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Submitter's Information

Name

Jazmin Guzman

Title

Administrative Assistant

Region

Los Angeles

College

Santa Monica College

CTE Dean

CTE Dean's Name

Patricia Ramos

CTE Dean's Email

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Program Details

Program Title

Game Design Foundation

Submission Type

New Program

TOPs Code

Electronic Game Design (061420)

Projected Start Date

08/25/25

Catalog Description

The Game Design Foundation A.S. Degree program is an introduction to the professional design and prototyping processes used to create engaging and meaningful interactive experiences. The required coursework provides students with a solid foundation in the principles of game design, user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) design as well as hands-on experience with digital design and authoring tools.

Throughout the program, students learn to develop professional skills, demonstrate those skills in effective entry-level portfolios, and work collaboratively on team-based projects. Students may also participate in internships with industry partners when available.

Students who successfully complete the Game Design Foundation A.S. Degree program will be eligible to transfer into Santa Monica College’s ground-breaking Interaction Design Bachelor Degree program.

Enrollment Completer Projections

enrollment completer 24

Program Proposal Attributes

Program Award Type(s) (Check all that apply)
  • Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
  • A.S. Degree (S)
Program Goal

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to create effective and original game prototypes that demonstrate an understanding of interactive design principles used in the entertainment industry. Students who complete the A.S. Degree will also be eligible to transfer to Santa Monica College's baccalaureate program in Interaction Design. 

Course Units and Hours

Total Certificate Units (Minimum and Maximum)

36

Units for Degree Major or Area of Emphasis (Minimum and Maximum)

36

Total Units for Degree (Minimum and Maximum)

60

Course Report

Program Requirements Narrative

The proposed certificate differs from may of the other established program in this field as we are combining our existing game design curriculum with the courses required for transfer into the Interaction Design Baccalaureate program at SMC. The resulting program will have a strong focus on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design in addition to traditional game design. This is based on student interest within the IxD program as well as on multiple discussions with our advisors regarding specific needs within the game industry. 

Program Requirements
CourseTitleUnitsYear/Semester
(Y1 or S1)
DES 12 
Typography 13S1
DES 13
Digital Design Tools 3S1
DES 23
User Experience Design 
3S2
DES 24
Web Design 13S2
DES 33
User Experience Design 2 3S3
GAME 1Game Design Fundamentals3S1
GAME 2Game Mechanics3S1
GAME 3Fundamentals of Unreal Engine3S2
GAME 10Game Design Studio 13S2
GAME 20Game Design Studio 23S3
GAME 30Game Design Studio 33S4
Elective
3S4

Supporting Documents

Los Angeles Regional Questions

District

Santa Monica College

College

Santa Monica College

LA Workforce Council Voting Member

Patricia Ramos

Email

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Phone

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Reason for program recommendation request

New Program

Place of program in college's curriculum/similar program

This would be a new program within the Design Technology Department using existing game design and graphic design curriculum.


List similar programs at other colleges in the Los Angeles Region

Game Design: Glendale College, LA City College, LA Mission College, LA Trade Tech College, Long Beach City College, Rio Hondo College


Annual Enrollment projects (non-duplicative)

Annual enrollment 48 

List of colleges contacted for collegial consultation
Priority Sector

Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)/ Digital Media

If this is a program modification, please provide a brief description of the changes to the program. A bulleted list of key changes is acceptable.

N/A

Submission Details

Published at

05/19/25 - 03:54 PM

Status

Recommended

Return to Drafts

Please list the reason(s) for returning "Game Design Foundation". to Jazmin Guzman's drafts. This message will be sent to guzman_jazmin@smc.edu

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