Computer Science

Certificate in Game Design

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12 Credit Hours

to Graduate
Cost per Hour

$617

Per Credit Hour

Leverage Your Interests and Take Your Place in the Fast-Growing Video Game Industry

EKU’s 100% online game design certificate provides students with the technical skills and real-world knowledge needed to become a leader in the field that is bigger than the film and music industries combined. Students gain advanced understanding in a range of concepts, from aesthetics to immersion, which provides a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates are prepared to take on key positions with excellent salary potential.

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Benefits
Careers

Benefits of EKU Online

Learn essential skills for today’s digital work environment through a personalized and tailored certificate in computer science.

Take on Leadership Roles and Advance Your Career

Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 12 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 546,200 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security. 

Find your career

Curriculum

Take your place in the fast-growing gaming industry. Leverage your interests and hone your skills to become a leader in video game development.

Degree Requirements

A total of 12 credits are required to graduate.

View the game design certificate requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Sample Courses

For a full list of course descriptions please see section 6 of the University graduate catalog.

INF 711 – Principles of Game Design and Game Theory (3)
Fundamentals of designing both digital and non-digital games. In-depth study of the nature of “Fun,” design philosophies, choice, motivation, flow theory, types of decisions, and reward in gameplay systems. Additional topics related to gamification, monetization, and serious games also covered.

INF 712 – Game Production and Publication (3)
Review of historical and current aspects of the games industry from AAA to indie. Industry operations, employment, founding your own studio, funding, freelancing, the role of influencers (Twitch, Youtube, social media), platforms, IP protection.

INF 713 – Online Game and Application Design (3)
Introduction to the principles of design for online games and applications. Topics include game balance, competition, cooperation, detecting exploits and cheating, security, privacy, social structures, administration, community management, online harassment, and client-server communication.

INF 715 – Special Topics in Gaming (3)
Topics vary with offering. May be retaken to a maximum of six hours with advisor approval, provided the topics are different. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for INF 707: Special Topics in Informatics.

Enrollment

John Hepner

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor John Hepner for information about the Certificate in Game Design.

Contact Info:
859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Application Deadlines

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A August 5 August
Fall B October 5 October
Spring A January 5 January
Spring B March 5 March
Summer May 5 May

 

Admission Requirements

The admissions requirements for applicants to the M.S. Computer Science program are as follows:

  • A baccalaureate degree* from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 overall, or 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours of the baccalaureate program.
  • One of the following:
      • Satisfactory scores on GRE or GMAT*. The minimum satisfactory GRE scores are 149 points of Quantitative. The minimum satisfactory GMAT scores are 37 points of Quantitative.
      • A bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering or math with a GPA of at least 3.0.
      • An undergraduate precalculus course or equivalent mathematics background.

*A baccalaureate degree in computer science is not required for admissions. However, CSC 801 will be part of the degree requirements if a student has not completed equivalent programming course(s) before being admitted.

Additional Contact Information

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Success

I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.

Jason TateEKU Online Student

Online Military Students

EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.

Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.

*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.

“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”

– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate

Heath Bergmann
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  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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