The A.A.S. degree in Game Programming prepares students for careers in the video game industry. With advances in online social networks as well as console, stereoscopic, and smart phone technology fueling rapid expansion, the video game industry boasts revenues of around $24 billion in the United States alone, according to the newly formed Congressional Caucus for Competitiveness in Entertainment Technology (E-Tech Caucus).
The Game Programming program prepares students for a number of career options, including game designer, software engineer, artificial intelligence programmer, graphics engineer, physics programmer, and user interface scripter.
Typical employers include game design studios, entertainment software companies, and online entertainment and education companies. The New York City / northern New Jersey metro region is one of the ten largest in the country for video game development, accounting for more than 70 game-affiliated companies.
Students explore and analyze professional game engines, scripting languages, graphics, networks, physics, and other components of game development. Most coursework takes place in a studio using regularly updated professional-quality hardware and software on PC computer platforms. Moreover, in their last year of study, Game Programming students collaborate with students from the Game Design program to produce a full, playable video game.
The Game Programming program may be pursued full-time or part-time. Admission requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and competency in English and mathematics as demonstrated by placement testing.
SEE ALSO:
Game Design degree program
The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.
Code | Course (lecture/lab hours) | Credits |
To Do This Semester
|
---|---|---|---|
FIRST SEMESTER | |||
COS 101 | Introduction to Computer Science (3/2) | 4 |
✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree. ✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning. ✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments. |
ENG 101 | English Composition I (3/0) | 3 | |
GAM 120 | Game Design Theory and Culture (1/4) | 3 | |
— — | Social Science or Humanities general education elective |
3 | |
SECOND SEMESTER | |||
COS 102 | Computer Science I – Algorithms and Programming (3/2) | 4 |
✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support. ✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1. ✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection. Talk with them to get the inside scoop on how your profession works. ✔ Be sure to visit the Career Services office to explore jobs, internships, and career information and get help with your resume and other career tools. ✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships. |
ENG 102 | English Composition II (3/0) | 3 | |
GAM 145 | Game Programming I (2/2) | 3 | |
IST 108 | Introduction to Programming with Mobile Application Development (3/2) | 4 | |
MAT 146 | Pre-Calculus (4/0) | ||
OR | 4 | ||
MAT 151 | Calculus I for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (4/0) |
||
THIRD SEMESTER | |||
COS 210 | Computer Science II – Data Structures (3/2) | 4 |
✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate on time. ✔ Work with Career Services to formulate plans for after you've earned this degree. ✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs. ✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships. ✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources. |
GAM 140 | Game Design I (1/4) | ||
OR | 3 | ||
GAM 240 | Game Design II (1/4) | ||
GAM 245 | Game Programming II (1/4) | 3 | |
IST 218 | iOS Application Development (3/2) | 4 | |
— — | Technical elective
|
3 | |
FOURTH SEMESTER | |||
CMN 146 | Social Media Technologies (2/2) | 3 |
✔ Get ready to start your career! Begin the job application process. ✔ Discuss your career plans with your faculty advisor. S/he can help you transition successfully. |
GAM 260 | Game Development (1/4) | 3 | |
— — | Technical elective
|
3 | |
— — | General Education elective
|
3 | |
60 | |||
NOTE: Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all COS, DMA, GAM, and IST courses. |