2023-2024

Immersive Media and Games, Bachelor of Science

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

While it's easy to dismiss gaming as, well, fun and games, top-tier video games are Herculean engineering and artistic feats. For the last three decades advances in graphics hardware and software have been driven largely by the video game industry. Games can be composed of thousands of lines of code that incorporate physics, optics, color, linear algebra, simulation, parallel computing, and advanced software engineering. Similarly, the creative assets that make up a game often include three-dimensional models, painted textures, 2D and 3D animation, music, motion-captured acting performances, and voice acting that can represent gigabytes or even terabytes of assets for a single title that must be managed and rendered through clever data structures and algorithms. A subset of gaming called "serious games" apply video game principles and technology to areas like defense, education, scientific exploration, and healthcare. An exemplar in this area, EndeavorRx was approved by the FDA in June 2020 as the first video game to treat a health disorder.

The Immersive Media and Games program builds on core coursework in art, programming, and immersive media production. This program uses a blend of existing and new coursework in Computer Science, Art, and Visual Communications to provide students with specialized training in computer graphics, computer animation, immersive media production, modern game engines, and game production workflows.

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • 45 units of preprofessional requirements.
  • 30 units of professional/major courses.
  • 9 units of directed electives.
  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 226
University Honors Program Optional
Some online/blended coursework Required
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

While it's easy to dismiss gaming as, well, fun and games, top-tier video games are Herculean engineering and artistic feats. For the last three decades advances in graphics hardware and software have been driven largely by the video game industry. Games can be composed of thousands of lines of code that incorporate physics, optics, color, linear algebra, simulation, parallel computing, and advanced software engineering. Similarly, the creative assets that make up a game often include three-dimensional models, painted textures, 2D and 3D animation, music, motion-captured acting performances, and voice acting that can represent gigabytes or even terabytes of assets for a single title that must be managed and rendered through clever data structures and algorithms. A subset of gaming called "serious games" apply video game principles and technology to areas like defense, education, scientific exploration, and healthcare. An exemplar in this area, EndeavorRx was approved by the FDA in June 2020 as the first video game to treat a health disorder.

The Immersive Media and Games program builds on core coursework in art, programming, and immersive media production. This program uses a blend of existing and new coursework in Computer Science, Art, and Visual Communications to provide students with specialized training in computer graphics, computer animation, immersive media production, modern game engines, and game production workflows.

Graduates of this program will be well prepared to enter the gaming, visualization, and entertainment industries as immersive media producers, game designers, software developers, and technical directors. Further, our students will be well prepared to continue into graduate studies in traditional programs at NAU (e.g., a Master of Science in Computer Science or a Master of Fine Arts) or to join some of the top graduate programs in gaming and visualization across the country.

Student Learning Outcomes

Problem-solving
  • The ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex visualization, simulation, and game world problems by applying principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Design
  • The ability to apply software engineering, visualization, and CHI principles and practices in gaming and immersive media design.
Communication
  • The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences through oral, written, and visual language.
Teamwork
  • The ability to work collaboratively on diverse and inclusive teams.
Ethics and Cultural Awareness
  • The ability to design solutions that consider the ethical, economic, and social impacts of games and immersive media.
Conceptual and Critical Thinking
  • The ability to be a critical thinker able to collaborate with an interdisciplinary mindset to conceive, execute, and produce original products/content.

Major Requirements

  • This major requires 84 units distributed as follows:

    • Preprofessional requirements (45 units)
      • Art (12 units)
      • Computer Science (16 units)
      • Math (7 units)
      • Science (4 units)
      • Human Behavior (9 units)
    • Professional/Major courses (30 units)
    • Additional Electives (9 units)


    Take the following 84 units:

  • Professional Requirements (30 units):

    *Inclusion of this course is pending General Studies Committee and Curriculum Committee approvals.

  • Required courses must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better. No more than one "D" is allowed in electives. Six units of letter-graded individulized study (IMG 485 or IMG 497) may be used to meet degree requirements.

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your faculty mentor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

    You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.