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Bachelor of Science in
Simulation and Digital Entertainment

Program Description:

There's a lot more to interactive simulation than just video games. Scientists and engineers regularly use simulations both to model complex systems and to explain their work to the public. Defense planners turn to interactive software--often the same platforms and programs used for games--to analyze threats to national security. Educators are widely adopting simulations as a powerful method for problem-based learning. And of course simulation in games and films, already a multi-billion-dollar industry, continues to expand at a steady pace.

The Baltimore area is one of the best places in the world to start a career in interactive design and game development. The region is home to leading concerns in engineering, aerospace, security analysis, education, and training. The state of Maryland also boasts the largest concentration of computer game developers outside California with approximately 30 companies now in operation, many located in Baltimore County's Hunt Valley. A recent survey by Baltimore county Department of Economic Development tallied over 100 companies in Maryland engaged in interactive development. Conservative estimates see employment increasing by about ten percent annually. As defense planning and industrial training integrates more simulation technologies, hundreds of new jobs will be created in this field.

The skills and concepts needed to create simulations can also provide a foundation for related careers and further study. Among other things, students of games and simulations learn fundamentals of computer programming, 3-D graphics, user experience design, and project management. By taking electives or additional courses they can prepare themselves for graduate study in information technology and computer science, as well as business and visual design.

The BS in Simulation and Digital Entertainment is offered as a four year degree as well as a transfer degree. It is also offered on two campuses. Beginning in Fall, 2007, students in the SDE program may enter as freshmen and upper division students may elect to take classes at a sister institution, Universities at Shady Grove, in Montgomery County. SDE majors may also elect to participate as full time of part time students. Courses are offered at convenient times for those with full time jobs.

What You will learn:

In the core sequence you'll study game concept and design principles, scripting and programming, 3-D modeling, user-centered design, business aspects of game design, social media and multiplayer games, broader implications of game technology, and emerging concepts in game design. In a two-semester capstone experience you'll work in small teams to create and develop original games.

When you graduate you will:

• comprehend principles of interactive design both in theory and practice
• understand the economic, social, and cultural implications of interactive media
• know how the game and interactive design industries are organized and how to find and evaluate opportunities
• be able to develop games and simulations for education, training, and other non-entertainment purposes
• be proficient in designing for various media including 2-D and 3-D graphics, animation, and sound
• have a basic understanding of object-oriented programming and software development;
• be able to work effectively both individually and in groups to plan, produce, and test complex programs.

What makes this program unique

Other schools offer courses in digital imaging, computer simulation, and interactive design. Continuing education facilities offer training in software and development tools. However, other programs specialize only in particular areas, such as graphics or programming. Only the SDE programs at the University of Baltimore and its articulated programs at Anne Arundel Community College, The Community College of Baltimore County, Carroll Community College, Howard Community College, and Montgomery College integrate the full range of concepts and skills needed to launch a career in game and simulation development. With its internships and capstone development seminar, the Bachelor of Science program provides an ideal entry point for aspiring professionals.

Open to all

You may still pursue the BS at the University of Baltimore if you transfer from a school or program other than those mentioned above.

Students who have not completed an articulated program at one of the state community colleges may enroll for the BS at the University of Baltimore by meeting the University's general requirements for transfer and satisfying the following course requirements:

• a college-level course in 2-D graphics or digital imaging (COSC 160: Graphics for Gaming Design)
• a college-level course in multimedia authoring or production (COSC 150: Introduction to Game Design)
• a college-level course in web authoring (COSC 155: Internet Technologies)
• a college-level course in 3-D modeling and/or animation (COSC 260, 3-D Graphics)

Students may take these courses in place of electives in the BS program. Students will generally be expected to satisfy the requirements in computer graphics, multimedia, and 3-D before taking any courses in the BS core sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who are the teachers and what are their backgrounds in the field?
We have three full-time, doctoral-level faculty - Austin, Oldenburg, and Moulthrop - assisted by occasional adjunct faculty. Austin and Oldenburg have each published several games. Moulthrop is an award-winning digital artist and consultant on interactive media. Adjuncts include employees from area game companies, such as BreakAway and Firaxis.

What software do you use in this Program
Students are expected to have worked with interactive scripting in a program like Adobe Flash , and to understand the basics of object-oriented programming. Students without this background may take elective courses to catch up. Our principal development tool is XNA, Microsoft's game development system, which relies on C# in the .Net framework. Some classes may also work with game modding tools, most commonly the Unreal Development Kit. 3D modeling is taught with 3ds Max. Other tools and software may be featured in particular classes, such as Frontiers of Game Design. Selection of primary software is based on consultation with industry and is reviewed regularly by the faculty.

What videogame companies is the school connected with?
Our Graduates have landed positions at Firaxis, BigHuge Games, BreakAway Games, Bethesda Softworks, EA Mythic Studios, Absolute Quality, and a number of smaller companies. Executives at Firaxis, BigHuge, BreakAway, and BethSoft advise us on curriculum and call on our students for testing and internships.

Do you offer internships and if so how often do you offer them and for what companies?
Baltimore-Washington game companies call for interns several times a year, usually in early spring. We do not have standing arrangements with any company, but our alumni inform us of opportunities, which we pass along. In addition, most companies recruit short-term interns for testing on an occasional basis. We offer a Practicum class in which students who obtain internships may receive academic credit for their work. Students who are not able to arrange company placements may work on in-house game development projects which the faculty undertake for various clients.

What equipment will you need?
The SDE program maintains a state-of-the-art lab/classroom and does not require students to purchase computer systems or major software. If you are thinking of buying or upgrading a system, choose the best processor, video card, and RAM allotment you can afford. If you have a budget for software, consider a version of Adobe Creative Suite that includes Flash and Photoshop, as well as a personal license for 3ds Max. Both these items can be purchased at deep discounts from the UB Bookstore or online providers. Game developers have traditionally favored Windows systems, because of their market dominance and their ability to deliver maximum power at low cost. Since XNA and 3ds Max both require Windows, the main SDE lab uses that operating system. Some students choose Macintosh for personal systems, particularly in dual-boot configurations that can also run Windows.

Admissions:

Information about Transfer Admissions

Request more information.

Apply online.

Contact the UB Office of Admissions at admissions@ubalt.edu or 410.837.4777 or 1.877.ApplyUB (1.877.277.5982) for more information, or visit http://www.ubalt.edu/admissions.

Principal Faculty:

• Kathleen Austin
• Bridget Blodgett
• Nancy Kaplan
• Mohammed Ketel
• Jeffrey Livermore
• Aaron Oldenburg
• Anastasia Salter
• Kathryn Summers
• Cecelia Wright Brown

See faculty bios for more info.

These regular faculty are joined by a select group of adjunct instructors from the local game industry and research communities.

Contact Information: Program Director

For information about the SDE Program at the Community College of Baltimore County, please contact the Program Coordinator:

• Doug McNamara
• Assistant Professor
• The Institute of Art, Design and Interactive Media
• Community College of Baltimore County-Essex
• 7201 Rossville Boulevard
• Baltimore, Maryland 21237
• 410.780.6461