Program Overview
This 12-credit Game Programming Certificate provides foundational technical knowledge, teamwork experience, and independent learning skills for careers in the video game industry. Students develop expertise in game programming, math, physics, and engine programming techniques through coursework, projects, and research opportunities. The program culminates in an exploration of advanced topics in game development, equipping graduates for success in a rapidly growing and dynamic field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Game Programming Certificate is a 12-credit hour program designed to prepare undergraduate students in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering for careers in the video game industry. It is offered on campus and can be completed in 2-3 semesters. The program aims to provide students with the technical knowledge, teamwork experience, and independent learning skills needed to succeed in the game industry.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Technical Knowledge: The program focuses on providing students with the technical skills needed for game development, including:
- Game Programming I: Introduces real-time, event-driven, and multimedia programming techniques, including graphics, sound, and input programming. Students learn to program a billboard game in 3D with constrained camera motion.
- Game Programming II: Covers game engine programming techniques, including real-time 3D graphics programming, shader techniques, terrain rendering, level of detail, collision detection, particle engines, 3D sound, and character animation.
- Topics in Game Development: Explores advanced topics in game development, such as character animation, procedural content generation, shader techniques, graphics special effects, and relevant computer science areas.
- Teamwork Experience: Students gain experience working in teams using a revision control system.
- Independent Learning: The program emphasizes the ability to work and learn independently.
Course Schedule:
- Programming Math and Physics for Games (3 hrs)
- Game Programming I (3 hrs)
- Game Programming II (3 hrs)
- Game Programming I: Introduces fundamental game programming concepts and techniques.
- Game Programming II: Delves into advanced game engine programming techniques.
- Topics in Game Development: Explores cutting-edge topics and trends in game development.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Game Programmer
- Game Developer
- Software Engineer
- Technical Artist
- Opportunities: The program prepares students for careers in the video game industry, which is a rapidly growing and dynamic field.
- Outcomes: Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in game development and related fields.
Other:
- Laboratory for Recreational Computing (LARC): Established in 1993, LARC is one of the first game programming programs in Texas. It offers classes in game programming leading to a Certificate in Game Programming alongside a B.S. in Computer Science, a B.S. in Computer Engineering, or a M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering.
- LARC's Recognition: In 2010, LARC was ranked among the top 50 out of 500 game design programs in North America by the Princeton Review and Game Programmer Magazine.
- Alumni Network: LARC has a strong group of alumni in the game industry.
- Research: Students in the Game Development Research Group conduct cutting-edge research in game programming and procedural content generation.
University of North Texas Summary
Overview:
The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university located in Denton, Texas. It is a large institution with nearly 47,000 students, making it a top choice for career readiness in Texas. UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificates.
Services Offered:
UNT provides a variety of services to its students, including:
MyUNT:
A portal for accessing student information, grades, and other resources.CANVAS:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials and submitting assignments.Student Email:
An email account for communication with faculty, staff, and other students.UNT Directory:
A directory for finding contact information for faculty, staff, and departments.Libraries:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, and databases.Financial Aid:
A variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.Student Life:
A wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.Campus Map:
An interactive map of the campus, including buildings, parking lots, and other points of interest.Jobs at UNT:
A job board for students seeking on-campus employment.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNT offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. Students can participate in:
Student organizations:
Over 400 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and social clubs.Athletics:
The Mean Green athletic program, which competes in NCAA Division I.Campus events:
A variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and festivals.Community engagement:
Opportunities to volunteer in the local community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UNT offers a wide range of academic programs, with many ranked among the nation's top 100.Affordability:
UNT provides significant financial aid to students, making it a more affordable option for many.Quality of Life:
Located in Denton, a vibrant college town, UNT offers a safe and enjoyable campus environment.Academic Programs:
UNT offers over 100 academic programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts and Design:
Visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and more.Business and Industry:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.Communications and Media:
Journalism, public relations, advertising, and more.Data Analytics and Information:
Computer science, information technology, and more.Education:
Elementary education, secondary education, special education, and more.Health and Wellness:
Nursing, health sciences, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
History, English, psychology, sociology, and more.Music and Performing Arts:
Music performance, music education, theatre arts, and more.Public Service:
Criminal justice, political science, social work, and more.STEM:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and more.Other:
- UNT is a designated Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation.
- UNT has been named one of the safest college campuses in the nation by Alarms.org for four consecutive years.
- UNT is a top college for students graduating with the least debt, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT is a top college for enrolling transfer students, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- UNT has been named one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes for 16 consecutive years.
- UNT is located in Denton, which has been ranked as the 7th best college town in the nation by 247WallSt.com.
