Program Description
The Associate of Applied Science in Game Design and Simulation degree teaches students the skills in design and technology to develop games and other digital art. This degree takes an interdisciplinary approach, with students learning how to use industry standard software and techniques to create game models and textures, animate characters, program gameplay, and create sounds. Students will learn game design theories to understand media and design their games to create emotional attachments and guide players through the mechanics and environments. By the end of the program, students will have the skills to fully develop and publish their own games using industry standard software, techniques, and workflow.
Career and Educational Advancement Opportunities
The degree will provide students with a solid foundation in all aspects of game development, such as design, programming, and art. Graduates from the program are prepared for industry or independent work in game development, or related industries such as digital art or UX design. Students are also well-suited to continue their studies for a related bachelor’s degree at UNM-Main or other 4-year institutions, such as degrees in digital media art, computer science, or fine art.
Contact and Advising Information
Information about the associate of applied science in game design and simulation program is available from the Advisement Center at 505.925.8560 or at vcadvise@unm.edu, or the Business and Industrial Technologies Division, at 505.925.8711.
Course Prerequisites
Students must meet prerequisites in English and mathematics by achievement of minimum placement scores on the Accuplacer of ACT or through completion of course work.
Course: ENGL 100 and FYEX 1110 or equivalent – or place into ENGL 1110;
ACCUPLACER/ACT Minimum Scores: 263+/19+
Course: MATH 1215, or MATH 1215X, MATH 1215Y, and MATH 1215Z -- or place into MATH 1220;
ACCUPLACER/ACT Minimum Scores: 239+ (A & F)/22+
Degree Requirements
| ENGL 1120 (Composition II) | 3 | ||
| COMM 1130 (Public Speaking) | 3 | ||
| *Students who do not place into ENGL 1120 may apply the credit hours from the prerequisite ENGL 1110 (or its equivalent ENGL 1110 Y or Z) to help fulfill the Student Choice area requirements below. | |||
| 3 | |||
| Select one course from the UNM Core Curriculum in Mathematics and Statistics. | |||
| 4 | |||
| Select one course from the UNM Core Curriculum in Physical and Natural Sciences, which must include a lab. | |||
| PSYC 1110 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOCI 1110 (Introduction to Sociology) | 3 | ||
| 3 | |||
| Select one course from the UNM Core Curriculum in Arts and Design. | |||
| 6 | |||
| Select two additional General Education courses from the areas above. Students who do not place into ENGL 1120 may apply the credit hours from the prerequisite ENGL 1110 (or its equivalent ENGL 1110 Y or Z) to help fulfill this area. Recommended courses are CS 180L (Computer Science for All) and ENGL 2310 (Introduction to Creative Writing). | |||
| GAME 101 (Introduction to Game Development) | 3 | ||
| GAME 102 (Introduction to Game Engines) | 3 | ||
| GAME 120 (Game Testing) | 3 | ||
| GAME 125 (3D Modeling and Animation) | 3 | ||
| GAME 150 (Character Animation) | 3 | ||
| GAME 160 (Game Engine Scripting) | 3 | ||
| GAME 180 (Game Programming) | 3 | ||
| GAME 220 (Environmental Modeling) | 3 | ||
| GAME 250 (Character and Creature Modeling) | 3 | ||
| GAME 260 (Level Design) | 3 | ||
| GAME 280 (Audio for Gaming) | 3 | ||
| GAME 296 (Capstone: Production & Portfolio) | 3 | ||
| GAME 293 Topics (optional - encouraged but not required) | 3 | ||
