Game Development Certificate Program
Build your skills in character design, environment creation, and technical implementation through hands-on project work
Our autumn 2025 program brings together experienced professionals and aspiring developers for a focused learning experience. You'll work on real projects while developing both creative vision and technical capability.
Request Program DetailsThree Specialized Tracks
Each track runs for six months with evening sessions twice weekly. Classes start September 2025, with limited enrollment to maintain quality mentorship.
Character Design & Animation
Focus on creating believable characters from initial sketches through final animation. You'll study anatomy, movement principles, and how personality shows through design choices.
Duration: 24 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Prerequisites: Basic drawing skills and familiarity with digital art tools
Environment & World Building
Learn to construct immersive game worlds that tell stories through architecture, lighting, and spatial design. Covers both 2D concept work and 3D environment creation.
Duration: 24 weeks, Monday and Wednesday evenings
Prerequisites: Understanding of perspective and composition basics
Technical Implementation
Bridge the gap between creative vision and working game mechanics. Study scripting, asset integration, and optimization while maintaining artistic quality throughout production.
Duration: 24 weeks, Wednesday and Friday evenings
Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge or prior coursework
How The Program Unfolds
Six months might sound quick, but we've structured the curriculum to build skills progressively. Each phase introduces new concepts while reinforcing what you've already learned.
Foundation Phase (Weeks 1-6)
We start with fundamentals because even experienced artists benefit from revisiting core principles. You'll work through exercises that establish your baseline skills and introduce our project workflow.
Skill Development (Weeks 7-14)
This is where things get interesting. You'll tackle increasingly complex assignments while receiving detailed feedback on your work. Expect to revise projects multiple times as your eye develops.
Applied Practice (Weeks 15-20)
Now you'll apply everything in scenario-based projects that mirror actual production challenges. Working in small teams, you'll face the same constraints and decisions professional studios navigate daily.
Portfolio Completion (Weeks 21-24)
The final phase focuses on polishing your strongest work into portfolio pieces. You'll receive guidance on presentation, documentation, and how to discuss your creative process effectively.
Learn From Working Professionals
Theodric Marshwell leads our character design track with fifteen years of experience across mobile, console, and indie game projects. He's worked on titles you've probably played, though he's more interested in teaching you sustainable workflows than dropping names.
Most students come in thinking talent is everything. What actually matters is developing a reliable process you can repeat under deadline pressure. That's what we focus on here.
Our environment track is taught by Calliope Threnwright, who spent a decade building worlds for both AAA studios and smaller independent teams. She brings a practical perspective on balancing artistic vision with technical limitations.
Small class sizes allow for individual mentorship and detailed project feedback
Guest speakers from local studios share current industry practices and challenges
Access to professional-grade software and hardware during all scheduled sessions
Program includes portfolio review sessions with hiring managers from partner studios