Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is taking gaming to the next level with its new Bachelor of Science in game development, launching fall 2025. Designed for students passionate about joining the over $100 billion video game industry, this program blends technical expertise with creative storytelling, preparing graduates for careers at major studios like Sony, Microsoft, Activision, Bethesda, Ubisoft, Riot and more.
Students will gain hands-on experience in game-specific programming, working with game development engines like Unity and designing immersive gameplay experiences. The curriculum includes courses such as Rapid Game Prototyping, Game Theory and Mixed Reality Game Development, offering a deep dive into both the technical and artistic aspects of game development. Students in the game development program will learn computer science skills far beyond just gaming, with courses about programming, algorithms, software engineering and machine learning. Students have opportunities to build their own projects and will graduate with a portfolio to showcase their creativity and skills to employers.
Tell me more about computer science
“I am excited to see students bring their ideas to life,” said Ethan Chou, department of computer science instructor. “The thought that I might one day play a game developed by our students is incredibly exciting. This program will open doors for the next generation of game creators.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the video game industry continues to flourish, with projections indicating a 17% increase in employment for software developers, including game developers, through 2033. With the demand for software developers on the rise, SEMO’s new game development degree comes at the perfect time.
Students pursuing a game development degree at SEMO may also be interested in minoring in Esports. The Esports minor requires 15 hours in classes like Esports Management and Esports Marketing. SEMO’s Esports club is open to all students of any major, but minoring in Esports is an excellent option for students that want to immerse themselves in video game culture even further. The club provides students with an opportunity to participate in competitive gaming, collaborate on projects, and refine skills in areas like event management, coaching and content creation.
SEMO’s game development degree will equip students with the tools to turn their passion into a career. For more information about this new program, visit semo.edu/gamedevelopment.