Earn a Degree in Computer Simulation and Gaming - Tulsa, OK

Computer Simulation & Gaming Program

The Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) program in the Tandy School of Computer Science at the University of Tulsa, provides students with a hands-on, project-based, leading-edge curricular that combines the multiple disciplines of computer science, art, music, film, and storytelling. Throughout their studies, CSG students will develop skills for game programming, 3D graphics, animation, 2D & 3D level design, game mechanics, and gameplay.

Interdisciplinary Program

The Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) undergraduate program provides majors with two options:

  • CSG Design option features courses in graphics, 3d modeling, and animation. Students in this option receive both a minor in Computer Science and Art.
  • CSG Development option features courses in developing game engines and provides students with both a minor in Computer Science and Mathematics.

While different, both options offer the same core CSG courses to students. The CSG program is interdisciplinary by nature providing students with a mix of both design and development skills. Students graduating with a degree in CSG will have mastered the skillset to develop a fully functional game/simulation independently or as part of a fully-fledged team. 

2020-2021 Computer Simulation & Gaming Lookbook

Computer Simulation & Gaming 2020-2021 Lookbook

For more information about everything going on within the Computer Simulation & Gaming (CSG) program download a copy of our CSG 2020-2021 lookbook, which features stories and highlights on CSG students and sponsored events.

Unity Academic Alliance

TU CSG Unity Academic Alliance More than 50% of all games today are developed on the Unity game engine. The Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) degree program at TU is a proud member of the Unity Academic Alliance (UAA).

UAA provides support and products needed to expand our CSG curricular in areas such as AR, VR, XR, Game Design & Development, New Media, Interactive Arts, Computer Science, and more.

Students in the CSG program are eligible to take the Unity Certified Associate exam at no extra cost to the student, during their senior year. This industry-level certification is designed for future game developers, validating their mastery of core Unity skills and concepts.

Computer Simulation and Gaming Conference

Computer Simulation and Gaming Conference
In addition to interactive class time and research, the Tandy School of Computer Science hosts the annual Computer Simulation and Gaming Conference (CSGC), which aims to brings together students, educators, professionals, and enthusiasts for two-days of STEM learning, innovation, networking, and gaming. CSGC also hosts acclaimed competitions in Game Development & Design and Simulations & Graphics, open to students K-12, college, and indie professionals. For more information please visit csgconf.utulsa.edu

Virtual Reality Nursing Training Sim

The University of Tulsa’s Oxley College of Health Sciences recently reached out to the Tandy school of computer science to enlist our Computer simulation and gaming (CSG) students to develop a Virtual Reality (VR) Nursing training simulation to help nursing students practice and prepare for a variety of nursing scenarios.

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Beyond Gaming

CSG senior Cheyanne Wheat believes that games have the potential for more than just entertainment and has partnered with local museums through the TU Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC), to develop cutting edge virtual experiences.

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Andromeda Trail – Interview with the Creators

Recent CSG graduates Jacob Eddy and Zachary Reyes share their experience in developing the game Andromeda Trails as part of their senior project.

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  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Simulation and Gaming

    1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

    2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

    3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

    4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

    5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

    6. Design and Develop functional simulations and games that demonstrate good gameplay and game mechanics.

  • Degree Options

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    Design technologies such as advanced scientific simulators, virtual reality environments and computer games.

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    Develop technologies such as advanced scientific simulators, virtual reality environments and computer games.

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    Students from other disciplines may minor in computer simulation and gaming design.


    See Computer Science Undergraduate Degrees



  • CSG Courses By Option

    The Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) degree program offer students a design option and development option. Both options include a minor in Computer Science. The development option includes an additional mathematics minor while the design option includes an art minor.

    Below is an outline of the core CSG course for each option.

    Design Option Development Option
    Game Design Concepts Game Design Concepts
    Intro to Game Programming Intro to Game Programming
    Game Assets: 3D Modeling and Animation Exploration of Gaming Technology
    Game Assets: 3D Character Design Game Engine Design
    Game Level Design Game Level Design
    Portfolio and Professional Development Portfolio and Professional Development
    Game Development & Production Game Development & Production
    Game Development & Production II Game Development & Production II

    CSG students take an additional 9 credit hours of CSG courses at the 3000 level or higher.

  • Professional Opportunities

    The field of Computer Simulation and Gaming extends beyond the video game industry and students who graduate from this program can expect to find careers in the following fields:

    • Video Game Development and Design
    • Special Effects and Digital Productions
    • Aerospace and Automotive
    • Museums Arts and Entertainment
    • Training and Development
  • Student Organizations

    We encourage students to collaborate and network with peers outside of the classroom by joining CSG or related student organizations such as:

    • Tulsa University Game Designers (TUGD) is a student chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and aims to bring together computer scientists, artists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs with a passion for developing unique and original games. For more information on TUGD join their discord at https://discord.gg/NsWeG5A
    • Esports at the University of Tulsa, the university has an ever-growing esports community consisting of several different teams and made up of students from all over campus. To join a team or to support one, become a member of  their discord for the latest information https://discord.gg/mZHRnBg
  • Fun Facts on Gaming

    The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) annually releases the essential facts guide outlining many statistics regarding games and the people who play them.

    man and women playing video games
    – Average player age is between 35-44 years old
    46% of all gamers are women
    Women over 18 play more games than boys under 18.
    75% of American households have at least one gamer
    Casual games make up for 71% of all game sales