Bachelor’s Degree in Game Programming
Turn ideas into playable worlds. Shawnee State's B.S. in Game Programming — nationally recognized as one of the best in the Midwest — gives you the coding chops, the collaboration practice, and the portfolio to land a job in the game industry or anywhere else software gets built.
Program Overview
For those who dream in code, design virtual worlds, and want to bring imaginative ideas to life, the Bachelor of Science in Game Programming at Shawnee State University is your path. This degree is specifically crafted for students passionate about coding, programming, and video game design, offering a comprehensive education that transforms conceptual visions into tangible, interactive experiences. It's more than just a degree; it's your launchpad into a dynamic and creative career.
Within this program, you'll delve deep into the core of game development. Students learn complex programs and refine your skills through collaborative, team-based classes. Through hands-on class projects and exciting quarterly Game Jams, you'll gain priceless experience in teamwork and collaboration, essential in the professional game industry. Beyond game-specific skills, you'll also build a strong foundation in computer science and programming, widening your job opportunities.
What truly sets SSU’s program apart is its commitment to a personalized, high-quality education. With smaller class sizes, you'll benefit from one-on-one attention and mentorship from dedicated faculty. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities that mirror industry environments. It's no wonder that Shawnee State's gaming program is nationally recognized as one of the best in the Midwest, consistently earning top rankings.
Choosing Shawnee State for your game programming degree offers smart value. Compared to many other gaming schools, the tuition is remarkably low, making a top-tier education accessible. Here, you're not just a number; you're a valued individual, fostered in a supportive community that prioritizes your growth and success. This degree will prepare you for a wide array of roles not only in the booming gaming industry but also in diverse fields like healthcare, government, and technology, opening a world of possibilities for your future.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Bachelor’s Degree in Game Programming
Degree
B.S.
Format
On Campus
Length
4 years
Class Size
12:1
Location
Advanced Technology Center, Main Campus
Why Study Bachelor’s Degree in Game Programming at Shawnee University
The program is consistently ranked among the top gaming programs in the Midwest — at a fraction of the cost of most competitors.
You'll ship real projects. Quarterly Game Jams put you on a team to build a working game on a short deadline, which is exactly how the industry operates.
You won't just learn game-specific skills. The curriculum is built on solid computer science fundamentals, which means your degree opens doors in tech, healthcare, defense, finance, and more.
Class sizes are small, so faculty know your work and can give you specific feedback — not generic comments.
Tuition is lower than most gaming programs in the country, and the Shawnee Advantage locks your rate for four years.
Beyond the General Education Program (GEP), the B.S. in Game Programming includes:
- 14 credit hours of mathematics
- 8 credit hours of natural science
- 27 credit hours of Computer Engineering Technology
- 33 credit hours of Simulation and Gaming Engineering
- 9 credit hours of Arts and Design
You'll write code in multiple languages, build engines and operating-system level components, optimize for performance, and work through collaborative class projects and Game Jams that mirror real studio workflow.
View the full curriculum and sample schedule in the Academic CatalogEvery term, you'll be working on real projects — solo and on teams. Game Jams are a fixture of the program: short, intense builds that result in actual playable games. By the time you graduate, you'll have a portfolio to walk into interviews with.
By the time you finish the program, you'll be able to:
- Apply math, algorithmic thinking, and computer science theory to design game and simulation systems
- Analyze a problem and define the computing requirements needed to solve it
- Design, build, and evaluate software components and systems
- Apply software engineering principles to build reliable, maintainable code
- Work effectively on a team toward a shared goal
- Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences
The B.S. in Game Programming is offered through the Department of Engineering Technology in the College of Business and Engineering Technology. Classes meet in the Advanced Technology Center on Shawnee State's Main Campus in Portsmouth, Ohio, where you'll work in industry-grade labs.
Graduates work in roles like:
- Game or simulation programmer
- Game engine developer
- Graphics programmer
- Medical, scientific, or military simulation programmer
- Multimedia developer
- Applications programmer or software engineer
- Game / simulation technical lead or technical director
Beyond the $500B global gaming industry, graduates land in healthcare, automotive, education, TV and film, animation, defense, finance, and automation — anywhere real-time simulation and interactive software are useful.
Free Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State's tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
See if you Qualify for Free Tuition
Ohio students can apply to receive a $1,500 scholarship up to full-tuition when you apply and are accepted.
Learn More about Choose Ohio FirstBachelor’s Degree in Game Programming Frequently Asked Questions
Game programmer, engine developer, graphics programmer, simulation programmer (medical, military, scientific), multimedia developer, applications programmer, and software engineer are all common paths.
The global gaming industry is the obvious one, but skills also transfer to healthcare, automotive, defense, education, TV and film, animation, finance, and automation.
Yes. Between quarterly Game Jams and team-based class projects, you'll graduate with multiple shipped projects to show in interviews.
No — this program is offered on campus only.
Program handbook
For questions about program policies, learning expectations, or requirements, contact:
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
