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IT Computer Simulation and Gaming
Associate in Applied Science Degree — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 10-153-1

This curriculum goes into effect with the summer 2008 semester.

This page was last updated in July 2007.

Overview — IT Computer Simulation and Gaming is an associate degree program designed to prepare you for a career in the entertainment and "edutainment" industries, specifically animation and gaming. However, the skills obtained in this degree are transferable to many other industries such as computer programming, multimedia development and film production. This cross-discipline program is designed to create a work-like environment while teaching concepts of planning, design, development and testing of computer simulation and gaming products. Students enrolled in the degree program will decide if they want to focus on animation or programming in their second semester. Students from both disciplines will be required to work together on assignments so they are exposed to both aspects of the industry. The program gives students applied skills in upcoming technologies, object-oriented programming concepts, computer software languages, creative design, planning, modeling, communication, teamwork and problem analysis. Students will plan, create, produce and test simulations and games while understanding market applications, user ramifications and testing requirements. This degree is aimed at enhancing technical skills and preparing students for a broad range of jobs in rapidly changing technology fields. 

Career Outlook — The use of this technology is widely accepted and increasing rapidly. Games are used as educational tools, not just for training pilots, soldiers and surgeons, but also in schools and businesses. Typical positions available are animator, modeler or artist in the animation focus; programmer, system analyst, application specialist or system software specialist in the programming focus. Other jobs in the gaming industry include tester, designer, writer, and audio producer.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — When you graduate from this program, employers will expect you to possess the following skills:

  • Test simulations and games
  • Design an architecture
  • Lead team or project
  • Create a working game module
  • Communicate in a team environment
  • Create 3D animations (Animation Focus)
  • Create 3D models (Animation Focus)
  • Design characters (Animation Focus)
  • Storyboard your concepts (Animation Focus)
  • Create environments (Animation Focus)
  • Analyze, design and implement solutions (Programming Focus)
  • Understand system software principles (Programming Focus)
  • Convert UML diagrams into OOP code (Programming Focus)
  • Build and manage databases (Programming Focus)
  • Understand artificial intelligence principles (Programming Focus)

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
  • Demonstration of basic computer skills in OS, word processing and the Internet

 This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Animator
3D Artist
3D Modeler
Project Lead/Team Lead
Computer Programmer
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Applications Specialist
Computer Systems Software Specialist
Game Designer
Game Programmer
Producer

Related Programs:

Animation
E-Commerce/Web Administration
IT Programmer/Analyst
Visual Communication/Computer Graphics

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

TECHNICAL STUDIES 

Credits

 

( ) = Semester Order for Full-Time Students

 

 

(1)

 

ITDEV-110

Introduction to OO Programming ‡

3

 

(1)

 

VICOM-127

Illustrated Storytelling ‡

3

 

(1)

 

VICOM-110

Introduction to Computer Simulation and Gaming

3

 

(1)

 

ANIM-106

Principles of 3D Animation ‡

3

 

(2)

 

VICOM-129

CSG Architecture ‡

2

 

(2)

 

VICOM-130

CSG Design ‡

3

 

(3)
(3)

VICOM-131
VICOM-181

CSG  Audio Editing and Synchronization ‡
CSG Collaborative Lab ‡

2
2

(4)

 

ITDEV-188

CSG Internship/Project ‡

2

 

(4)

VICOM-182

GA Business Skills ‡

3

 

 Programming Emphasis 

(2)

 

ITDEV-115

Intermediate OO Programming ‡

3

 

(2)

 

ITDEV-150

Database Design and Asset Management ‡

3

 

(3)

 

ITDEV-154

Data Structures and Programming ‡

3

 

(3)

 

ITDEV-180

CSG API Programming ‡

4

 

(4)
(4)

 

ITDEV-185
VICOM-132

Advanced CSG Programming ‡
Artificial Intelligence

    3
    3

 

Animation Emphasis 

(2)

 

ANIM-120

Environment and Set Design ‡

3

 

(2)

 

ANIM-125

3D Modeling ‡

    4

 

(3)

ANIM-140

Timeline Key Frames and Kinematics ‡

3

(3)

ANIM-115

Refining the Character ‡

3

 (4)

 

ANIM-135

Character Expression & Lip Sync ‡

3

 

(4)      ANIM-160             Animation Portfolio ‡
GENERAL STUDIES

    3

 

 

ECON-195
OR
ENG-151

Economics
Any 200-series ECON course
Communication Skills 1 ‡

3

3

 

 

and ENG-152

Communication Skills 2 ‡

3

 

OR

ENG-201 and any 200-series ENG or SPEECH course

 

 

MATH-106

Introduction to College Math

3

 

OR 

Any 200-series MATH course

   

 

 

NATSCI-131

Physical Science Survey ‡

3

 

 

OR

Any 200-series NATSCI course

 

PSYCH-199

Psychology of Human Relations

3

OR

Any 200-series PSYCH course

 

SOCSCI-197
OR

Contemporary American Society
Any 200-series HIST or SOCSCI course

3

 

ELECTIVE COURSES: Three Credits Required (Suggestions listed below)

 

 

VICOM-134

Audio Production ‡

3

 

 

VICOM-137

Interactive Video ‡

3

 

VICOM-152

Interactive Design for Multimedia ‡

 3

 

  

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CREDITS:  69

   

 



Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Prerequisite Required.

NOTE: Students who have not been accepted, or have not decided on a program, may begin with GENERAL STUDIES courses, if course prerequisites have been met.

For information about specific courses, see Course Descriptions.

For course descriptions, class times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.

 

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