Drury launching gaming degree

To prepare students to enter a $90 billion worldwide industry, Drury University this fall plans to launch a computer science degree in video game development.

The program would prepare students for jobs requiring computer science knowledge, with additional study hours in game development and media arts, according to a news release.

“Drury’s liberal arts setting is perfect for a game development degree,” said Carol Browning, professor of mathematics and computer science, in the release. “Games require more than just coding knowledge – they also encompass narrative techniques, art, music, 3-D modeling and artificial intelligence.”

According to the release, the majority of game development programs are on the coasts, and the Midwest is lagging behind.

“From mobile games to apps that challenge us to eat healthier or exercise more to new hardware such as Fitbit and virtual reality headsets – games are everywhere and we want our graduates to be among those contributing to this robust field,” said Beth Harville, dean of the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, in the release.