Online Degree in Game Programming: Program Overviews

Individuals who are interested in video games, have an aptitude for technology, are mentally focused and have a preference for structured work duties are good candidates to become game programmers. Although there are other options available, most online programs in this field are offered at the certificate and bachelor's degree levels.

Overview of an Online Certificate Program in Game Programming

This course of study provides a starting point for would-be game developers. Game enthusiasts and amateur programmers interested in creating their own first games can also benefit. Coursework introduces students to game development concepts such as 3D graphics, gaming math and programming languages. A handful of community colleges offer specific, online game programming certificate programs; others merge this topic with multimedia design and computer programming subjects.

Program Information and Requirements

An online certificate program in game programming may be completed in as little as one year. It may be offered entirely online or through combined online and on-campus methods. Coursework is generally a combination of assigned readings and coding lessons, which students complete at their own pace. Some programs also require the purchase of a textbook.
Students need a personal computer running a recent version of Windows and DirectX as well as an Internet connection, preferably broadband. Some programs may also recommend the .Net implementation of Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 or higher.

List of Common Courses

Enrollment requirements are minimal. Some schools only specify familiarity with computers and completed coursework in high school mathematics.

C++ Programming Course

Students receive an introduction to the widely used C++ programming language. Coursework emphasizes the application of programming concepts to game development.

Game Development Course

This course provides a survey of game platforms and game categories. Students also receive an overview of the development process from storyboarding to production.

Graphics Programming Course

This class introduces fundamental concepts in animation and 3D graphics. Topics include 3D libraries and 3D rendering.

Career Information for Game Programming Graduates

Students who earn certificate in game programming have somewhat variable job prospects. Although video gaming was an $11 billion industry as of 2010 according to JobMonkey.com, opportunities within the field are increasingly specialized. Certificate-holders are minimally qualified to apply for coding positions, but have better prospects as entry-level game testers. According to Payscale.com, a game tester with less than one year of experience can earn a median annual income of $20,633-$25,105 as of May 2010.

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Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Game Programming

An online bachelor's degree program in game programming provides the knowledge and skills necessary to support video game development projects. Students learn to write the base game code and other tools that game artists and designers need to carry out their part of a project. Subject-specific courses cover a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, game architecture, programming languages, game platforms and networking. Students must also complete a general education liberal arts component to earn their degree. Private, for-profit schools are more likely to offer an exclusively online program than private not-for-profit or public schools.

Program Information and Requirements

This program is typically completed in four years. Programs may be available online exclusively or through hybrid delivery. Access to course material and interaction with faculty are often achieved through a school's Web portal, e-mail and live chat. Classes are generally not held at a set time, and participants turn in assignments at their own pace.
A personal computer running the latest operating system, antivirus software and Web browser is the basic technical requirement to participate in an online bachelor's degree program. Schools may use Blackboard or proprietary course management software to deliver content.

List of Common Online Game Programming Courses

Bachelor's degree programs include a general education component that covers math, language, social sciences and the humanities. Electives are also built into the curriculum, though these may be less diverse through online programs. Core courses may include:

Programming Fundamentals Course

Lessons cumulatively introduce the general concepts used in computer programming. Topics include programming syntax, control structures, data types and functions.

Game Programming Basics Course

This class draws on fundamental programming concepts encountered in previous courses and applies them to game programming. Students create simple games using a scripting language.

Game Animation Course

Students learn to make 2D and 3D virtual objects move convincingly around a display screen in this course. Topics include collision detection, timing, frame rates and user input.

Artificial Intelligence Course

This course explores how to simulate intelligent, decision-driven behavior by virtual entities. Students learn to use cellular automata and agent-based models.

Continuing Education Information

Graduates interested in furthering their game programming education can look into or master's degree programs in game development, which are primarily classroom-based. They can also explore related courses in game design, such as motion graphics or computational statistics, which are available both online and in classrooms and can be offered independently for personal edification or result in an diploma of completion.