Get answers to your questions about classes to earn a game programming certificate, prerequisites, online options and potential careers once you graduate.
What Can I Expect From a Game Programming Certificate Program?
You can enroll in a game programming certificate program to learn about computer programming and advanced video game design. Certificates also are available in game development and design. You often don't need prior experience to apply to a certificate program, but schools might recommend that you have at least high school-level knowledge of computers and mathematics.
Most game programming certificate programs require you to complete 4-5 courses. These programs can span from a few months to a year in length. Programs sometimes culminate in a final project, which may give you the chance to create an original computer game with other students. Common topics that you're likely to cover during a game programming certificate program include:
- Game mathematics
- 3D graphics programming
- Game engine architecture
- Computer animation
- C++ programming for game designers
- Game development
- Basic physics
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Course Topics</b></td><td> Basic physics, computer animation, game mathematics, game development, game engine architecture</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Certificates are available entirely online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $89,190 (<i>for all computer programmers</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 9% decline (<i>for all computer programmers</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnItOnline">Can I Earn It Online?</h3><p>You can complete a game development certificate program entirely online. Curricula for these programs are often self-paced, so you can set many of your own deadlines. You might need a personal computer and specific software programs to complete your online exercises. Programs typically recommend that you have a high-speed Internet connection.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatJobsWillBeAvailableToMe">What Jobs Will Be Available To Me?</h3><p>With your certificate, you can apply for jobs as a video game designer or programmer. <i>PayScale.com</i> reported that the salary range for video game designers was approximately $40,000 to $104,000 as of April 2021. You also might be able to find work as a game tester. According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, game testers earned a salary range of $26,000 to $85,000 as of January 2021.
</p><p>Additionally, a certificate program in game programming might prepare you for a basic computer programming job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers earned a median salary of $89,190 as of May 2020.</p>
