University Certificate in Game Development and Programming

The University Certificate in Game Development and Programming (UCGDP) at Athabasca University is designed to meet the needs of the game industry by providing students with a solid technical base in game development and programming.

No previous programming experience is required for admission to this certificate. Students with previous post-secondary education or programming experience may be able to reduce the total number of credits required for the certificate through transfer credit of challenge for credit. Students can possibly receive credit towards the bridging courses through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, transfer credit and/or challenging a course for credit.

By completing different combinations of courses described in the program, students can specialize in different game development areas identified as follows:

• Network Programmer
• UI Programmer
• AI Programmer
• Graphics Programmer
• Sound Programmer
• Internet Game Programmer
• Scripter

Moreover, students who complete the certificate program may use the credits towards their future studies if they wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems degree.

The programming language requirement for the certificate is COMP 308 (Java) or COMP 306 (C++), as noted below. Some courses will specify Java as a prerequisite, while others will require C++. Course Coordinators might allow students to use different programming languages, depending on the nature of the course.

Program Plans

Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University." Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their admission.

AU may grant transfer credit for individual computer science courses that were completed more than five years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a resumé and letter(s) of employment. The letter(s) of employment need to show evidence of activity in a computer science related field over the five-year period prior to the request for transfer credit. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the School of Computing and Information Systems website for more information regarding transfer credit time limits in relation to the SCIS programs.

Specific Regulations

The bridging courses (COMP 200, COMP 268, COMP 272, and COMP 314) must be completed before starting the required courses in the Certificate. This requirement may be fulfilled through transfer credit, challenge for credit, or through the PLAR process.