Game Programming & Design

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Student viewing an animation on dual screen monitor

There is no industry that combines programming, creativity, and graphic design quite like the game industry. Level up your programming skills and pursue a career that builds on your love of video games and technical expertise with computers.

Career Outlook: Game Development

The gaming industry offers diverse job opportunities in programming, creative writing, computer science, and graphic design. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 25% growth in software development and design careers by 2031, which is much higher than the average job growth rate. The average salary for software developers was $120,730 in 2021.

A.S. Program Overview

Game designers thrive on creativity and imagination. If you have a passion for video games and want to be a part of their creation, this program is for you. Coursework focuses on programming, 3D animation, game design, and math. Throughout your studies, you'll participate in project-based learning and be part of a collaborative classroom environment using industry software and technology.

Professional Gaming Lab

Practice coding and design skills in our modern gaming lab, equipped with high-speed computers and professional programming software. You'll complete hands-on projects and build a portfolio of creative projects that you can use in your job search or transfer college application. The capstone course involves designing a game that showcases your creative and technical skills in game development.

State-of-the-Art Technology

FLCC has everything you need to gain experience with virtual reality, 2D and 3D modeling, motion capture, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. You can also participate in game jam hackathon events.

Online Courses Available

Many of our Game Programming and Design courses are available online. Online learning provides a convenient and flexible way to earn an education. Study on your time and from a location that fits your busy schedule. Learn more about FLCC online learning.

Join the Esports Team

Whether you play competitively or casually, you can be part of our Esports community and meet other gamers.

We have NJCAA teams for many popular Esports titles including League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch, Call of Duty, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, Fortnite, and Rainbow 6: Siege.

Learn More about FLCC Esports

A member of the FLCC Esports team in the gaming lab.

A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Collaborate with other students on large projects, working with multiple disciplines to develop games from design through production to release.
  • Use problem solving and logic to create and implement algorithms and assets according to given limitations and requirements.
  • Develop a detailed schedule of tasks, key design documents, and benchmarks with a constant reflection and review of tools and best practices.
  • Develop and publish a professional portfolio on the internet.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Many four-year colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in game design or a related program, including:

  • Alfred State College
  • Fashion Institute of Technology
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • SUNY Canton
  • SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Four-Year Career Pathways

This program will put you on a path toward careers in game design and development. This industry offers technical and creative jobs with generous starting salaries. Some career paths include:

  • Character Artist
  • Front End Engineer
  • Game Developer
  • Game Mechanic Designer
  • Programmer
  • Sound Designer
  • UX / UI Engineer
  • Visual Effects Artist

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Computing Sciences faculty bring a wide range of technical expertise and decades of teaching experience. They hold degrees from institutions such as Rochester Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Nazareth College. Many have professional experience working in cybersecurity, network administration, and software development. Equally passionate about technology and teaching, they work to keep courses up-to-date with the latest technology and relevant skills for today's rapidly changing world.

Owen Palzer

"Professors in this program are passionate about games, and they offer great assistance every step of the way. Tests are replaced in part by projects, which removes a layer of stress and allows for creativity and learning along the way."

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