
University of California-Santa Cruz · Computational Media Department, Baskin Engineering
Computer Science: Computer Game Design
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game Design
Overview
A B.S. administered by the Computational Media Department combining a computer science and computer engineering core with game design, visual communication and team-oriented game production. Students qualify for the major through foundation courses with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
- Official program title
- Computer Science: Computer Game Design
- Exact award
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game DesignSource: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Degree level
- Bachelor's
- Discipline
- Degree type
- Dedicated degree
- School and department
- Source: engineering.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Location
- Santa Cruz, CA
Why this program is listed
Dedicated B.S. in Computer Science: Computer Game Design.
Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list dedicated game degrees and officially named game concentrations at institutionally accredited US schools. Eligibility rules
Format, length and attendance
- Delivery
- On campusClasses meet on campus.Classes meet on campus.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Campus attendance
- Regular campus attendanceClasses meet on campus (campus and hybrid programs).
- Study intensity
- Not published
- Duration
- Not verified
- Credits
- Not verified
Entry routes
- First-year entry. Open to first-time college students (freshman admission).Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Transfer entry. Admits students transferring credits from another college.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
- Prerequisite courses
- RequiredTransfer students must complete calculus, discrete mathematics and programming screening courses with a 2.8 GPA.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Curriculum
Core in computer science and mathematics; game design and development courses including Game Development Experience, Game Development Patterns and Game Systems; electives such as Game AI and Game Graphics and Real-Time Rendering; and a two-quarter comprehensive sequence (Rapid Prototyping and Game Design Studio).
Game design topics
- Game design and development courses: Foundations of Video Game Design, Game Development Experience, Game Development Patterns, User Interface and User Experience Design, Game Systems.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Programming content
- Upper-division electives such as Game AI, Game Graphics and Real-Time Rendering and procedural content generation.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Production and team projects
- Team-oriented game production.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Capstone
- Two-quarter comprehensive sequence: Rapid Prototyping and Game Design Studio.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Hardware and software requirements
No hardware or software requirement published on the pages we checked.
Admissions and portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio policy not published
The school's pages we checked do not state a portfolio policy for this program. That does not mean no portfolio is required — ask the admissions office.
- Minimum GPA
- RequiredMinimum 2.8 — Major qualification: 2.8 GPA in foundation courses attempted at UC Santa Cruz.Source: catalog.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026
Tests
SAT/ACT and English-language test policy: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate admission chances. How to prepare a game design portfolio
Start dates and deadlines
Application deadlines: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
Tuition and costs
| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| In-state — Undergraduate entering students, tuition and fees (estimate), Fall, Winter and SpringFrom the school-wide rate table for this level | $17,439 | per academic year · 2026-2027Includes feesSource: financialaid.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| Out-of-state — Non-Resident Tuition (charged in addition to tuition and fees)From the school-wide rate table for this level | $39,270 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: financialaid.ucsc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Scholarships, assistantships and funding
Program-specific funding: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
Accreditation and authorization
Institutional accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) — accreditedSource: ope.ed.gov · verified October 12, 2026
Programmatic accreditation
None verified for this program. Game design degrees do not require one specific specialized accreditation.
International applicants
Not verified for this program.
Sources and verification
- catalog.ucsc.edu/en/current/general-catalog/academic-units/baskin-engineering/computational-media/co — Official catalog / bulletin, verified October 12, 2026
- engineering.ucsc.edu/departments/computational-media/degree-programs/ — Official program page, verified October 12, 2026
- financialaid.ucsc.edu/managing-aid/budget-cost-to-attend/ — Official tuition and fees page, verified October 12, 2026
- DAPIP — WSCUC institutional accreditation record (data files downloaded 2026-10-12) — U.S. Department of Education dataset (IPEDS / DAPIP), verified October 12, 2026
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Similar programs at other schools
Same degree level and primary field. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
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