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Program checklist · B.S.

Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences B.S.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy, NY

A checklist is the list of requirements to complete this program and receive the award, as the college publishes it in its catalog. It is the same for everyone. It does not say what you have completed; that comes from applying your own record.

Program
Award
B.S.
Credential class
ceterms:BachelorDegree
Catalog edition
Rensselaer Catalog 2026-2027
Checklist type
degree-program
Description
Return to: Programs Learning Outcomes: Students who graduate from this program will: Work effectively in goal-oriented game development teams and have well-developed leadership and management skills. Have a strong sense of “procedural literacy” (how to construct, analyze, and manage processes). Be fluent in at least one programming or scripting language used in the production of interactive games or interfaces, and be an expert in at least one game development platform. Have the ability to produce written, oral, and visual communication that clearly expresses their ideas. Understand basic psychological theories of human perception, learning, social interaction, and play. Have a basic foundation in mathematics and the physical, biological, and social sciences, including an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry. Have a solid portfolio of research, writing samples, and/or creative works to illustrate their ability and work experience.
Identifiers
IPEDS UNITID
194824
CourseShelf checklist
CK_194824_b3ce4a43
CollegeTransfer.Net
Institution Transfer Profile
Source
CourseShelf publish 61

Requirements to complete

Every course or condition the catalog lists, in the catalog's order.

The RPI Experience

0 items

    First Year

    0 items

      Fall

      4 items
      1. GSAS 1040
        Introduction to Game Art
        Not resolved to a course
        4
      2. GSAS 2510
        Introduction to Game Design
        Not resolved to a course
        4
      3. CSCI 1100
        Computer Science I
        Not resolved to a course
        4
      4. MATH 1010
        Calculus I
        Not resolved to a course
        or: MATH 1500 - Calculus for Architecture, Management, and HASS
        4

      Spring

      4 items
      1. CSCI 1200
        Data Structures
        Not resolved to a course
        or: GSAS Concentration Course (all other concentrations)
        4
      2. GSAS 2540
        Introduction to Game Programming
        Not resolved to a course
        4
      3. GSAS 1600
        History and Culture of Games
        Not resolved to a course
        4
      4. Math Elective
        Not resolved to a course
        4

      Second Year

      0 items

        Fall

        4 items
        1. PHYS 1100
          Physics I (M)
          Not resolved to a course
          or: PHYS 1050 - General Physics
          4
        2. GSAS 4520
          Game Development I
          Not resolved to a course
          4
        3. GSAS Concentration Course
          Not resolved to a course
          4
        4. GSAS Concentration Course
          Not resolved to a course
          4

        Spring

        5 items
        1. ADMN 1030
          Career Exploration
          Not resolved to a course
          0
        2. GSAS 4540
          Game Development II
          Not resolved to a course
          4
        3. GSAS Concentration Course​
          Not resolved to a course
          4
        4. GSAS Concentration Course​
          Not resolved to a course
          4
        5. HASS Core Elective
          Not resolved to a course
          4

        Third Year

        0 items

          Fall

          6 items
          1. ILEA 4400
            The Discovery
            Not resolved to a course
            0
          2. HASS Core Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          3. GSAS Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          4. Science Core Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          5. GSAS 4510
            Experimental Game Design
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          6. or Free Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4

          Spring

          6 items
          1. GSAS Concentration Course​
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          2. Science Core Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          3. GSAS Concentration Course​
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          4. HASS Core Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          5. GSAS 4510
            Experimental Game Design
            Not resolved to a course
            4
          6. or Free Elective
            Not resolved to a course
            4

          Fourth Year

          0 items

            Fall

            5 items
            1. HASS Core Elective
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            2. GSAS Concentration Course​
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            3. Free Elective
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            4. GSAS 4990
              GSAS Capstone
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            5. or Free Elective
              Not resolved to a course
              4

            Spring

            5 items
            1. GSAS Concentration Course
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            2. GSAS Concentration Course
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            3. HASS Core Elective
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            4. GSAS 4990
              GSAS Capstone
              Not resolved to a course
              4
            5. or Free Elective
              Not resolved to a course
              4

            Concentrations

            0 items

              Cognitive Science

              11 items
              1. COGS 2120
                Introduction to Cognitive Science
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              2. COGS 4420
                Game AI
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              3. CSCI 2300
                Introduction to Algorithms
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              4. INQR 1140
                Minds and Machines
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              5. PSYC 4110
                Motivation and Performance
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              6. PSYC 4370
                Cognitive Psychology
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              7. *The following courses are acceptable substitutions for INQR-1140:
                Not resolved to a course
              8. INQR 1220
                IT and Society
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              9. INQR 1235
                Are Humans Rational?
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              10. PHIL 2100
                Critical Thinking
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              11. PHIL 1110
                Introduction to Philosophy
                Not resolved to a course
                4

              Choose one of the following

              Choose 1 of the following · Choose one of the following · 2 items
              1. PSYC 4330
                Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              2. PSYC 4410
                Sensation and Perception
                Not resolved to a course
                4

              Choose two of the following

              Choose 2 of the following · Choose two of the following · 2 items
              1. COGS 4640
                Intelligent Virtual Agents
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              2. or an approved COGS topics course by department (if offered)
                Not resolved to a course

              Computer Science

              6 items
              1. CSCI 2800
                Computer Architecture & Operating Systems (CAOS)
                Not resolved to a course
                or: ECSE 2660 - Computer Architecture, Networks, and Operating Systems
                4
              2. CSCI 2200
                Foundations of Computer Science
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              3. CSCI 2300
                Introduction to Algorithms
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              4. CSCI 2600
                Principles of Software
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              5. 4000 Level CSCI Course
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              6. 4000 Level CSCI Course
                Not resolved to a course
                4

              Choose Three Courses

              Choose 3 of the following · Choose Three Courses · 8 items
              1. CSCI 4530
                Advanced Computer Graphics
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              2. CSCI 4550
                Interactive Visualization
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              3. CSCI 4560
                Computational Geometry
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              4. COGS 4420
                Game AI
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              5. COGS 4430
                Learning and Advanced Game AI
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              6. COGS 4640
                Intelligent Virtual Agents
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              7. GSAS 4530
                Computer Graphics for Games
                Not resolved to a course
                4
              8. GSAS 4550
                Game Architecture
                Not resolved to a course
                4

              Visual Art and Animation

              0 items

                Foundations

                Choose 1 of the following · Choose one course: · 8 items
                1. Choose one course:
                  Not resolved to a course
                2. ARTS 1020
                  Digital Imaging
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. ARTS 1200
                  Basic Drawing
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. ARTS 1220
                  Fundamentals of 2D Design
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. Take all of the following:
                  Not resolved to a course
                6. ARTS 1050
                  Art in Context
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                7. ARTS 2230
                  3D Digital Modeling
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                8. ARTS 4070
                  3D Animation
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                Studio Art Breadth Electives

                11 items
                1. ARTS 1030
                  Digital Filmmaking
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. ARTS 2040
                  Intermediate Digital Imaging
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. ARTS 2060
                  2D Experimental Animation
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. ARTS 2070
                  Graphic Storytelling
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. ARTS 2200
                  Intermediate Drawing
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                6. ARTS 2210
                  Sculpture I
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                7. ARTS 4200
                  Advanced Drawing
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                8. ARTS 4220
                  Painting
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                9. ARTS 4260
                  Life Drawing and Anatomy for Artists
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                10. ARTS 4280
                  3D Technical Direction
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                11. ARTS 4860
                  Advanced Digital Imaging
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                Depth Electives

                11 items
                1. ARTS 2060
                  2D Experimental Animation
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. ARTS 4020
                  Advanced Digital 3D Projects
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. ARTS 4060
                  3D Visual Effects
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. ARTS 4280
                  3D Technical Direction
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. ARTS 4460
                  Animation Production
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                6. GSAS 2120
                  Concept Art
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                7. GSAS 4115
                  Environment Art
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                8. GSAS 4125
                  Character Art
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                9. GSAS 4200
                  Lighting, Rendering, & Cinematography
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                10. GSAS 4230
                  Game Animation
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                11. GSAS 4270
                  Level Design
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                Management

                9 items
                1. INQR 1200
                  Principles of Economics
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. MGMT 1100
                  Management in the Digital Age
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. MGMT 1260
                  Business Ethics and Law
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. MGMT 2300
                  Financial Accounting in the Digital Age
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. MGMT 2320
                  Managerial Finance
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                6. MGMT 2430
                  Marketing Principles
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                7. MGMT 2510
                  Introduction to Data Management and Analytics
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                8. MGMT 4850
                  Organizational Behavior in High Performance Organizations
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                9. MGMT 4870
                  Strategy and Policy
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                Writing

                5 items
                1. COMM 2520
                  Communication Theory and Practice
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. GSAS 4240
                  Writing for Games I
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. GSAS 4250
                  Writing for Games II
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. GSAS 4260
                  Game Narrative Design
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. ANY 4000
                  level COMM course
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                select four courses

                Choose 4 of the following · select four courses · 6 items
                1. ARTS 2070
                  Graphic Storytelling
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. COMM 4320
                  Visual Poetics and Narrative
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. COMM 4780
                  Interactive Narrative
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. LITR 2110
                  Introduction to Literature
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. WRIT 2320
                  Creative Nonfiction Writing
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                6. WRIT 2330
                  Creative Writing: Short Story
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                Music

                7 items
                1. ARTS 1380
                  Fundamentals of Music and Sound
                  Not resolved to a course
                  or: 4 additional credits of Music coursework from the concentration if student is approved to skip ARTS 1380
                  4
                2. ARTS 2020
                  Music and Technology I
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. ARTS 2380
                  Music and Sound I
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. ARTS 2700
                  Sound Recording and Production I
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. ARTS 4160
                  Music and Technology II
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                6. ARTS 4380
                  Music and Sound II
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                7. GSAS 2610
                  Designing Musical Games
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                select one course

                Choose 1 of the following · select one course · 5 items
                1. ARTS 2180
                  Deep Listening
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. ARTS 4180
                  Topics in Deep Listening
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. ARTS 4390
                  Composition Seminar
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. ARTS 4700
                  Sound Recording and Production II
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. ARTS 4880
                  Interdisciplinary Research Seminar
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                select one course

                Choose 1 of the following · select one course · 11 items
                1. ARTS 2500
                  Histories of Western Music
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                2. ARTS 2510
                  Histories of Jazz and Improvised Music
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                3. ARTS 2520
                  World Music
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                4. ARTS 2540
                  The Multimedia Century
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                5. ARTS 2550
                  Popular Music and Society
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                6. ARTS 2560
                  Game Sound and Musical Play
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                7. ARTS 2570
                  Music, Sound, & the Environment
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                8. ARTS 4440
                  Music, Sound & Screen Media
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                9. ARTS 4500
                  Topics in the History and Analysis of Music
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                10. GSAS 2560
                  Game Sound and Musical Play
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4
                11. GSAS 4440
                  Music, Sound & Screen Media
                  Not resolved to a course
                  4

                Footnotes

                0 items
                  Source. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, catalog Rensselaer Catalog 2026-2027 — https://catalog.rpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=34&poid=10070&returnto=938. Captured page pages/0076.html.gz. Assembled from the institution's published catalog as captured; every record names its captured page and source URL. Assembled, not asserted.