University Catalog 2023-2024

Computer Science (BS): Game Development Concentration

Program Overview

The Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering at NC State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org

Students complete the standard set of engineering first-year courses, which include courses in the humanities, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computing.  Students may apply to join the Department of Computer Science as degree-seeking students via the CODA process.  

The Computer Science curriculum teaches students the skills needed to understand, design, implement, test, and deploy computer systems and software systems.  Core courses provide a foundation for all students in programming languages, data structures, software engineering, computer architectures, the theory of computation, the basics of building secure software and systems, teaming and communication, and the social and ethical dimensions of the practice of computer science. 

All Computer Science majors must complete a team project in Senior Design. Projects under the auspices of the department’s Senior Design Center have industrial sponsors, so student teams gain experience working jointly with industry representatives to achieve project goals. Senior Design teams are expected to solve a technical computing problem while effectively communicating their work and process to various audiences.

To see more about what you will learn in this program, visit the Learning Outcomes website!

Game Development Concentration

Computer games are some of the most complex software development projects and employ some of the most advanced technologies of any application area of computer science. The entertainment software sector is a multi-billion dollar industry with increasing demand for new employees trained in these technologies and methods. In addition to the more familiar entertainment sector, these technologies also have applications to such areas as training, education, visualization, and social interaction forums — so-called “serious games.” North Carolina is now among the top tier of US states with centers of game industry employment. As the game industry continues to grow, demand by North Carolina companies for new graduates with a strong background in computer science with a focus on game development will also expand.

Many aspects of computer game development are unique to the game industry and the Game Development Concentration provides specialized coursework in these areas. The Game Development Concentration focuses on game development technologies while preserving the breadth and depth of the general computer science BS degree. The concentration requires that students take 21 hours of games-focused courses. Of the nine credit hours required for other electives, students in the concentration must select three courses from a list that spans topics such as fiction writing, film, and music. These courses provide grounding in the creation of conventional media and provide the background in these disciplines needed to participate in the multidisciplinary aspects of the design of games.  Finally, students must complete a games-focused semester-long project either through Senior Design or an independent study/research project.

Departmental Information

The Department of Computer Science is located in Engineering Building II on NC State’s Centennial Campus.  

Department of Computer Science

Contact Computer Science Academic Advising

Plan Requirements

Major Field of Study Requirements
Math
MA 141Calculus I 1,24
MA 241Calculus II 1,24
MA 242Calculus III4
MA 305Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices3
ST 370Probability and Statistics for Engineers3
Sciences
CH 101
CH 102
Chemistry - A Molecular Science
and General Chemistry Laboratory 1,2
4
PY 205
PY 206
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1,2
4
PY 208
PY 209
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory
4
Basic Science Elective3
CSC Major
CSC 116Introduction to Computing - Java 23
CSC 216
CSC 217
Software Development Fundamentals
and Software Development Fundamentals Lab 2
4
CSC 226Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists 23
CSC 230C and Software Tools3
CSC 246Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists3
CSC 316Data Structures and Algorithms3
CSC 326Software Engineering4
CSC 333Automata, Grammars, and Computability3
CSC 379Ethics in Computing1
CSC 492Senior Design Project3
Other Major
CSC Restricted Elective3
Other Restricted Electives 300+3
ENG 331Communication for Engineering and Technology3
Concentration Courses/Groups/Electives
CSC 481Game Engine Foundations 23
CSC Games Core 23
CSC Games Restricted Elective 26
Games Restricted Electives9
Games Project (verify requirement) 4
College Requirements
E 101Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1,31
E 102Engineering in the 21st Century 22
E 115Introduction to Computing Environments 11
EC 205Fundamentals of Economics3
or EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics
or ARE 201 Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics
General Education Program Requirements
ENG 101 1,34
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences3
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
Foreign Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Total Hours121
1

College of Engineering CODA classes

2

Grade of C or higher required

3

Grade of C minus or higher required

4

Students must complete a departmentally approved Games-focused project as part of CSC 492, CSC 498, or CSC 499.

 Basic Science Elective

BIO ***
CH 201Chemistry - A Quantitative Science3
MEA ***
PB ***
PY 123Stellar and Galactic Astronomy3
PY 124Solar System Astronomy3
PY 328Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics3
PY 341Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology3
PY 401Quantum Physics I3
PY 402Quantum Physics II3
PY 407Introduction to Modern Physics3
PY 411Mechanics I3
PY 412Mechanics II3
PY 413Thermal Physics3
PY 414Electromagnetism I3
PY 415Electromagnetism II3
ZOO ***

CSC Games Core

CSC 461Computer Graphics3
CSC 486Computational Visual Narrative3

CSC Games Restricted Electives

CSC 411Introduction to Artificial Intelligence3
CSC 454Human-Computer Interaction3
CSC 461Computer Graphics3
CSC 462Advanced Computer Graphics Projects3
CSC 48*3
CSC 582Computer Models of Interactive Narrative3
CSC 584Building Game AI3

Games Restricted Electives

CSC 281Foundations of Interactive Game Design3
COM 327Critical Analysis of Communication Media3
COM 427Game Studies3
ENG 282Introduction to Film3
ENG 288Fiction Writing3
ENG 376Science Fiction3
ENG 377Fantasy3
ENG 492Special Topics in Film Styles and Genres3
MUS 306Music Composition with Computers3

 Other Restricted Electives 300+

CSC Restricted Elective Courses1-6
ACC 310Intermediate Financial Accounting I3
ACC 311Intermediate Financial Accounting II3
ACC 330An Introduction To Income Taxation3
ACC 340Accounting Information Systems3
ARS 306Music Composition with Computers3
BUS 320Financial Management3
BUS 340Information Systems Management3
BUS 360Marketing Methods3
BUS 4**
CHE 435Process Systems Analysis and Control3
CHE 465Colloidal and Nanoscale Engineering3
CSC 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
CSC 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
EC 3**
EC 4**
EC 5**
ECE 3** (except for ECE 309)
ECE 4**
ECE 5**
EMS 480Teaching Mathematics with Technology3
GC 3203D Spatial Relations3
GC 350Applied CAD/D and Geometric Controls3
GC 420Visual Thinking3
GN 5**
ISE 311Engineering Economic Analysis3
ISE 361Deterministic Models in Industrial Engineering3
ISE 4**
ISE 5**
LOG 335Symbolic Logic3
LOG 435Advanced Logic & Metamathematics3
LOG 535Advanced Logic and Metamathematics3
MA 302Numerical Applications to Differential Equations1
MA 341Applied Differential Equations I3
MA 351Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models3
MA 401Applied Differential Equations II3
MA 402Mathematics of Scientific Computing3
MA 403Introduction to Modern Algebra3
MA 405Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MA 407Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors3
MA 408Foundations of Euclidean Geometry3
MA 410Theory of Numbers3
MA 412Long-Term Actuarial Models3
MA 413Short-Term Actuarial Models3
MA 425Mathematical Analysis I3
MA 426Mathematical Analysis II3
MA 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
MA 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
MA 430Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences3
MA 432Mathematical Models in Life Sciences3
MA 437Applications of Algebra3
MA 440Game Theory3
MA 5**
MAE 3**
MAE 4**
MAE 5**
MIE 3**
MIE 4**
MSE 3**
MSE 4**
MSE 5**
MUS 306Music Composition with Computers3
NE 3**
NE 4**
NE 5**
OR 5**
PHI 425Introduction to Cognitive Science3
PSY 307Industrial and Organizational Psychology3
PSY 340Human Factors Psychology3
PSY 400Perception3
PSY 420Cognitive Processes3
PSY 425Introduction to Cognitive Science3
PY 4**
PY 5**
ST 372Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression3
ST 4**
ST 5**

CSC Restricted Electives 

CSC 236Computer Organization and Assembly Language for Computer Scientists3
CSC 302Introduction to Numerical Methods3
CSC 342Applied Web-based Client-Server Computing3
CSC 401Data and Computer Communications Networks3
CSC 402Networking Projects3
CSC 405Computer Security3
CSC 406Architecture Of Parallel Computers3
CSC 411Introduction to Artificial Intelligence3
CSC 412Compiler Construction3
CSC 414Foundations of Cryptography3
CSC 415Software Security3
CSC 416Introduction to Combinatorics3
CSC 417Theory of Programming Languages3
CSC 419DevOps: Modern Software Engineering Practices3
CSC 422Automated Learning and Data Analysis3
CSC 431File Organization and Processing3
CSC 433Privacy in the Digital Age3
CSC 440Database Management Systems3
CSC 442Introduction to Data Science3
CSC 447Introduction to Cloud Computing3
CSC 450Web Services3
CSC 453Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) Systems3
CSC 454Human-Computer Interaction3
CSC 455Social Computing and Decentralized Artificial Intelligence3
CSC 456Computer Architecture and Multiprocessors3
CSC 461Computer Graphics3
CSC 462Advanced Computer Graphics Projects3
CSC 467Multimedia Technology3
CSC 471Modern Topics in Cybersecurity3
CSC 472Cybersecurity Projects3
CSC 474Network Security3
CSC 481Game Engine Foundations3
CSC 482Advanced Computer Game Projects3
CSC 484Building Game AI3
CSC 486Computational Visual Narrative3
CSC 495Special Topics in Computer Science1-6
CSC 498Independent Study in Computer Science3
CSC 499Independent Research in Computer Science1-6
CSC 5**
ECE 482Engineering Entrepreneurship and New Product Development I3
ECE 483Engineering Entrepreneurship and New Product Development II3
MA 414Foundations of Cryptography3
MA 416Introduction to Combinatorics3
ST 442Introduction to Data Science3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Semester Sequence4, 5

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
CH 101
CH 102
Chemistry - A Molecular Science
and General Chemistry Laboratory 1, 2
4
E 101 Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1, 3 1
E 115 Introduction to Computing Environments 1 1
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 1, 3 4
MA 141 Calculus I 1, 2 4
 Hours14
Spring Semester
CSC 116 Introduction to Computing - Java 2 3
MA 241 Calculus II 1, 2 4
PY 205
PY 206
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1, 2
4
E 102 Engineering in the 21st Century 1, 2 2
EC 205
Fundamentals of Economics
or Principles of Microeconomics
or Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics
3
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall Semester
CSC 216
CSC 217
Software Development Fundamentals
and Software Development Fundamentals Lab 2
4
CSC 226 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists 2 3
MA 242 Calculus III 4
PY 208
PY 209
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory
4
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours16
Spring Semester
CSC 230 C and Software Tools 3
CSC 316 Data Structures and Algorithms 3
CSC 333 Automata, Grammars, and Computability 3
MA 305 Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall Semester
CSC 246 Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists 3
CSC 481 Game Engine Foundations 2 3
ST 370 Probability and Statistics for Engineers 3
Games Restricted Elective 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
CSC 326 Software Engineering 4
CSC 379 Ethics in Computing 1
CSC Games Core 2 3
ENG 331 Communication for Engineering and Technology 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
Other Restricted Electives 300+ 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
CSC 492 Senior Design Project 7 3
CSC Games Restricted Elective 2 3
Games Restricted Elective 3
Basic Science Elective 3 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
CSC Restricted Elective 3
CSC Games Restricted Elective 2 3
Games Restricted Elective 3
GEP Requirement 3
GEP Requirement 3
 Hours15
 Total Hours121
1

Courses required for matriculation (CODA).

2

Grade of C or higher required.

3

A grade of C- or higher is required.

4

One of the following two conditions regarding the major GPA is required: l) the major GPA, which consists of all CSC courses attempted at NCSU, must be 2.0 or higher or II) a student whose major grade point average is below 2.0 may graduate if no CSC course used to satisfy the major requirements has a grade below a C-.

5

Students must complete a departmentally approved Games-focused project as part of CSC 492CSC 498, or CSC 499.

Career Opportunities

Designing computer systems, and the software that runs on them is the job of computer scientists. Computer scientists find demand for their innovation, design, analysis, testing, and engineering skills across all domains. As a direct consequence of the increasingly critical role of computers in society, the discipline of computer science has enjoyed rapid growth for many years, with the trend likely to continue.  Employment projections indicate a critical nationwide shortfall in the supply of people skilled in computing and information technology, and a resulting steady rise in demand and salaries, for decades to come. Computer Science graduates from NC State are in high demand, including by employers that are extremely selective in their national recruiting.

Anchoring one corner of the world-famous Research Triangle Park, and located in modern state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities on NC State’s Centennial Campus, the department and its students and faculty benefit from strong and active industry partnerships. NC State Computer Science is one of the top suppliers in the nation of new graduate hires to a number of high-tech companies, including several Fortune 500 companies, some with a substantial presence in the Research Triangle. Starting salaries for our undergraduates now average over $75,000 and show a steady increase. Opportunities are also plentiful for graduate study for those who wish to pursue the field in more depth.