Note: The "Video Game Design and Management" minor is being updated effective Fall 2022. The new minor is called "Video Game Production", and will have adjusted requirements. If you have declared a Video Game Design and Management minor prior to Fall 2022, please reach out to itpadvising@usc.edu for your remaining requirements, or if you have any questions or concerns. multiple paragraphs.

Video Game Design and Management

Design levels, gameplay, and mechanics and learn the storytelling methods used by professionals in the video game industry.

Skills

Level design
UI design
Game mechanics
Project management
Usability testing

Careers

Game Designer
Tester
Producer

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 (16-18 units)

Complete One of The Following (2-4 units):

ITP-230x “Video Game Quality Assurance” (4 units)
ITP-499* "Video Game Production" (2 units)

Core Requirements (10 units):

ITP-392 “Designing and Producing Video Games” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-230 or ITP-280]
CTIN-404L “Usability Testing for Games” (2 units)
CTIN-488 “Game Design Workshop” (4 units)

Electives (4 units):

ITP-230x “Video Game Quality Assurance” (4 units)
ITP-499* "Video Game Production" (2 units)
ITP-491 “Level Design and Development for Video Games” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-230 or ITP-280]
CTIN-458 “Business and Management of Games” (2 units)
CTIN-478 “Level Design Workshop” (2 units)
CTIN-497 “Interactive Media Startup” (1 unit)

If you register for ITP-499 "Video Game Production" (2 units), please reach out to an advisor at itpadvising@usc.edu. This class will not automatically appear on your STARS report and will have to be manually added.

Specialization (8-10 units)

Complete One of The Following (2-4 units):

ITP-230x “Video Game Quality Assurance” (4 units)
ITP-499* "Video Game Production" (2 units)

Electives (6 units):

ITP-230x “Video Game Quality Assurance” (4 units)
ITP-499* "Video Game Production" (2 units)
ITP-392 “Designing and Producing Video Games” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-230 or ITP-280]
ITP-491 “Level Design and Development for Video Games” (4 units) [prerequisite: ITP-230 or ITP-280]
CTIN-404L “Usability Testing for Games” (2 units)
CTIN-458 “Business and Management of Games” (2 units)
CTIN-478 “Level Design Workshop” (2 units)
CTIN-488 “Game Design Workshop” (4 units)
CTIN-497 “Interactive Media Startup” (1 unit)

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.

Download course planPDF

"Through the VGDM minor, I was able to learn from esteemed faculty who have had valuable years in the industry. Under them, I learned how to apply my personal love for games in the professional fields. "

-Kobe Huang, Business Administration

Class of 2021

What our students and alumni say

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.

Complete your application >

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.

Contact our advisors >