The University of Tulsa’s computer simulation & gaming (CSG) program, housed in the College of Engineering & Computer Science’s Tandy School of Computer Science, has been ranked the No. 1 game design program in Oklahoma, according to publisher Animation Career Review.
The ranking list is based on surveys, the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, academic reputation and admission selectivity. Animation and special-effect studios from across the nation use these rankings to recruit and hire graduating students from ranked programs.
“Our holistic approach to game creation is what really sets our program apart,” said Akram Taghavi-Burris, M.Ed., program coordinator and CSG instructor. “Unlike programs that emphasize only design or development, UTulsa’s curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary, blending computer science, visual arts, sound, storytelling and emerging technologies.”
The CSG program is composed of 30 credit hours of core fundamentals. Students start with exploring why people play games. From there, they develop skills in game programming, 3D modeling and level design. The program also offers a computer science and art minor.
With 24 credit hours reserved for specializations, students also have the option to focus on several concentrations: animation, game design, development, production, sound design, visual arts and simulation. This provides students with a broad foundation of skills while still allowing for specializations. By graduation, students are equipped with a versatile skillset for roles in entertainment, education, health care, aerospace and more.
Taghavi-Burris also emphasized that the CSG program brings students together across courses and disciplines to collaborate on a single, multi-semester, senior capstone game. Senior production students develop a complete game while working closely with 3D animation students who create cinematic cutscenes. In collaboration with UTulsa’s School of Music, students in the video game scoring
course produce an original score, sound effects and dialogue. Over two semesters, senior production teams integrate these assets into a polished final game, giving students hands-on experience in a studio-style pipeline, preparing them for real-world production environments before graduation.
“CSG is more than just writing code. It is a creative and collaborative process,” said Taghavi-Burris.
Students from all backgrounds and skill levels can pursue a CSG major or minor. For more information, visit the CSG program page here. For the latest news and updates, explore the CSG program blog here.