Embry-Riddle simulation science students in lab

Bachelor of Science in
Simulation Science, Games and Animation

The B.S. in Simulation Science, Games and Animation prepares students for career paths that include game design, simulation science and software development.

About the Bachelor of Science in Simulation Science, Games and Animation

The B.S. in Simulation Science, Games and Animation (SSGA) aims to advance student knowledge through content creation, interdisciplinary research and development. The program provides students with a solid foundation in simulation science, game production and animation while providing interactive, immersive experiences that utilize emerging technology.

Students engage in project-based courses designed to foster collaboration and innovation. By designing virtual worlds and user experiences, they develop essential skills for team-based development in video games, spatial computing and simulations. Utilizing industry-standard applications and cutting-edge equipment, students acquire the expertise necessary for effective game design and development, preparing them for professional success in this exciting field.

Why You Should Study This Degree

Simulation Science, Games and Animation focuses on modeling real-world processes through entertainment and moving images. A career in simulation and animation may be for you if you like:

Creating interactive digital environments
Designing complex systems
Exploring visual storytelling techniques
Developing virtual worlds, storylines, applications and more

Student Learning Outcomes

Opportunities you will have as a simulation major:

Use prototyping to test and refine new ideas for larger-scale development.
Construct interactive programs using software development principles and methods.
Create appealing user experience through engaging storytelling, worldbuilding and interface design.
Apply software design principles to produce functional and informative user experiences.
Incorporate aesthetic concepts in content creation.
Synthesize technical and creative domains to solve design problems.
Collaborate to exchange and interact with different ideas through conflict, analysis and consensus.

Simulation Science, Games and Animation Career Opportunities

Careers and Employers

Setting the standard, Embry-Riddle graduates are set to enter the workforce in top companies, including:

Blizzard Entertainment
Disney Imagineering
Forge Effects
Industrial Light and Magic
Microsoft Corporation

Graduates with a Simulation Science degree often secure roles as:

AI Programmer
Graphics Programmer
Lead Programmer
Network Programmer
Physics Programmer
Tools Programmer
User Interface Programmer

Simulation Science, Games and Animation Salary Information

A degree from Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries in security, averaging $130,160 annually, as of 2024.

DETAILS

About Simulation Science, Games and Animation at the Prescott, AZ Campus

Embry-Riddle's Simulation Science, Games and Animation degree provides students with a solid foundation in computer game technology, surpassing mere programming or software basics. Drawing on Embry-Riddle's expertise in aviation, engineering and intelligence, students acquire exceptional knowledge that allows them to bring their vision to life — virtually.

Graduates of this program are well prepared for rewarding careers in game design, entertainment, software development and diverse fields such as military and intelligence, high-tech manufacturing and aviation. This degree combines STEM courses with art and design components, delivering a comprehensive education for students majoring in this field.

Simulation Science, Games and Animation Information

Credits: 127
Online or In-Person: In-Person
Capstone: Capstone and Lab (8 credits)

Helpful Links

Tour our Prescott Campus
Discover the College's Faculty
Explore the Fields of Study: Computers & Technology, Engineering and Applied Science
Find Related Clubs & Organizations

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Use prototyping to test and refine new ideas for larger scale-development.
Construct interactive programs using software development principles and methods.
Create appealing user experience employing principles and methods of engaging storytelling, worldbuilding, and interface design.
Apply software design principles to produce functional and informative user experiences.
Incorporate aesthetic concepts in content creation.
Synthesize technical and creative domains to solve design problems.
Collaborate to maturely exchange and interact with different ideas through conflict, analysis and consensus.
Effectively exchange constructive criticism.

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 127 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. 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, media arts, computer programming, mathematics, and software design.

Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or co-requisites.

Program Requirements

General Education

Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog.

Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 127 credit hours. This will result in additional time and cost to the student.

Communication Theory and Skills		9
Computer Science/Information Technology		3
Mathematics		6
Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences)		6
Humanities and Social Sciences		12
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science
3 hours of Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science
Total Credits		36

Simulation Science, Games, and Animation Core (124 Credits)

The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Simulation Science, Games, and Animation. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.

Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.

COM 122	English Composition ^#	3
CS 118	Fundamentals of Computer Programming ^#	3
CS 125	Computer Science I	4
CS 225	Computer Science II ^*	4
CS 315	Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms ^*	3
CS 455	Artificial Intelligence	3
DS 411	Data Visualization	3
General Education - Communications Elective ^#		6
General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective ^#		3
General Education - Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective ^#		3
General Education - Natural Science Elective with Lab ^#		4
MA 225	Introduction to Discrete Structures ^#	3
MA 241	Calculus and Analytical Geometry I ^#	4
MA 314	Applied Linear Algebra & Statistics	3
PS 113	Introductory Physics I ^#	3
or PS 215	Physics I
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology (OR Social Science Lower-Level Elective) ^#	3
PSY 321	Psychology of Gaming (OR Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective) ^#	3
SIM 115	Digital Illustration	3
SIM 150	Games Systems I Introduction	3
SIM 201	World Building I, Modeling	3
SIM 202	World Building II Materials	3
SIM 203	World Building III Mechanics	3
SIM 205	Game Design Workshop	3
SIM 215	Interactive Media I	3
SIM 251	Game Systems II Multi-player	3
SIM 304	World Building IV Motion	3
SIM 315	Interactive Media II	3
SIM 321	Simulation I Systems Modeling	3
SIM 331	Simulation II Procedural Modeling	3
SIM 335	Game Engine Architecture	3
SIM 350	Visualization and Virtual Reality Games III	3
SIM 401	Character Design & Production	3
SIM 403	Set & Environment Design	3
SIM 415	User Interface Design	3
SIM 421	Modeling & Simulation II	3
SIM 450	Game Systems 4: Mixed Reality	3
SIM 482	Capstone I and Lab	4
SIM 483	Capstone II and Lab	4
UNIV 101	College Success	1

Technical Elective 3 Credits

Choose One of the Following:
CS 213	Introduction to Computer Networks	3
CS 305	Database Systems and Data Mining	3
CS 317	Files and Database Systems	3
CS 415	Human-Computer Interfaces	3
SE 310	Analysis and Design of Software Systems	3
SE 420	Software Quality Assurance	3

Total Credits

127

*: Offered in Fall Only
**: Offered in Spring Only
#: General Education Courses

All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.

Suggested Plan of Study

Freshman Year
Fall		Credits
COM 122	English Composition	3
CS 118	Fundamentals of Computer Programming	3
	Humanities Lower-Level Elective	3
SIM 201	World Building I, Modeling	3
SIM 115	Digital Illustration	3
UNIV 101	College Success	1
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Spring
CS 125	Computer Science I	4
MA 241	Calculus and Analytical Geometry I	4
SIM 150	Games Systems I Introduction	3
SIM 202	World Building II Materials	3
SIM 215	Interactive Media I	3
	Credits Subtotal	17.0
Sophomore Year
Fall
CS 225	Computer Science II	4
MA 225	Introduction to Discrete Structures	3
PS 113	Introductory Physics I	3
or PS 215	Physics I
SIM 203	World Building III Mechanics	3
SIM 251	Game Systems II Multi-player	3
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Spring
MA 314	Applied Linear Algebra & Statistics	3
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology (Or Social Science Lower-Level Elective)	3
SIM 205	Game Design Workshop	3
SIM 304	World Building IV Motion	3
SIM 315	Interactive Media II	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Junior Year
Fall
CS 315	Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms	3
SIM 321	Simulation I Systems Modeling	3
SIM 335	Game Engine Architecture	3
SIM 350	Visualization and Virtual Reality Games III	3
SIM 401	Character Design & Production	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Spring
CS 455	Artificial Intelligence	3
PSY 321	Psychology of Gaming (or Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective)	3
SIM 331	Simulation II Procedural Modeling	3
SIM 415	User Interface Design	3
SIM 450	Game Systems 4: Mixed Reality	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Senior Year
Fall
	Communications Elective	3
DS 411	Data Visualization	3
SIM 403	Set & Environment Design	3
SIM 482	Capstone I and Lab	4
	Technical Elective	3
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Spring
	Communications Elective	3
	Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective	3
	Natural Science Elective with Lab	4
SIM 421	Modeling & Simulation II	3
SIM 483	Capstone II and Lab	4
	Credits Subtotal	17.0
	Credits Total:	127.0

For course descriptions, education requirements, curriculum, and suggested plan of study, please see the Bachelor of Science in Simulation Science, Games and Animation in the Prescott Catalog.