Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development (BSCS IMGD)

BS in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development is jointly offered by DigiPen Institute of Technology Singapore and Singapore Institute of Technology. The field of interactive media and video games has grown from using small teams of just a handful of developers for an entire production to using large teams of one hundred or more on a single title, along with the ever-growing complexity of technology. This large increase in the size of teams, scope, investment, and technical components in digital media and video game titles has naturally resulted in more and more specialization into the roles of engineer, artist, and designer. Despite this increased specialization overall, the interactive media industry has also seen a growing demand for a hybrid engineer/designer: someone who has strong programming and mathematics skills, combined with formal training in game design. This type of developer is the bridge between the scientific and creative sides of interactive digital media and game development, able to work as an engineer or designer as needed.

Students of this program will work across platforms such as PC, tablets, smart phones, game consoles, VR and AR to understand strengths and limitations of each platform from a technical and design point of view. Graduates of the program will be trained to write computer programs in core languages such as C and C++, giving them the technical foundation to become proficient in programming with scripting languages, game logic, user interfaces, artificial intelligence, and design tools. Graduates will also be able to design and implement user interface and game levels, game systems, and game behaviours. Graduates will have extensive experience testing, iterating, and polishing, through the completion of many individual projects and multiple team projects.

Program Learning Outcomes 

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

1. Apply computer science theory, software development fundamentals, and design principles to produce computing-based solutions.
2. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing, mathematics, and design to identify solutions.
3. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of interactive media and game development.
4. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
5. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
6. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the design, development, and implementation of interactive media and game software.

Program Educational Objectives 

1. With strong theoretical skills in computing, mathematics, and game design, graduates will be successful professionals in the fields of interactive media and game software development making valuable technical and scientific contributions in the cutting-edge technological, creative, and expressive potentials of interactive digital media.
2. Graduates will utilize their practical experience in team-based, multi-disciplinary software engineering productions to exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as professional and ethical principles when functioning as members and leaders of multidisciplinary software development teams.
3. Graduates are prepared for life-long independent learning by quickly and effectively learning, embracing, and adapting to emergent technologies in software programming interfaces, programming languages, and innovative human-computer interfaces.
4. Graduates will attain advanced leadership positions in organizations developing software for interactive digital media and/or will have continued their education.

Graduates of this degree program will be prepared to enter the digital media and video game industry as entry-level Software Engineers and Game Designers. Possible entry-level position titles include Software Engineer, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer in Test, Software Analyst, Gameplay Designer/Programmer, Artificial Intelligence Programmer, User Interface Programmer, VR/AR Software Developer, Machine Learning Engineer, Interactive Mobile Application Programmer, Tools Programmer, Game Scripter, Technical Designer, System Designer, Level Designer, Content Designer, Encounter Designer, and Game Designer.

This degree program also includes secondary training that can contribute directly to a graduate obtaining positions with titles such as Producer, Program Manager, Technical Program Manager, and Technical Writer. After many years in the industry, graduates may obtain titles such as Lead Engineer, Lead Designer, Technical Director, Creative Director, and Director.