Students studying gaming at the University of Denver. (February 2, 2010)
DENVER, Colo. - Many College students spend hours playing video games. But at the University of Denver, some call it course work.
The university is one of several offering a degree in video game design. Students can get a B.S. focusing on the programming side, or they can get a B.A. which includes more of the arts.
"To me, this is the best degree on campus," said Professor Scott Leutenegger. The program focuses on humane games including games for change, health or education.
Some students are working on a game to teach species competition. Others are working on a game that teaches word recognition.
"I love my degree," grad student Erica Liszewski said. The program is popular, although for $35,000 a year, some parents may not see the value.
"Some parents may be worried. I don't want to send my kid to study games, that's crazy, but at least with a very technological focus those skills are transferrable to any area of IT," Professor Leutenegger said.
He says the gaming industry is healthy and there are jobs available. He says salaries start around $50,000, and over time can climb to $150,000. The degree requires math and computer science skills.
Westwood College and other trade schools also offer programs.
The university is one of several offering a degree in video game design. Students can get a B.S. focusing on the programming side, or they can get a B.A. which includes more of the arts.
"To me, this is the best degree on campus," said Professor Scott Leutenegger. The program focuses on humane games including games for change, health or education.
Some students are working on a game to teach species competition. Others are working on a game that teaches word recognition.
"I love my degree," grad student Erica Liszewski said. The program is popular, although for $35,000 a year, some parents may not see the value.
"Some parents may be worried. I don't want to send my kid to study games, that's crazy, but at least with a very technological focus those skills are transferrable to any area of IT," Professor Leutenegger said.
He says the gaming industry is healthy and there are jobs available. He says salaries start around $50,000, and over time can climb to $150,000. The degree requires math and computer science skills.
Westwood College and other trade schools also offer programs.
