Computer Science Degrees with Gaming Focus?

One of my employees has an AAS in Computer Science from the local community college and is looking to return to school to complete a BS. He would like to complete a CS program with an emphasis on games. I'd like to keep a talented employee around, at least for a little while longer, so I'd like to offer to support him in a DL-based program. Is there such a beast as a gaming-focused distance learning-delivered computer science degree program out there? Cost is a factor, but content is the most important one.

Thanks!

 

Art Institutes Online (DETC) www.aionline.edu
Full Sail University (ACCSCT) www.fullsail.edu
Westwood College (ACCSCT) www.westwoodonline.edu

 

Devry

Devry has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Web Game Programming and a Bachelor's in Game and Simulation Programming and I believe both programs can be completed at a distance.http://www.devry.edu/online-options/online-programs.jsp
The Game and Simulation in particular looks like an interesting program. http://www.devry.edu/degree-programs/college-engineering-information-sciences/game-and-simulation-programming-about.jsp
Devry is a "for profit school", but they are regionally accredited. I've known a number of graduates who were very happy with the education they received, but it may not be as cheap as a state school.

 

The first one that came to mind was Full Sail, as Ted mentioned above, however I was surprised to learn that they are "only" ACCSCT accredited. That would definitely be a negative point beside them, even though they are fairly well known among gamers as being a top "game design school", ex I remember seeing articles featuring them in gaming magazines like EGM a few years ago.

Also IIRC, Full Sail is quite expensive.

 

Dakota State:

http://www.dsu.edu/majors-programs/bis-computer-game-design.aspx

Edit: Never mind. That particular program isn't offered through DL.

 

USQ has a course CSC3418 as part of their bachelor programs.

 

Bellevue has a interesting program in this area, a BS in Gaming and Simulation:

http://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/undergraduate/gaming%2Dsimulation%2Dbs/

 

My current school, Academy of Art University (I'm taking the MFA on campus) has a BFA in Game Design (you can take it online or on campus):

http://www.academyart.edu/game-design-school/bfa_program.html

Academy of Art University is RA and, although is "for profit" is one of the most prestigious school in Animation and Visual Effects in the country (I had classes with teachers from Pixar and Lucasfilms, for example).

It's a very good school, but REALLY expansive.

ANother option is the main competitor of my college, SCAD. They're also a very prestigious for-profit art school and they have a BFA in Interactive Design and Game Development.

http://www.scad.edu/interactive-design-and-game-development/

 

I'd yield toward Devry also-- Full Sail is too expensive. My cousin dropped out after accumulating 50k+ debt in their florida campus.

 

How about University of Advancing Technology?

Hi -

This school offers a DL B.S. majoring in Game Programming. I believe a DL Master's is also available in this study area.

The school is presently ACICS-accredited and the web-page states that it is currently a Candidate with the Higher Learning Commission and an affiliate of the North Central Association.

They're at www.uat.edu

Johann

 

Thanks to everyone for their input. I will definitely pass these along. Is anyone aware of any other RA options in this area, or am I reaching too far with the gaming specialization?

 

This should make an interesting read, it's from penny de byl (formerly USQ Autralia), now at Breda in the Netherlands. Maybe someone took up her work in Toowoomba.

http://aliveed.com/

 

All of my suggestions (AAU, SCAD, etc...) are RA. I wouldn't do any program that is not RA.