Degree Combines Game Design With Humanities

Posted on December 30, 2004

For teen gamers this new degree might sound like a dream come true. Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts will offer a four-year undergraduate program in computer game design next year that combines computer science training with humanities courses. The concept is to teach students storytelling skills as well as design skills -- since both are essential to creating exciting games.

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and Southern Methodist University in Dallas offer gaming master's degrees -- but Worcester Polytech is the first to include humanities as part of the major. The International Herald Tribune says the major will include courses "in narrative structure and art theory, along with training in the programming and design tools used by game builders. Students will also take courses in the social and ethical aspects of game design, considering topics like racial stereotyping and the ways in which games depict violence."

Sounds like a great major. Now, if you can just convince your parents...