Why Pursue a Degree in Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG)?
I recently came across an article that lays out several compelling reasons why students should consider a degree in game design. The article really resonated with me, given that I am the program coordinator for our Computer Simulation & Gaming (CSG) program at The University of Tulsa.
The first point the article highlights is the importance of building a strong portfolio. While the game industry often values a great portfolio over a degree, the question remains: how does one create a good portfolio?
In our CSG program, we offer an entire course dedicated to helping students develop an industry-ready portfolio. We’re also honest with our students, your favorite project may not always be your best work. And even your best work may need revisions to meet the high standards of industry professionals. Through critical feedback and mentorship, we guide students in curating a portfolio that truly stands out in competitive interviews.
Access to hardware and software is also a major benefit of a formal program. Coming from a lower socioeconomic background myself, I know I wouldn’t have had access to the tools needed for game development without going to university. Not all our students have a PC that can run the latest Unreal Engine without crashing; that is why they have access to our dedicated CSG lab. Our XR studio provides students access to a variety of technologies that can be out of reach to many individuals, from virtual reality (VR) headsets to full Virtual Production equipment, including an LED wall.
Cormac Bulmer, Brandon Parks and Blaine Grimes explore virtual reality in our XR studio.
A common complaint I hear from industry professionals is that academia moves too slowly and that many educators lack direct industry experience. I’ll admit that academia can be slow to adapt. However, as program director, I have the flexibility to update our curriculum and course offerings as needed. When new long-term support (LTS) versions of Unity or Unreal are released, we install them in our labs right away. That sometimes means our educators are learning alongside the students, and that’s intentional. We’re not just teaching software; we’re teaching students how to be continuous learners because today’s tools will inevitably be replaced by tomorrow’s innovations.
While not all of our faculty have worked directly in the game industry, they bring valuable experience from closely related fields. We also work with industry professionals to ensure our curriculum stays relevant. Their input helps shape our program, and their guest talks and networking sessions give students a window into current trends and real-world expectations.
One thing the article didn’t mention, but something we strongly emphasize in our program is collaboration. As Tracy Fullerton notes in The Game Design Workshop, “Game production can be one of the most intense, collaborative processes you’ll ever experience.” Building a game on your own is a valuable learning experience, but working as part of a large, multidisciplinary team toward a shared vision is an entirely different challenge. In our CSG senior production course, the entire class operates like a real game studio. Each student takes on a defined role, some even step into leadership positions, and they work together across disciplines, from coding to art to audio. It’s a realistic, demanding, and incredibly rewarding experience that mirrors the dynamics of professional game development.
CSG students working with their teams
Can you get into the industry without a degree? Maybe. However, if you want to get there faster or move into adjacent industries like VFX or Simulations, a degree can give you a major head start.
While our program may not be as widely known as some other institutions, the Computer Simulation & Gaming (CSG) program at The University of Tulsa is committed to providing students with everything they need to be successful in this ever-growing, multi-billion-dollar industry.
