UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN GAME DESIGN

PURPOSE

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 being 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.

ADMISSION 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.

COMPLETION 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 six 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.
To obtain the certificate a student needs to:

Take the following four compulsory courses:

  • ITCS 4230 Introduction to Game Design and Development
  • ITCS 4231 Advanced Game Design and Development
  • ITCS 4232 Game Design and Development Studio
  • ITCS 3120 Introduction to Computer Graphics

Take one two-course sequence from the following:

Graphics (15 credits total)

  • ITCS 3120 Introduction to Computer Graphics
  • ITCS 4235 Game Engine Construction

Artificial Intelligence (18 credits total)

  • ITCS 3153 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and
  • ITCS 4236 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games

Computation (18 credits total)

  • ITCS 4237 Audio Processing for Entertainment Computing and
  • A computation-related course approved by the Certificate Coordinators

Networking (18 credits total)

  • ITCS 3166 Introduction to Computer Networks and
  • A game-networking related course approved by the Certificate Coordinators

Other (15-18 credits total)

A sequence of two related courses (generally from ITCS/ITIS at the 3000 level or above) approved by the GDD Certificate Coordinators