SMU Offers 5-Year Masters in Comp Sci Plus Gaming -- Campus Technology

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SMU Offers 5-Year Masters in Comp Sci Plus Gaming

By Paul McCloskey
05/22/07

Southern Methodist University is the latest campus to embrace computer gaming as a degree program.

SMU said it will offer a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in video game development within five years. SMU will also offer an option for students to receive a bachelor's degree in fine arts and a master's degree in video game development.

Maggie Dunham, professor of computer science, said she uses games to keep her engineering classes relevant. She added that students learn quickly that earning a degree in software engineering requires more than play. While students generally enjoy games, Dunham said the program requires knowledge and work.

While other schools do offer undergraduate courses in game design, lecturer and undergraduate advisor Mark Fontenot said SMU offers the best program because it is not wholly focused on game development. Since students earn a complete bachelor of science in computer science degree, Fontenot said they experience "a better body of knowledge" to carry with them into their careers.

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Paul McCloskey is contributing editor of Syllabus.

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