University of Utah

The Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) Program at the University of Utah is a top-ranked program in video game education and research and is a national leader in the nascent discipline of games. The program is contributing to the definition of a new interdisciplinary informatics field that deeply integrates art, humanities, social science and computational research and practice. Our diverse faculty have expertise in every facet of game creation, and we have consulted with top industry professionals to build a one-of-a-kind learning experience in game development.

Currently, we offer the following degree programs: 

Bachelor of Science in Games
The B.S. in Games (BSG) degree is intended specifically for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field, such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization, and is designed to prepare our students to compete in an increasingly complex industry. The BSG prepares students with skills applicable to the development of entertainment software, games-based learning environments for K-12 students, professional task-training tools, serious games for health, and scientific collaboration or other contexts addressing compelling societal needs. This degree provides a technical grounding in mathematics and computational skills, core knowledge in the design and production of digital playable experiences, and specialization options that prepare students for technical supervision, tools development and overall game design. 

Minor in Games
The Minor in Games is intended for any student, regardless of discipline, interested in the study of game development. The degree requires a total of 24 credit hours, with a minimum of 12 upper division hours. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Entertainment Arts and Engineering Emphasis
Offered in conjunction with the School of Computing, a key characteristic of the program is its interdisciplinary nature. As the digital entertainment industry continuously grows, employers are focusing on students who understand both sides of the industry, whether it is computer science students with additional game arts skills, game artists with computing skills, or game producers with varying specializations. This EAE specialization offers cutting edge courses designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers as video game engineers and expressing themselves using digital media, including courses covering video game design and development, 3D animation, and computer-generated special effects, in addition to the full Computer Science curriculum. 

Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Arts, Entertainment Arts and Engineering Emphasis (No Longer Accepting New Students)
All requirements of the general Film & Media Arts degree must be met and you should review those requirements. Computer Science and Art courses taken for the EAE focus will be counted towards your allied hours requirement. Students are encouraged to speak to an academic advisor regularly during their academic careers. 

Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering
Students enrolled in the Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering degree program (MEAE) are typically interested in careers in interactive entertainment, and our curriculum is built with this goal in mind. Not only do we offer students a world-class education from a leading research university, but we also offer the opportunity to develop and enhance a professional game portfolio through our “studio simulation” projects courses. 

Dual MBA/MEAE Degree
This three-year, 84-credit-hour curriculum will have students designing, creating, and ultimately publishing their games through EAE’s studio simulation program, but with the MBA/MEAE dual degree, students will also acquire the necessary business skills to start or run game-centric businesses.