Game Design & Computer Programming

Offered through Eaton RESA in partnership with Davenport University.

Students who complete the 60 credit hour requirements through year 13 will receive an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems.

Program Location

Davenport University - Lansing Campus

Program Description

This program introduces students to the game development process from story boarding the initial concept to the final marketing documentation. During this program, students will utilize multiple game development methodologies to move a project through the major stages of game design with each student assuming one or more of the development team roles. Student will also explore the tools, platforms and techniques required to develop applications for highly mobile and compact devices. Mobile applications will be designed, developed, tested and deployed that provide computing services to the mobile user. Throughout this program students will survey the main components of the business systems cycle. The five phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) will be investigated.

Student learning outcomes include but are not limited to:

  • Describe the game development process from pre-production to post-production
  • Demonstrate the use of prototyping and story boarding in the pre-production concept development of a game
  • Describe the critical phases in the development life cycle that require testing and create viable testing plans to address the critical phases
  • Describe the development team roles required to support the development of a game
  • Demonstrate the ability to create a budget that accurately reflects the estimated work required to complete the project
  • Develop and implement game prototypes to test game mechanics
  • Configure a mobile application development environment
  • Discuss the software architecture and design principles of mobile applications
  • Design, implement and test network aware mobile applications
  • Design appropriate user interfaces for varying screen sizes and orientations
  • Utilize specialized sensors available on the device, including global positioning, accelerometers and proximity sensors
  • Discuss security and privacy implications relative to application development in a mobile platform
  • Design structured programs
  • Use the C# language for structured and interactive programming
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of input and output on a program
  • Describe how systems analysts interact with users, management and other information systems professionals in a typical business organization

Careers

Software Developer
Computer Programmer
Defense Intelligence Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst Web Developers

Median Wage

Software Developer: $51.38 hourly
Computer Programmer: $38.39 hourly
Defense Intelligence Analyst: $37.56 hourly
Computer Systems Analyst: $41.93 hourly
Web Developers: $31.79 hourly

Employment Outlook

Software Developer: 10-14%
Computer Programmer: -2% or lower
Defense Intelligence Analyst: 5-9%
Computer Systems Analyst: 5-9%
Web Developers: 10-14%

Success Indicators

Familiar with basic computer skills and application of skills to solve business problems, detailed oriented, an analytical thinker, action oriented, dependable and effective in team setting.