What is game design?
Game Design is the theory and practice of creating games. We focus on games broadly speaking – puzzles, toys, board games, role-playing, sports, or simply not stepping on the cracks in the sidewalk. Making games offers an opportunity for creative expression, for simulating real-world problems, for positive social change, and for communicating complex ideas about systems and processes.
What is the Game Design Certificate?
The Game Design Certificate is an interdisciplinary program that gives students from a wide variety of backgrounds the chance to make games. The certificate requires 18-19 credits and is jointly offered by the departments of Curriculum and Instruction, Art, and Computer Sciences. Certificate students work both independently and in small teams to develop a portfolio of board games, video games, and physical spaces. The certificate focuses on creating, testing, and understanding how to design gameplay to be fun and impactful.
What will students gain?
Students acquire the skills, understanding, and background to create and produce games independently, to develop a body of work, and to gain critical perspectives on games and game design.
How do I get involved?
Interested students may wish to consult with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office, 139 Education Building, 608-262-1651, or studentservices@wisc.edu, to discuss course sequencing, declaring, and other issues related to this field of study. Current students can schedule a Student Services appointment online through the Starfish app in MyUW.
Declaration Process
To be eligible to declare the Game Design Certificate, students must complete two courses prior to submitting a certificate declaration. One course is required of all prospective certificate students:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CURRIC 357 | Game Design I | 3 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Forms | 3 |
| COMP SCI 200 | Programming I | 3 |
| COMP SCI 220 | Data Science Programming I | 4 |
| COMP SCI 300 | Programming II | 3 |
Certificate Requirements
The Game Design certificate program includes both required and elective coursework for a minimum of 18 credits. All coursework must be taken for a letter grade. At least 10 credits of the certificate must be earned in residence at UW–Madison.
Students must have an overall 2.5 GPA in Game Design Certificate coursework upon completion of the certificate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CURRIC 277 | Videogames & Learning | 3 |
| or CURRIC 576 | Topics in Game Design | |
| CURRIC 357 | Game Design I | 3 |
| CURRIC 432 | Game Design II | 3 |
| ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Forms | 3 |
| Computer Science Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Programming I | ||
| Data Science Programming I | ||
| Programming II | ||
| Arts Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Digital Imaging Studio | ||
| 3D Digital Studio I | ||
| Digital Interactive Studio | ||
| 3D Digital Studio II | ||
| Graphic Design for Games | ||
| 3D Digital Studio III | ||
| Environment Design for Games and other Virtual Storytelling Spaces | ||
| Total Credits | 18-19 | |
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
- Utilize the design and technical skills necessary to create games.
- Discuss the critical and theoretical perspectives necessary to understand the production and reception contexts in/for which they design such games.
Information about faculty, staff, and other contributions to the Certificate in Game Design can be found on the Game Lab's website.