Game Development - Advanced Programming GDP
Heavy workload
- Six courses in your first semester
- 2 - 3 hours of study required for each hour in class
- 20 hours of class (60 - 80 hours/week commitment)
Holland Code: I (Investigative)
What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?
This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.
General requirements
- This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to have a computer programming advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree in Computer Science to enter the program.
- Strong math skills are essential; linear algebra, functions, and strong trigonometry skills an asset
- Very strong programming skills, particularly in the C++ language and environment
What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?
- Ability to adapt to very new, different, and rapidly changing technologies at the “bleeding edge” of computer technologies
- Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- Can think logically and analyze complex problems
- Ability to remain patient and persistent
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Enjoy working with diverse teams of different personalities (programmers, artists, musicians, etc.)
- Ability to take criticism well
- Ability to make decisions, and follow through on them, without having complete information
- Ability to pay attention to details
- Good stress management skills
Useful background experience for this program would be
Previous work experience in the computer programming field.
What kind of work could I do when I graduate?
Graduates of this program may go on to become a
Senior Programmer, Game Programmer or C++ Programmer.
Typical working conditions for this kind of work:
- Office environment or work from home
- May need to work overtime to meet deadlines
- Busy working environment
- Work under pressure to meet very tight deadlines
- Working with frustratingly unforgiving technologies that are not quite mature and are poorly documented
Places you may find yourself employed include
Specialized software development firms; consulting firms; or software developers.
Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace
- Work closely with graphic designers, visual artists, and others to collect and document user requirements
- Assist in the development of logical and physical specifications
- Develop interfaces for interactive digital media (for example, websites, mobile devices, DVDs)
- Program special effects for film and video applications
- Write, modify, integrate and test software code research and evaluate interactive media software products
Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity
Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program
- Canadian Association of IT Professionals (CIPS)
- Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
- Discover IT
- Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.
NOC Codes
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.
- NOC Code 2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.
Career Outlook
Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.
Last Modified: January 15, 2024