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Submitter's Information
Bobbi Mahfood
Dean of Educational Services
Central/Mother Lode
Coalinga College
CTE Dean
Bobbi Mahfood
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Program Details
Game Designer
New Program
Digital Media (061400)
07/01/27
The Game Designer Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level roles in the game design industry - such as game designer, level designer, or quality assurance tester - by building a strong foundation in both technical skills and creative design. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and C#, learning to develop game prototypes, implement core mechanics, and create 2D and 3D assets. The program emphasizes UI/UX design, scripting, and interactivity, while also fostering collaboration through team-based projects that reflect real-world development environments. In addition to technical training, students explore project management, ethical design practices, and the business side of the industry, including marketing and monetization. Graduates complete the program with a professional portfolio that highlights their creative and technical abilities, equipping them to confidently enter the game design field.
The anticipated number of students enrolling in the Game Designer Certificate Program is projected to be 20 - 30 students annually. This estimate reflects strong interest from both full-time and part-time students, with most able to complete the one-year, fully online certificate within their first year of study. The program's streamlined structure, with clearly defined pathways, project-based coursework, and portfolio development, supports strong retention and completion outcomes. Sustained interest from local high school graduates exploring careers in game design, digital art, and interactive media, along with accessible online delivery and academic support services, further strengthens these projections. Labor Market Information highlights consistent growth in creative technology field across California with career opportunities such as game designer, level desinger, quality assurance tester, and multimedia artist offering competitive wages that exceed regional averages. By preparing graduates for both immediate employment and future study in game design and digital media, the program aligns student aspirations with workforce needs and helps develop a pipeline of skilled creative professionals for the Central Valley and beyond. The program is designed as a one-year certificate, allowing most students to complete it with the first year.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
The Game Designer Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level roles in the game design industry-such as game designer, level designer, or quality assurance tester-by building a strong foundation in both technical skills and creative design. Students gain hands-on experience with industry standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and C#, learning to develop game prototypes, implement core mechanics, and create 2D and 3D assets. The program emphasizes UI/UX design, scripting, and interactivity, while also fostering collaboration through team-based projects that reflect real-world development environments. In addition to technical training, students explore project management, ethical design practices, and the business side of the industry, including marketing and monetization. Graduates complete the program with a professional portfolio that highlights their creative and technical abilities, equipping them to confidently enter the game design field.
Course Units and Hours
18
n/a
n/a
Course Report
Required Courses (Total 18)
Complete all of the following:
CIS024A - Game Design Essentials (3)
CIS024B - Game Art Essentials (3)
CIS025 - Digital Audio Production (3)
CIS022A - Digital Motion Graphics (3)
CIS020 - Digital Image Production - Photoshop ACA (3)
CIS002D - Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies (3)
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS024A | Game Design Essentials | 3 | S1 |
| CIS024B | Game Art Essentials | 3 | S1 |
| CIS020 | Digital Image Production - Photoshop ACA | 3 | S1 |
| CIS025 | Digital Audio Production | 3 | S2 |
| CIS022A | Digital Motion Graphics | 3 | S2 |
| CIS002D | Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies | 3 | S2 |
Supporting Documents
Central/Mother Lode Regional Questions
Submission Details
05/26/26 - 12:00 PM
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Please list the reason(s) for returning "Game Designer". to Bobbi Mahfood's drafts. This message will be sent to bobbimahfood@whccd.edu
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