At Sacred Heart University, Game Design & Development is a degree program – and a way to turn your gaming passion into a great career!

Interactive video games are hotter than ever. And "gamers," those who love video games, are everywhere. But here’s something every gamer should know: Video games can be a lot more than just great fun. Now, they can also be your ticket to an exciting, productive, profitable career!

The surge in popularity of interactive video games, for entertainment and learning, has resulted in a severe shortage of game developers and programmers. Even now, during these days of 10% unemployment nationwide, the demand for gaming developers and programmers is intense. Consider these facts:

• The US Department of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the gaming industry will grow by 30% or more through 2018
• By 2012, some 190 million American households will own a next-generation game console.

In short, gaming is here to stay. And it can mean enormous career opportunities for those who are educated, knowledgeable and ready to make their move. That’s why Sacred Heart University introduced a new Game Design & Development track within their Master of Science in Computer Science degree.

Sacred Heart Success Story “Sacred Heart University gave me a great foundation in C++ and Linear algebra -- two of the most critical components for landing a career in video games. I’m working with Microsoft Game Studio, and I love my position here as a software development engineer. My Sacred Heart degree really helped to make it all possible.” Ryan Bodrug: BS, Computer Science, 2004

A great opportunity – for graduate students and undergraduates alike.

Those who already have a Bachelor’s degree can earn a graduate certificate in Game Design & Development, or even a Master’s in Computer Science. An advanced degree is a perfect tool if you’re looking to switch careers and get into Game Design & Development. For those already at work in the industry, an advanced degree can really boost your career. Either way, Sacred Heart offers numerous night and weekend classes, so students can go to school and still manage their obligations to work and family.

The program is also open to undergraduates who can earn both their Bachelor’s degree AND Master’s degree in just five years. In short, at Sacred Heart it’s easy and practical for anyone to make one of the smartest career moves possible.

Sacred Heart Success Story “It was simple for me. I always wanted to be a software engineer – and SHU’s program was perfect for someone who wanted to design and create solutions. After my Bachelor’s in Computer Science I hired on at Symantec, building applications for Enterprise customers. Then I went back to Sacred Heart for my MS. I learned the most active skills and technologies there – ones that are valued and sought by employers worldwide. Now I’m in Washington State, working at Microsoft with the Xbox Live team. I love it!” Randy Santossio BS, Computer Science, 1994. MS, Computer Science, 2001

It’s Game Design & Development...and Computer Science!

Domenick Pinto is the Chairman of Sacred Heart University’s Computer Science and IT Department. He explained the particular strength – and all the unique benefits for students – that Sacred Heart’s program offers. “In basing our curriculum on Computer Science,” said Professor Pinto, “Game Design &Development provides students with a lot MORE than just gaming.” Specifically, that means students are given all the tools they’ll need to pursue a career in game design OR networking OR software engineering. “In other words,” Professor Pinto said, “this track gives students ultimate flexibility in planning and achieving a most successful career.”

Students take critical Computer Science courses like Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems and Networking along with Computer Gaming, Computer Graphics and Fundamentals of Game Design. In all, this track provides students with significant skills in game design and development, storyboarding, animation, creation of objects, programming languages and action scripting. The result is a comprehensive overview of the game creation process, a strong foundation in computer graphics and a thorough exploration of animation, sound and music as components of game design.

Sacred Heart Success Story “I did the combined program at SHU, getting my BS and my Master’s in five years. I amassed the skills to get a great job at QualComm. Then I went out on my own, starting FlashGameLicense, a business that helps thousands of game developers, individuals and companies alike, to improve their games and then license them. I can’t say enough about Sacred Heart’s program, their faculty and all that I learned there.” Chris Hughes BS, Computer Science, 2003. MS, Computer Science, 2004

Internships with major industry players.

Sacred Heart’s Game Design & Development track goes way beyond classroom work and study alone. There’s also a vibrant internship program, so students can study -- and start using their classroom-acquired skills immediately. “We have contacts with Xbox Live, Microsoft, Google, QualComm and many other local industry leaders,” said Professor Pinto, and the advantage is clear. “Students get solid on-the-job training, allowing them to establish themselves within the industry, and enjoy a major head start when they’re ready for full-time employment.”