Game Design & Development Program

The Playground offers an extremely diverse certification track for undergraduate and graduate students alike. The core curriculum offers a solid foundation upon which the student will build a "specialization" of elective choices.

Program Options

• Undergraduate Program
• Graduate Program
• Example Tracks

Undergraduate Program

The purpose of the GDD certificate is to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to reach a demonstrated level of competence in game design and development. Course-work towards the certificate in GDD can be used for credit towards the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, its primary purpose is to provide a well-defined target for students who want to advance their knowledge of modern game design and development techniques and work with a variety of professionals, from artists to writers, to bring the vision for an interactive game or media product to life. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the undergraduate degree programs at UNC-Charlotte.

Certification Requirements

The certificate will be awarded upon completion of five to six undergraduate level courses (15-18 credits) in the area of game design and development. Up to a maximum of 6 transfer credits may be applied to the certificate. Course substitutions may be made at the discretion of the GDD Certificate Coordinators. The Certificate requires all courses taken for the certificate to be passed at the C level or above, and a GPA in all certificate courses of 2.5 or above.

The following four courses are required:

• ITCS 4230 - Introduction to Game Design and Development
• ITCS 4231 - Advanced Game Design and Development
• ITCS 4232 - Game Design and Development Studio
• ITCS 4120 - Introduction to Computer Graphics

Take one of the following two-course sequences:

• Graphics (15 Credit Hours)
• ITCS 4120 Introduction to Computer Graphics and
• ITCS 4235 Game Engine Construction

• Artificial Intelligence (18 Credit Hours)
• ITCS 3153 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and
• ITCS 4236 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games

• Computation (18 Credit Hours)
• ITCS 4237 Audio Processing for Entertainment Computing and
• A computation related course approved by the Certificate Coordinators

• Networking (18 Credit Hours)
• ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks and
• A game networking related course approved by the Certificate Coordinators

• Other (15-18 Credit Hours)
• ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks and
• A sequence of two related courses (generally from ITCS/ITIS at the 3000 level or above) approved by the GDD Certificate coordinators.

Two restricted 3 credit hour electives in ITCS/ITIS at the 3000 level or above, which are relevant to games. Students must select one of the following courses or must have any other selection approved by the Certificate coordinators (Dr. Barnes & Dr. Youngblood).

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted into the Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development, students must meet the general University requirements for admission into Undergraduate Certificate Programs. These University-level requirements include:

• An undergraduate degree or admission to an undergraduate degree program at UNC Charlotte
• An application submitted to the Registrar if applicant already holds an undergraduate degree, or to the department offering the program if applicant does not hold an undergraduate degree
• Official transcripts for previous degree(s) and course work
• A Declaration of Program form listing the certificate program

In addition, the program expects a current working knowledge of two higher-level languages, including at least one procedural language; and a familiarity with computer applications. The following minimal background in mathematics is also required: two semesters of calculus and one semester of discrete structures. Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in the computer industry may be able to substitute work experience for specific subject area admission requirements.

Students who anticipate applying Certificate courses toward an undergraduate degree program should seek advice from that program prior to enrolling. Admission to an undergraduate degree program does not ensure admission into a discipline-related certificate program.

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