Game Studies, Minor
The Game Studies Minor provides students with an introductory overview of the diverse facets of the gaming industry which now surpasses the global film industry in size. This interdisciplinary minor encompasses a variety of courses which touch on this topic, such as game design and theory, digital storytelling, narrative development, games in education, introductory HTML coding, digital art, digital sound design, board games in the classroom, and educational live-action simulation/role play. The 18-credit minor provides a firm foundation through 9-credits of required courses and 9-credits of related electives for any student looking to augment their resume with an eye towards working in the games industry or utilizing games in their future work in education, business, or the arts. The 9-credits of required courses will inform student learning as they build on related skills connected to Game Studies in their chosen 9-credits of electives.
Core Required Courses (9 cr)
Minor Core
Electives (9 cr)
Students may utilize, but are not limited to, one of the three suggested pathways as a guide to select their 9 elective credits for the minor. Other courses may be included with the approval of the program coordinator.
Electives Pathway 1: Narrative, Storytelling, and Educational Uses for Games
Students interested in Narrative, Storytelling, and Educational Uses for Games may choose from the following electives:
Topic of HIST 100 must be Gaming Through History to count as an elective in this track
Topic of WRT 378 must be Audio Narrative to count as an elective in this track
Please note that WRT 383 has a prerequisite and HIST 420 has two prerequisite courses.
Electives Pathway 2: Game Engine Scripting and Technical Skills for Game Design
Students interested in Game Engine Scripting and Technical Skills for Game Design may choose from the following electives:
| CS 110 | Introduction to Web Programming | 3 |
| CS 113 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 3 |
| CS 117 | Introduction to Coding and Game Development | 3 |
| CS 415 | Computer Game Development | 3 |
| COMM 231 | Communication Technologies | 3 |
| COMM 332 | Web Publishing | 4 |
| MUS 301 | Coding for Music | 3 |
Note that CS 117 has a prerequisite course and CS 415 and COM 332 have two or more prerequisites and/or are limited to majors in course field.
Electives Pathway 3: Visual and Audio Design for Games
Students interested in the Visual and Audio Design for Games may choose from the following electives:
| ART 224 | Illustration I | 3 |
| ART 324 | Illustration II | 3 |
| ART 424 | Illustration III | 3 |
| ART 451/ART 515 | Sequential Art, Comics and the Graphic Novel | 3 |
| DES 100 | Design & Fonts | 3 |
| GRT 112 | Digital Imaging for Graphics Technology | 3 |
| GRT 222 | 2D Animation for Graphics Technology | 3 |
| GRT 232 | Introduction to 3D Animation Technology | 3 |
| GRT 332 | Advanced 3D Modeling & Animation Technology | 3 |
| MUS 112 | Computer Applications to Music | 3 |
| MUS 114 | Introduction to Music Technology | 1 |
| MUS 214 | Electro-Acoustic Music and Sonic Art | 3 |
Note that ART 224, GRT 222, and MUS 114 have a prerequisite course and/or permission is required.
Note that ART 324, ART 424, ART 451, GRT 232, and GRT 332 have two or more prerequisites and/or are limited to majors in course field.
Total Credit Hours: 18