Operating a computer science game degree program

ABSTRACT

The USC Department of Computer Science is in its second year of operating its BS in Computer Science (Games) and MS in Computer Science (Game Development) degree programs. We have developed an interesting educational architecture inside of that degree program that allows the students to become strong game developers, strong computer scientists, strong programmers, strong systems developers, and facile with working in cross-disciplinary, collaborative groups. We believe that educating students in this fashion strengthens our department's ability to do cutting edge research in computer science as well as provide great graduates for the game industry. In this paper, we share our lessons learned, some detail on our courses and processes, as well as detail on our impact on recruitment and retention for the Computer Science undergraduate degree program.

REFERENCES

• 1: Michael Zyda, Guest Editor's Introduction: Educating the Next Generation of Game Developers, Computer, v.39 n.6, p.30-34, June 2006 [doi>10.1109/MC.2006.197]
• 2: DXFramework web site http://dxframework.org/
• 3: Crosswinds http://viterbi.usc.edu/news/news/2007/games-students-play.htm
• 4: Ogre3d web page http://www.ogre3d.org/
• 5: Microsoft XNA Developers web page http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/xna/default.aspx
• 6: USC School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media Program web site http://interactive.usc.edu/
• 7: Tracy Fullerton, Play-Centric Games Education, Computer, v.39 n.6, p.36-42, June 2006 [doi>10.1109/MC.2006.205]
• 8: USC GamePipe Laboratory http://gamepipe.usc.edu

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Management

Keywords:
computer science game education