Associate of Occupational Studies in Game Programming

Or

Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development-Game Programming

Game Programming - CIP Code 11.0804

Game Programmers drive the game development process; creating the framework, functionality and interaction in the game. Regarded as the essential ingredient in the development process, game programmers are highly valued and continually in demand.

This program has been developed in response to industry needs and runs for two years, full-time.

The Associate Degree program runs over two an a half years or five semesters for 80 semester credits. This program is approved by the Council on Occupational Education and US Department of Education.

The Associate of Occupational Studies in Game Programming adds an academic component with the goal of producing graduates exposed to basic academic principles in addition to the technological aspects of the Avanced Diploma program.

General Education Courses required: 15 semester credit hours

English Composition
College Algebra
Introduction to Physical Science
Introduction to Visual Arts
Introduction to Sociology

“The transfer of credits that a student earns at AIE Lafayette is at the complete discretion of the institution to which he/she may seek to transfer. For this reason, the student should make certain that his/her attendance at AIE will meet his/her educational goals. AIE Lafayette does not imply, promise or guarantee that any credits earned will transfer or be accepted by any other institution. It is the student’s responsibility to find out in advance of enrollment whether the receiving institution will recognize/accept any credits/courses earned at AIE”

Course Content

Stage One

The first year of the course is a foundation year, intended to provide students with advanced game programming skills. The course takes students through languages and technologies used heavily by the gaming industry, including C, C++, C#, OpenGL, game libraries and version controls as well as developing maths, problem solving, and practical programming proficiency.

Although the course takes a games approach, it is also suitable for anyone wanting to learn real-time application development skills which are highly sought after across all areas of programming and simulation.

AIE Course Content | Stage 2 Programming

Stage Two

In the second year the course covers specific algorithms and technologies used in game development and builds on the students core language skills. Students cover more advanced development techniques as well as learning how to develop using industry standard game engines.

By the end of the year students will have experience in 3D graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Physics & Collision, Console Hardware, Profiling, and Managing medium to large scale software projects. Students focus on developing their skills in all aspects of C++ programming before focusing on specialised areas, and developing across multiple platforms.

Major Game Project

In second year of this course game programming students will work together with game design and game art students in development teams to design and produce a playable game. This project closely mirrors the real-world production cycle in an industry development studio, covering the entire process from pitching the game idea, through writing game design documents, evaluating technical requirements, managing workload, meeting deadlines, delivering commercial quality artwork and animation, bug-fixing, QA testing and market analysis of the game.

Subjects

Software You Will USe

Students utilize industry standard software and resources such as:

Visual Studio — Programming in C, C++ and C#
Open GL — Low-level computer graphics programming
Game Engines — Unity and Unreal Engine
Perforce or Git — Collaborative version control tools
Open-source Libraries — Public code-bases commonly used throughout programming industries

Software

Software You Will USe

Students utilize industry standard software and resources such as:

Visual Studio — Programming in C, C++ and C#
Open GL — Low-level computer graphics programming
Game Engines — Unity and Unreal Engine
Perforce or Git — Collaborative version control tools
Open-source Libraries — Public code-bases commonly used throughout programming industries

Careers

Your Career Opportunities

Game engine programmer
Physics engine programme
Graphics engine programmer
Artificial intelligence programmer
Sound programmer
Gameplay programmer
Software engineer
UI programmer
Input programmer

A range of game programming roles within game development including Gameplay Programmer, Network Engineer, Graphics-Shader Developer, 3D Game Engine Programmer, Tools Developer and many others.

Graduates would also use these skills in a range of similar roles within games-based simulation and training as well as general software development roles.

Pre-requisites

Portfolio Requirements

Portfolios should include actual code samples as well as compiled working applications. Past portfolios have included IOS/Windows/Android mobile applications, game engine mods, Visual Basic/Studio projects, and various other examples.

Good grades in math, physics, information technology, and other computer-related classes are useful indicators of an aptitude to learn how to program and may be used in lieu of a portfolio for individuals with no previous experience. If you have a passion for programming, a willingness to learn directly from the industry, and an aptitude for problem solving, then we want to talk with you!

Learning Objectives

Students Will:

Demonstrate entry-level proficiency using industry standard software, middleware, languages and version control: such as: Visual Studio, Advanced C++, C#, Python, HTMLS and Open GL, UML, Unity, PhysX, UDK (Unreal) and GITHUB. (Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)
Demonstrate appropriate project management skills for entry into the interactive game industry as a programmer. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)
Use analytical thinking skills to design, develop and troubleshoot. (Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)
Analyze and interpret user requirements to design and develop appropriate solutions. (Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)
Interpret information received from a variety of sources; including reference manuals, the Internet, computerized help systems and colleagues. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem Solving)
Identify own skills and abilities and develop strategies for effectively using them in group settings. (Communication, Problem Solving)
Initiate and participate in projects requiring teams of diverse individuals. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. (Communication, Performance, Responsibility)
Prepare an employment portfolio including a resume, cover letter, letters of reference and show reel/work samples and pitch a concept. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

Fees

Our Fees

PROGRAM	TOTAL TUITION FEE Cohort Commencing 2023
Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development - Game Programming	$49,200

For more information on our tuition fees please visit our FEES page

Payment Plans

AIE appreciates that for many students payment of fees in full prior to the commencement of study can be difficult. For this reason, students may be offered the option of paying fees via a payment plan, which allows for students to pay their fees via installments. Please contact an AIE Campus for more information about Payment Plans.