Program Overview

Game Programming Certificate

Overview

The Game Programming Certificate is an undergraduate certificate designed to prepare students in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to launch careers as programmers in the video game industry.

Program Details

• Program Type: Certificate
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 semesters
• Credit Hours: 12

Why Earn a Game Programming Certificate?

The Laboratory for Recreational Computing was established in 1993 at the University of North Texas Department of Computer Science and Engineering, making it one of the first programs of its kind in Texas. We offer 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.

Game Programming Certificate Highlights

• In 2010, the Laboratory for Recreational Computing (LARC) was named in the top 50 out of 500 game design programs in North America by the Princeton Review and Game Programmer Magazine.
• LARC has a strong group of alumni in the game industry and a history of cutting-edge research in game programming and procedural content generation by students in the Game Development Research Group.

Game Programming Certificate Courses

• Programming Math and Physics for Games (3 hrs)
  • Fundamentals of game math and physics for game development, including linear algebra, matrix math for graphics, quaternions, basic physics equations, game math and physics implementation, physics engines.
• Game Programming II (3 hrs)
  • 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 (3 hrs)
  • Advanced topics in game development, possibly including but not limited to character animation, procedural content generation, shader techniques and graphics special effects. Discussion of articles from the recent academic and technical literature on game development and related material from relevant computer science areas.
• Game Programming I (3 hrs)
  • Introduction to game programming, including real-time, event-driven and multimedia programming techniques. Graphics, sound and input programming. Students learn how to program a billboard game in 3D with constrained camera motion.

Related Programs

• Computer Science Degree
• Computer Engineering Degree
• STEM
• College of Engineering
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering