Video Game Programming
Learn how to apply programming techniques to video games. Gain exposure to concepts related to video games including gameplay, graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), in-game physics, and more. You’ll write and debug code and program many different types of 2D and 3D video games. Electives explore concepts such as programming mobile games and writing your own game engine.
Learn about:
Skills
- 3D graphics
- Game algorithms
- Artificial intelligence
- Game engine programming
Careers
- Game Programmer
- Technical Designer
- Game Director
Requirements
- All minors at USC need 16 units that only meet minor requirements and do not meet any other major, minor, or GE requirement.
- All courses completed for your minor or specialization must be completed for a letter grade.
- You must earn a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA in the courses completed for your minor or specialization.
Minor (18 units)
Complete One of the Following (2 units):
- ITP-115 “Programming in Python” (2 units)
- or ITP-116 "Accelerated Programming in Python" (2 units)
- or ITP-165 “Introduction to C++ Programming” (2 units)
Core Requirements (12 units):
- ITP-265 “Object-Oriented Programming” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-115 or ITP-116 or ITP-165]
- ITP-365 “Managing Data in C++” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-265]
- ITP-380 “Video Game Programming” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-365 or CSCI-104]
Elective (4 units):
- ITP-382 “Mobile Game Development” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-265 or CSCI-103]
- ITP-435 “Professional C++” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-365 or CSCI-104]
- ITP-438 “Advanced Gameplay Programming” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-380]
- ITP-439 “Compiler Development” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-365 or CSCI-104]
- ITP-481 “Game Programming Professional Development” (2 units) [prerequisite: ITP-380]
- ITP-485 “Programming Game Engines” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-380]
- CSCI-491a “Final Game Project” (4 units)
- CSCI-491b “Final Game Project” (2 units)
Specialization (14 units)
Complete One of the Following (2 units):
- ITP-115 “Programming in Python” (2 units)
- or ITP-116 "Accelerated Programming in Python" (2 units)
- or ITP-165 “Introduction to C++ Programming” (2 units)
Core Requirements (12 units):
- ITP-265 “Object-Oriented Programming” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-115 or ITP-116 or ITP-165]
- ITP-365 “Managing Data in C++” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-265]
- ITP-380 “Video Game Programming” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-365 or CSCI-104]
Frequently Asked Questions:
Course Plan
Use the chart below to plan your course schedule to complete your minor. Pay careful attention to prerequisites. Make sure you consult with your major advisor about how best to incorporate the requirements for your minor with your major and general education requirements.
Please contact our academic advisors with questions about course sequencing, departmental clearance and course substitutions.
Next steps
How can I add this program?
Apply online
Current USC students can use our online application to declare a minor or specialization. Your application will be processed within 4 to 9 business days, and you will be notified at your official USC email address of your admission to the program of your choice.
Contact us with questions
If you have a question about the program, you're welcome to write to us or schedule an advisement appointment. We can help you navigate our program requirements and resources and refer you to other offices as needed.
Resources
Advisement
Minors & Specializations
Other Resources