Southern Methodist University Offers First-of-Its-Kind Video Game Education Program
For Immediate Release
Dallas, TX (May 15, 2007) - The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University and SMU's School of Engineering have launched a first-of-its-kind degree program to offer a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in video game development within five years.
SMU also plans to offer a similar program from the university's Meadows School of the Arts soon where students will receive a bachelor's degree in fine arts and a master's degree in video game development.
"Since opening our doors in 2003, high school seniors from across the country have been inquiring as to how they can get into our program," said Dr. Peter Raad, executive director, The Guildhall at SMU. "Our program has a 95 percent placement rate and our graduates work for more than 60 video game companies around the world. If a high school senior's goal is to someday work in the video game industry, SMU is the right place for them."
Students in the program first come to the SMU main campus to complete their general education curriculum requirements and their major requirements within the School of Engineering, then move to the Plano campus to join The Guildhall at SMU in the last semester of their senior year. While at the Plano campus, students concurrently finish their undergraduate degrees and start the master's program by replacing their senior electives and some cultural formations credits with their coursework at The Guildhall at SMU.
"The field of digital interactive media is of great importance to students studying computer science and engineering at SMU," said Dr. Hesham El-Rewini, chair of the SMU computer science and engineering department. "We are proud to be a part of this trail-blazing offering to our students."
Dr. Maggie Dunham, professor of computer science, uses games to keep topics relevant in her engineering classes, but said students quickly learn that earning a degree in software engineering requires more than simple play. At the undergraduate level, students learn all aspects of computer science. Upon moving to The Guildhall at SMU, teams focus on game design and work together to complete projects. While students generally enjoy games, Dunham said the program requires knowledge and work.
Dunham said parents soon realize the education their children will receive can help them in computer animation, government jobs and much more than just gaming. She is excited about the program and considers SMU's the best of its type.
Lecturer and Undergraduate Adviser Mark Fontenot in the School of Engineering said incoming students already know about the program and ask about it during advising appointments. He said program candidates do not need a background in gaming, but they should have an interest in game design.
While other schools do offer undergraduate courses in game design, Fontenot said SMU offers the best program because it is not wholly focused on game development. Since students earn a complete bachelor of science in computer science degree, Fontenot said they experience "a better body of knowledge" to carry with them into their careers.
"What we do is prepare our graduate students for fantasy jobs in the real world," Dr. Raad said. "Now we can offer high school students two great programs; a bachelor's of science in computer science from a great engineering school and a master's in interactive technology from the nation's premier graduate video game education program."
High school students interested in the program can get more information by contacting the SMU School of Engineering at 214.768.3041.
About The Guildhall at SMU: The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University is the premier graduate video game education program in the United States. The program offers a graduate certificate and master's degree in interactive technology. The program has a 95 percent placement rate and its graduates work for more than 60 of the world's leading video game companies. Admission information is available at www.guildhall.smu.edu
Contact: Ron Jenkins
(972) 473-3546
jenkinsr@smu.edu