Bachelor of Science in
Simulation Science, Games, and Animation
The Bachelor of Science in Simulation Science, Games, and Animation degree teaches students the principles behind building virtual worlds and simulations by using mathematical algorithms and technologies underlying aviation simulators, computer aided design (CAD) systems, animation software, streaming video networks, and games. The program prepares students to be skilled in building the digital experiences of the future and to be leaders in this emerging and interdisciplinary field.
As a technical, multidisciplinary degree, students will take courses in computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, animation, modelling, computer graphics, simulation, and artificial intelligence. Aspects of art and design will complement the technical side of this degree.
Work in the computer labs is extensive and students can expect to graduate proficient in C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, HTML5, Maya and Unity3D. Example courses include Gaming Capstone, Interactive Media, Multiplayer Game Systems, Game Engine Architecture, and Artificial Intelligence.
Graduates of this program will be ready to work in a variety of industries from gaming to virtual training environments. Examples include building computer game software for Microsoft, designing virtual reality environments for Boeing, or working at the Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Office or one of its contractors.
DETAILS
About Simulation Science, Games, and Animation at the Prescott, AZ Campus
Embry-Riddle's new Simulation Science, Gaming & Animation Degree has been designed to provide you with a solid foundation in computer game technology, and covers areas far and beyond just programming. With Embry-Riddle's unique strengths in aviation, engineering, and intelligence, students receive a depth of knowledge unequaled in higher education.
Graduates of this major can expect to find rewarding careers in game design, entertainment, or software development, and will also be in position for careers in a vast array of other areas, such as military and intelligence communities, high-tech manufacturing, or aviation.
In 2012, the median annual wage for applications software developers was over $90,000 a year. The annual median wage for systems software developers was nearly $100,000 a year. Employment of software developers is projected to grow 22 percent by 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Embry-Riddle's expert instruction and guidance can place you in position to move into these industries after graduation.
The Simulation Science, Gaming & Animation degree offers a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses combined with aspects of art and design necessary to provide a first-rate education to students in this major.
With Embry-Riddle, you will be in the best possible position to succeed in an industry searching for quality, skilled professionals.
Simulation Science, Games, and Animation is a project-based program that aims to transform students into multidisciplinary developers and designers. The program uniquely equips students to anticipate, create, and construct software and immersive experiences to solve complex problems and aid in the mastery of challenging expertise.
This degree enables graduates to design and build interactive technologies underlying simulations for use in industrial enterprise, aviation, entertainment, serious games, military science, and new growth areas of spatial computing. The curriculum combines aspects of computer science, software engineering, game design, animation, world building, interactive media, simulation, mathematics, physics, and data visualization.
The program emphasizes industry-standard approaches, combining technical and creative problem-solving skills and critical thinking. From these experiences, students can design real-time interactive systems from the ground up; build game systems to employ artificial intelligence, code, and content designed to generate compelling interactive models and virtual environments. Students design data-driven simulations for user-centered and multi-user training, management, scientific research, and concept exploration.
Graduates of this major can expect to find flexible options and rewarding career opportunities. Employment opportunities are possible in the established global entertainment industries, such as game design, game development, and also for a vast array of other areas, such as military and intelligence communities, high-tech manufacturing, aviation, and healthcare.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree can be earned in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Successful completion of a minimum of 124 credit hours is required. Students entering this program should have demonstrated a competence in mathematics and science (preferably physics). They should be prepared to enter Calculus I, having demonstrated proficiency in algebra and trigonometry. Students can prepare for this program by taking MA 140, College Algebra, and MA 142, Trigonometry, prior to taking MA 241. For those students who have not taken physics in high school, it is recommended that PS 113 Physics I, be taken prior to PS 150. The Simulation, Games and Animation program is designed to prepare students to work as part of a team on the development of simulation systems and games. Relevant concepts, methods, and techniques are integrated through the curriculum. The curriculum includes courses in general education, mathematics, computer programming, and software design.
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or co-requisites.
Suggested Program of Study
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| SIM 115 | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| SIM 150 | Intro to Comp Game Systems | 3 |
| SIM 201 | World Building I, Modeling | 3 |
| SIM 202 | World Building II Materials | 3 |
| SIM 215 | Interactive Media I | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| CS 225 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| MA 225 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MA 314 | Applied Linear Algebra & Statistics | 3 |
| PS 150 | Physics for Engineers I | 3 |
| SIM 205 | Game Design Workshop | 3 |
| SIM 203 | World Building III Mechanics | 3 |
| SIM 235 | Graphics Processing | 3 |
| SIM 304 | World Building IV Motion | 3 |
| Social Science/Psychology Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 31.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| CS 213 | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
| CS 315 | Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 455 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| Physical Science with Lab Elective | 4 | |
| SIM 250 | Introduction to Computer Game Systems II | 3 |
| SIM 315 | Interactive Media II | 3 |
| SIM 335 | Game Engine Architecture | 3 |
| SIM 350 | Visualization and Virtual Reality Games III | 3 |
| SIM 445 | Advance Graphics Processing | 3 |
| Social Science Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 31.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| CI 311 | Securing Computer Networks | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| CS 415 | Human-Computer Interfaces | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| Humanities Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices | 3 |
| SIM 321 | Computer Modeling/Simulation | 3 |
| SIM 450 | Game Sys IV Multiplayer | 3 |
| SIM 480 | Capstone I | 3 |
| SIM 481 | Capstone II | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 125.0 | |
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Summary
124-125 Credits
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