction Design and Interactive Media degrees. For those primarily interested in artistic creation, we recommend pursuing a Game Art degree at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts. For those interested in focusing on game technology development, we recommend the Viterbi School of Engineering degree in Computer Science (Games).
In addition to our full degree programs, we offer a wide range of minors for undergraduate students who wish to add expertise in one of the various aspects of the game outside of their major. Regardless of the degree you're studying, you'll work with students from all areas of the University, including business, law, art, music, theatre, communication, medicine and more. USC Games is truly an interdisciplinary hub in the larger USC community.
School curriculum:
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Master of B.F.A. Game Development and Interaction Design
See AlsoTop 50 Game Design Schools and Colleges in USA - 2020 RankingTop 50 Game Design Schools and Colleges in USA - 2023 RankingBachelor of Interactive Media, Video Game Design and Management - Study TodayThe Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interaction Design combines a broad liberal arts background with a specialization in game and interactive entertainment design. Students create games at all levels of the course, gaining practical skills in a range of digital media arts; a core game design education provides space for students to acquire a variety of industry expertise throughout their education, broadening their skills and they graduate track again. Teach practical skills in a vibrant community of ideas, exploring new ways of interacting and emerging markets and platforms for interesting media. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, team building, innovation and creative leadership.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment combines a broad liberal arts background with animation and art specializations in games and interactive entertainment. Students create games at all levels, gaining hands-on skills in creating real-time graphics engine art and a fundamental core of design, coding and production. Students contribute to small and large projects, developing deep practical skills in specialist areas such as technical art, animation, environmental art, modelling, art direction and more. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, team building, innovation and creative leadership.
B.F.A. in themed entertainment
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Themed Entertainment combines a broad liberal arts background with expertise in the design and production of themed venues and immersive entertainment. Students design and create thematic experiences at all levels of the course, gaining practical skills in a range of digital and physical media arts. sets and graduate trajectories. Practical skills are taught in a vibrant community of thought that includes schools across campus. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, team building, innovation and creative leadership.
multiple sclerosis. PhD in Game Design and Development
The MA in Game Design and Development is an intensive two-year program designed to prepare students to become successful game designers and developers in the current video game industry. As with the undergraduate degree, students M.S. immerse themselves in hands-on project development, gaining skills in design, development, collaboration and creative leadership. The graduate program builds on USC Gaming's strengths, particularly the faculty's strong industry presence and a rigorous industry-oriented program for senior gaming projects.
Master of Arts in Interactive Media
The Master of Arts in Interactive Media is an intensive three-year program designed to prepare students to become creative thought leaders and innovators in the ever-growing field of games and interactive entertainment. As with the undergraduate degree, M.F.A. students they are immersed in hands-on project development, gaining skills in design, development, collaboration and creative leadership, culminating in a year-long thesis project. The MFA program builds on the strengths of the School of Cinematic Arts, including game design, animation, sound production, screenwriting, production, and critical studies, bringing these resources together in a vibrant community of practice in innovative digital media.
MA in Cinematic Arts (Media Arts, Games and Health)
The MA in Cinematic Arts, with an emphasis in media arts, games and wellness, is administered by the Graduate School in conjunction with the Center for Creative Media and Behavioral Health. The curriculum is based on central interdisciplinary initiatives and represents the broadest description of our vision and mission. Students benefit from the emerging research, tools and methodologies brought together by the Center and from a wide range of backgrounds represented by faculty, students and visiting scholars.
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B.A. PhD in Computer Science (Games)
Objectives of the graduate program B.S. Computer Science (Games) is designed to produce graduate students with a solid foundation in computer science and an interdisciplinary background in game development. Topics covered include game production, visual design for games and interactions, computer animation, video game programming, game hardware architecture, game engine programming, serious game development, introductory and intermediate game design, and a final two-semester game project. In addition, graduates of the program will be able to pursue further studies in postgraduate programs in game development and computer science.
multiple sclerosis. Computer Science Major, Game Development Major
The goals of the PhD Computer Science (Game Development) graduate program are for graduate students, with a computer science core, an engineering-oriented game development core, with a focus on game development infrastructure, knowledge and games, immersive games, and serious toys etc. One of the main research directions. game.
-
game design– Game design is a new and exciting field for media artists working all over the world, in different aspects of the industry and using as many different tools as possible. The Game Design Minor teaches iterative design and prototyping skills while providing students with opportunities to explore design for new technologies, as well as user evaluation and usability testing skills.
game animations– The skills of modern animators, visual effects artists, performance capture professionals and many others are of great value in the games industry when combined with an understanding of how to use these elements in games and systems. The Minor in Game Animation offers an educational pathway that teaches systems thinking as well as the skills and creativity of animators.
game sound– A game audio professional must be proficient not only in one area (for example, explicitly in music composition or recording), but also in other areas of audio, as well as in process and interaction theory. This minor provides a foundation in game design and systems thinking, while also providing theoretical support and skills in audio design and composition, preparing students to design successful audio for the game industry.
toy business– The modern world of media, technology and entertainment is based on new businesses and new ideas. To start a business successfully, new video game entrepreneurs need specific knowledge about the process of building a business, finding investment, and taking a creative project from prototype to finished product. The Game Entrepreneurship Minor offers an educational pathway that teaches creative entrepreneurs hard business thinking.
game user research– Game and interaction design is highly dependent on human-computer interaction and the ability to use research methods to improve the player experience. Game user research is an important aspect of game design and development, which includes managing game testing and usability testing of software, technology, and rules. In addition to the ability to analyze and design optimal player experiences, this field combines the ability to analyze large amounts of data with an understanding of how to build applications that mine user data. These skills are extremely valuable groups for digital entertainment products The pillars of membership.
themed entertainment– Who designs theme parks, museums, fireworks shows, fountains and parades? Entertainment theme designers do just that. From cruise ships to casinos to immersive educational retreats, the themed entertainment minor teaches students to design just about anything that involves incorporating real, live people into stories in a really powerful, physically powerful way.
video game production– Production is a key area in video game development, the key to coordinating the work of many disciplines and the talent that brings games to life. The Video Game Production minor introduces students to a hands-on look at the video game development process, with an emphasis on production and project management. Students will learn about the many aspects of video game production, including design, art, programming, and management, as well as the hardware and software tools common to the process. Specialization and communication will prepare students for manufacturing careers and learn to coordinate among specialists. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in related areas critical to game production, such as quality assurance management and data analysis.
video game programming– Through the integration of two major disciplines (Computer Science and Information Technology), students will be exposed to a variety of programming concepts related to video game creation, such as: 3D graphics, artificial intelligence, particle systems, rendering, collision detection, game algorithms, Physics concepts and mathematical formulas. Unlike the video game design minor, which focuses on applying design concepts and using software design tools, students in the video game programming minor evaluate, write, and debug code in addition to building a game engine in the minor.
Technical Game Art– The Technical Game Art Minor is a unique 16-credit program delivered by the Information Technology program that combines a technical background with production practices in character modeling, rigging and animation to prepare students for careers in 3D games and gaming prepare. cinematography. Focus on creative choreography, user-friendly toolset and production planning for each project.
computer science– The Computer Science Minor introduces the concepts, tools and techniques involved in computer programming. This minor prepares students to master many current programming languages. In addition, students will learn how to create effective user interfaces and how to build applications for use on the Internet.
Courses by teaching level:
-
Master of B.F.A. Game Development and Interaction Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interaction Design combines a broad liberal arts background with a specialization in game and interactive entertainment design. Students create games at all levels of the course, gaining practical skills in a range of digital media arts; a core game design education provides space for students to acquire a variety of industry expertise throughout their education, broadening their skills and they graduate track again. Teach practical skills in a vibrant community of ideas, exploring new ways of interacting and emerging markets and platformsBachelor of Games Artsyful media. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, team building, innovation and creative leadership.
The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment combines a broad liberal arts background with animation and art specializations in games and interactive entertainment. Students create games at all levels, gaining hands-on skills in creating real-time graphics engine art and a fundamental core of design, coding and production. Students contribute to small and large projects, developing deep practical skills in specialist areas such as technical art, animation, environmental art, modelling, art direction and more. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, team building, innovation and creative leadership.
B.F.A. in themed entertainment
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Themed Entertainment combines a broad liberal arts background with expertise in the design and production of themed venues and immersive entertainment. Students design and create thematic experiences at all levels of the course, gaining practical skills in a range of digital and physical media arts. sets and graduate trajectories. Practical skills are taught in a vibrant community of thought that includes schools across campus. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, team building, innovation and creative leadership.
B.A. PhD in Computer Science (Games)
Objectives of the graduate program B.S. Computer Science (Games) is designed to produce graduate students with a solid foundation in computer science and an interdisciplinary background in game development. Topics covered include game production, visual design for games and interactions, computer animation, video game programming, game hardware architecture, game engine programming, serious game development, introductory and intermediate game design, and a two-semester final game project. In addition, graduates of the program will be able to pursue further studies in postgraduate programs in game development and computer science.
-
multiple sclerosis. PhD in Game Design and Development
The MA in Game Design and Development is an intensive two-year program designed to prepare students to become successful game designers and developers in the current video game industry. As with the undergraduate degree, students M.S. immerse themselves in hands-on project development, gaining skills in design, development, collaboration and creative leadership. The graduate program builds on USC Gaming's strengths, particularly the faculty's strong industry presence and a rigorous industry-oriented program for senior gaming projects.
Master of Arts in Interactive Media
The Master of Arts in Interactive Media is an intensive three-year program designed to prepare students to become creative thought leaders and innovators in the ever-growing field of games and interactive entertainment. As with the undergraduate degree, M.F.A. students they are immersed in hands-on project development, gaining skills in design, development, collaboration and creative leadership, culminating in a year-long thesis project. The MFA program builds on the strengths of the School of Cinematic Arts, including game design, animation, sound production, screenwriting, production, and critical studies, bringing these resources together in a vibrant community of practice in innovative digital media.
MA in Cinematic Arts (Media Arts, Games and Health)
The MA in Cinematic Arts, with an emphasis in media arts, games and wellness, is administered by the Graduate School in conjunction with the Center for Creative Media and Behavioral Health. The curriculum is based on central interdisciplinary initiatives and represents the broadest description of our vision and mission. Students benefit from the emerging research, tools and methodologies brought together by the Center and from a wide range of backgrounds represented by faculty, students and visiting scholars.
multiple sclerosis. Computer Science Major, Game Development Major
The goals of the PhD Computer Science (Game Development) graduate program are for graduate students, with a computer science core, an engineering-oriented game development core, with a focus on game development infrastructure, knowledge and games, immersive games, and serious toys etc. One of the main research directions. game.
-
game design– Game design is a new and exciting field for media artists working all over the world, in different aspects of the industry and using as many different tools as possible. The Game Design Minor teaches iterative design and prototyping skills while providing students with opportunities to explore design for new technologies, as well as user evaluation and usability testing skills.
game animations– The skills of modern animators, visual effects artists, performance capture professionals and many others are of great value in the games industry when combined with an understanding of how to use these elements in games and systems. The Minor in Game Animation offers an educational pathway that teaches systems thinking as well as the skills and creativity of animators.
game sound– A game audio professional must be proficient not only in one area (for example, explicitly in music composition or recording), but also in other areas of audio, as well as in process and interaction theory. This minor provides a foundation in game design and systems thinking, while also providing theoretical support and skills in audio design and composition, preparing students to design successful audio for the game industry.
toy business– The modern world of media, technology and entertainment is based on new businesses and new ideas. To start a business successfully, new video game entrepreneurs need specific knowledge about the process of building a business, finding investment, and taking a creative project from prototype to finished product. The Game Entrepreneurship Minor offers an educational pathway that teaches creative entrepreneurs hard business thinking.
game user research– Game and interaction design is highly dependent on human-computer interaction and the ability to use research methods to improve the player experience. Game user research is an important aspect of game design and development, which includes managing game testing and usability testing of software, technology, and rules. In addition to the ability to analyze and design optimal player experiences, this field combines the ability to analyze large amounts of data with an understanding of how to build applications that mine user data. These skills are extremely valuable groups for digital entertainment products The pillars of membership.
themed entertainment– Who designs theme parks, museums, fireworks shows, fountains and parades? Entertainment theme designers do just that. From cruise ships to casinos to immersive educational retreats, the themed entertainment minor teaches students to design just about anything that involves incorporating real, live people into stories in a really powerful, physically powerful way.
video game production– Production is a key area in video game development, the key to coordinating the work of many disciplines and the talent that brings games to life. The Video Game Production minor introduces students to a hands-on look at the video game development process, with an emphasis on production and project management. Students will learn about the many aspects of video game production, including design, art, programming, and management, as well as the hardware and software tools common to the process. Specialization and communication will prepare students for manufacturing careers and learn to coordinate among specialists. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in related areas critical to game production, such as quality assurance management and data analysis.
video game programming– Through the integration of two major disciplines (Computer Science and Information Technology), students will be exposed to a variety of programming concepts related to video game creation, such as: 3D graphics, artificial intelligence, particle systems, rendering, collision detection, game algorithms, Physics concepts and mathematical formulas. Unlike the video game design minor, which focuses on applying design concepts and using software design tools, students in the video game programming minor evaluate, write, and debug code in addition to building a game engine in the minor.
Technical Game Art– The Technical Game Art Minor is a unique 16-credit program delivered by the Information Technology program that combines a technical background with production practices in character modeling, rigging and animation to prepare students for careers in 3D games and gaming prepare. cinematography. Focus on creative choreography, user-friendly toolset and production planning for each project.
computer science– The Computer Science Minor introduces the concepts, tools and techniques involved in computer programming. This minor prepares students to master many current programming languages. In addition, students will learn how to create effective user interfaces and how to build applications for use on the Internet.