Overview

The Computer Science: Computer Game Design programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides a rigorous technical foundation for students aspiring to excel in the interactive entertainment industry. This bachelor degree integrates complex software engineering principles with narrative and artistic design to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of modern gaming systems. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive practical application.

Why Computer Science: Computer Game Design at University of California, Santa Cruz?

University of California, Santa Cruz is consistently recognised as one of the premier public institutions for game design in the United States. The Wall Street Journal has ranked the university as the second-best public institution in the nation for high-paying engineering roles. Students gain access to the Baskin Engineering environment, where they participate in an intensive, year-long game project sequence during their final year to build a professional-grade portfolio.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers the essential technical and creative components of game construction. Modules may include:

Computer Game Design
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Algorithms
Systems
Programming
Game Project

Careers with Computer Science: Computer Game Design

Graduates from University of California, Santa Cruz are well-equipped for diverse roles within the global technology and entertainment sectors. The programme prepares students for specialised positions such as gameplay engineers, technical artists, and computer game producers. Additionally, the strong technical foundation enables alumni to pursue successful careers in broader fields, including web development, animation, graphics programming, and general software engineering.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Game Technologies

User Experience for Interactive Media

Generative Design

Interactive Storytelling

Creating Digital Audio

Algorithmic Music for Games

Game Graphics and Real-Time Rendering

Game Engines

Creative Strategies for Designing Interactive Media

Human-Centered Design Research

Computational Models

Computability and Computational Complexity

Comparative Programming Languages

Parallel and Concurrent Programming

Software Design Project

Mobile Applications

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Game Design Computer Sciences Software Engineering View 261 other Bachelors in Game Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Computer Science: Computer Game Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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