The Future is Now with a Virtual Reality and Gaming Degree from Bowie State University

Students Prepared for In-Demand Careers in Immersive Technology and Gaming

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) — For students passionate about blending the technical precision of computer science with the creative expression of visual arts, Bowie State University’s Bachelor of Science in Virtual Reality and Gaming offers an ideal pathway to the future. 

This forward-thinking degree program lays a comprehensive foundation in digital media, design thinking, operating systems, information security and object-oriented programming. Students graduate equipped with both the technical expertise and creative insight necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving virtual reality and gaming industries. 

“As students’ progress in the program, they master a range of technical and creative tools—including programming languages, animation platforms, game engines and immersive technologies — through a carefully designed course sequence ranging from Computer Science I & II to Motion Graphics,” said Dr. Rosemary Shumba, chair of the computer science department. “After completing the program, students will be able to break down complex computing problems, design new solutions and apply strategic thinking to the gaming and entertainment industries.” 

Bowie State’s Bachelor of Science in Virtual Reality and Gaming prepares students to enter a booming sector projected to reach multibillion-dollar global market status before the decade’s end. But what does that mean in terms of real-world opportunities? 

With an expanding talent gap in immersive technology, Bowie State graduates are poised to meet industry demand head-on. Virtual reality developers are leading this wave, creating and coding applications for headsets, mobile platforms and wearable devices. Blending engineering with imagination, they bring interactive environments to life in real time. 

Virtual reality designers also play a pivotal role, focusing on user-friendly interfaces and seamless motion design to ensure the technology is intuitive and engaging. 

Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue diverse career paths in game development, animation, virtual production and immersive media design. 

“Students in the program gain valuable hands-on experience with industry tools and techniques enabling them to become game developers, 3D artists, virtual production technicians, UX designers, project coordinators and technical specialists across education, entertainment, health and other businesses,” said Dr. Shumba. 

The industry also needs research engineers who specialize in machine learning, computer vision and gesture tracking, as well as virtual reality and gaming product managers who lead cross-functional teams in design, engineering and marketing to bring complex projects to life. 

Across all of these roles, employers seek candidates with expertise in programming languages, software development kits, 3D modeling, animation and real-world spatial mapping. Just as crucial is a deep understanding of user experience design and immersive technologies. 

“When students complete the degree program at Bowie State, they will have the skills needed to solve complex computing challenges, develop creative strategies for the entertainment and gaming industries, and master key technologies like graphic visualization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction and immersion technology,” said Dr. Shumba. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.