Bachelor of Science in Game & Simulation Programming New England campus experience
Program Overview Why get a game and simulation programming degree on campus?
Turn your love of gaming into a dynamic career with a Bachelor of Science in Game and Simulation Programming from Southern New Hampshire University. This program balances a solid foundation in IT fundamentals with advanced training in the tools and techniques used by professionals today. Courses mirror the industry-standard workflow used in production across web, console, PC and mobile platforms, helping you build expertise for game programming opportunities after graduation.
Skills you'll learn:
- Computer coding
- Artificial intelligence development
- Modern program languages
- Game engine integration
- Realistic physics design
- Mathematics for simulation/gameplay
Courses & Curriculum Level up with on-campus game and simulation programming courses
Once enrolled, you'll learn and apply principles used in writing code, developing artificial intelligence, working inside of game engines and designing realistic physics for video games. The program is designed to incorporate industry experience and prepare you for the workplace more rapidly, so a number of your credits will be earned through experiential learning, which may include studio work, lab work, project-based courses, internships or industry certifications.
Interested in learning in an online environment? Similar curriculums are offered through SNHU's online BS in Game Programming and Development and BA in Game Art and Development degrees.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty bring with them decades of knowledge and experience in technology, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
David A. Carrigg 
Position
Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Game and Simulation Programming
Joined SNHU
2016
Education
- MS in Computer Science with a specialization in Interactive Intelligence from Georgia Institute of Technology
- BS in Computer Science from Clarkson University
David Carrigg has over 15 years of game development industry expertise, specializing in gameplay systems, online multiplayer experiences and community building. His work spans AI systems for autonomous vehicles, projects across video game consoles, mobile devices, and augmented and virtual reality headsets. Carrigg is the Chief Technology Officer of Skymap Games and founder of both the indie game studio Retro Affect and the game development coworking space Game Assembly.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Game & Simulation Programming curriculum.
Campus general education courses
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Hardware & Software Requirements
| Component Type | Minimum Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, 64 Bit | Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor | Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 | Intel 9th Gen i7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 250+ GB | 500+ GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Graphics Card | Built-in (Intel) | Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/c dual band | 802.11 a/c dual band |
| Office Suite | Office 2013 Professional or newer | Office 2013 Professional or newer |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| Optional Accessories | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell | Visit Dell |
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Apply now if you’re ready, and have your decision within 30 days. Or, schedule a visit and come see us in person!
Career Outlook What can I do with a game and simulation programming degree?
With a degree in game and simulation programming, the media industry is a clear choice as a career option. However, our graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields, from education to automotive to healthcare.
Career paths include:
- Gameplay programmer
- Virtual reality developer
- UI/UX developer
- Audio engineer
Openings projected yearly, on average, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for computer and information technology occupations through 2033.1
Median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations as of May 2023, according to BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
In this program, you’ll build a community with people who have the same passions as you. Whether you’re developing characters and stories, participating in a 24-hour game jam or even starting your own game development company (like some of our grads), you’ll find support from your peers and faculty along the way. You can look forward to knowledgeable instruction, access to state-of-the-art facilities, highly specialized courses and opportunities for studio collaborations.
This undergraduate program can also help you develop connections with other professionals. You'll have opportunities to complete internships with game development companies, interact with industry professionals who regularly speak on campus and join a vibrant community of game developers in the game design club.
Student support
At SNHU, you don’t have to do this college thing alone. You’ll have help from your advisor, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity and Campus Accessibility Center make campus a safe place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With an average class size of 15-25 (depending on your major) you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our collaborative partnerships with high schools enhance academic opportunities and college accessibility for some high school students.
Hear from us
David A. Carrigg, Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Game and Simulation Programming
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ (viewed Oct. 8, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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