Game – Programming (Optional Co-op)
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code3109
- Credential NameGame - Programming
- Credential TypeOntario College Advanced Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Information Technology
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length3 years/ 6 semesters
- Delivery ModeHybrid
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailicet@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology Requirements
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- Co-op Option
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising
If you’re passionate about games, excited by the systems that bring them to life, and eager to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming interactive experiences, Centennial College’s Game – Programming program offers the ideal launchpad into the game software industry.
This advanced diploma program blends core software engineering foundations with specialized expertise in game programming, preparing you to design, develop, and deploy fully functional games and simulations. You’ll build strong programming skills and apply them in collaborative, project-based environments to create immersive and responsive interactive experiences.
As a program focused on both game programming and interactive systems design, the curriculum emphasizes game mechanics, system architecture, real-time graphics, and networked gameplay. From core concepts to production-ready code, you’ll contribute to every major stage of game development, including:
- Game and simulation architecture
- 3D graphics programming
- Multiplayer and online systems
- Object-oriented design, testing, and debugging
You’ll train using the tools and languages used across today’s game studios, including C#, C++, Python, Java, Kotlin, TypeScript, Unity, Unreal Engine, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, React, AI frameworks, and web and mobile game development platforms, along with emerging techniques for building AI-driven agents and interactive systems.
The program includes a strong emphasis on Generative AI integration, giving you hands-on experience with emerging techniques that are reshaping the game industry. You’ll apply GenAI tools to:
- Procedural level and asset generation using AI-driven logic
- NPC scripting and behavior authoring using large language models
- Automated QA and playtesting supported by machine learning
- Dynamic dialogue systems and adaptive, branching storytelling
- Rapid prototyping of mechanics using AI co-creation tools
Your studies culminate in two full-scale game development projects, where you’ll integrate traditional engineering practices with AI-enhanced techniques to produce sophisticated, playable games and simulations. These capstones showcase your technical ability, creativity, and readiness to contribute to modern game or simulation development teams.
Upon graduation, you’ll earn an advanced diploma and graduate with a strong project portfolio, prepared for roles in game studios, simulation companies, or teams building AI-powered interactive software.
Please note: This program is available with a co-op option (program #3119). Qualified students transfer to the co-op option in Semester 3. A fast-track version of this program is available to qualified college or university graduates with a background in software. Fast track applicants gain direct admission into Semester 3 of this three-year program and receive their advanced diploma in four semesters (program #3129). The co-op option is available for fast-track students with four semesters plus two work terms (program #3139). This program may be available in a fully online version (program #3609) with co-op option (program #3619). The fast-track programs may also be available in a fully online version (program #3679), and, online co-op (Program #3639).
Program Overview
If you’re passionate about games, excited by the systems that bring them to life, and eager to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming interactive experiences, Centennial College’s Game – Programming program offers the ideal launchpad into the game software industry.
This advanced diploma program blends core software engineering foundations with specialized expertise in game programming, preparing you to design, develop, and deploy fully functional games and simulations. You’ll build strong programming skills and apply them in collaborative, project-based environments to create immersive and responsive interactive experiences.
As a program focused on both game programming and interactive systems design, the curriculum emphasizes game mechanics, system architecture, real-time graphics, and networked gameplay. From core concepts to production-ready code, you’ll contribute to every major stage of game development, including:
- Game and simulation architecture
- 3D graphics programming
- Multiplayer and online systems
- Object-oriented design, testing, and debugging
You’ll train using the tools and languages used across today’s game studios, including C#, C++, Python, Java, Kotlin, TypeScript, Unity, Unreal Engine, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, React, AI frameworks, and web and mobile game development platforms, along with emerging techniques for building AI-driven agents and interactive systems.
The program includes a strong emphasis on Generative AI integration, giving you hands-on experience with emerging techniques that are reshaping the game industry. You’ll apply GenAI tools to:
- Procedural level and asset generation using AI-driven logic
- NPC scripting and behavior authoring using large language models
- Automated QA and playtesting supported by machine learning
- Dynamic dialogue systems and adaptive, branching storytelling
- Rapid prototyping of mechanics using AI co-creation tools
Your studies culminate in two full-scale game development projects, where you’ll integrate traditional engineering practices with AI-enhanced techniques to produce sophisticated, playable games and simulations. These capstones showcase your technical ability, creativity, and readiness to contribute to modern game or simulation development teams.
Upon graduation, you’ll earn an advanced diploma and graduate with a strong project portfolio, prepared for roles in game studios, simulation companies, or teams building AI-powered interactive software.
Please note: This program is available with a co-op option (program #3119). Qualified students transfer to the co-op option in Semester 3. A fast-track version of this program is available to qualified college or university graduates with a background in software. Fast track applicants gain direct admission into Semester 3 of this three-year program and receive their advanced diploma in four semesters (program #3129). The co-op option is available for fast-track students with four semesters plus two work terms (program #3139). This program may be available in a fully online version (program #3609) with co-op option (program #3619). The fast-track programs may also be available in a fully online version (program #3679), and, online co-op (Program #3639).
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
SpongeLab, CIBC, Bell Canada, Hudson's Bay Company, IBM Canada, ManuLife, Royal Bank
Program Highlights
- Game – Programming courses are delivered using leading-edge technology geared to industry standards.
- The offering employs project-based learning.
- Knowledgeable and approachable faculty members from the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science have diverse business experience and academic credentials.
- The program is also presented in a co-op version (program #3119). Students who choose this option gain practical experience in the field and network before graduation.
- Graduates from the program may apply for certified membership to either the Canadian Information Processing Society or their provincial engineering technology association.
Career Outlook
- Software developer
- Game programmer
- User interface developer
- Mobile application developer
- Software tester
- Computer programmer
- Systems analyst
- Business analyst
- Web application developer
- Database administrator
- Applications or software support
Education Pathways
Graduates of this advanced diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial College for credits toward further study at the degree level.
Listed below are institutions offering credits for this program. Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the institution.
| Institution | Degree |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Bachelor of Computer Science - Multiple majors |
| Lakehead University | Honours Degree in Multiple majors |
| Ontario Tech University | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies |
| Facilitating Adult Learning with Technology (undergraduate diploma) | |
| Queen's University | Honours Bachelor of Computing in Multiple majors |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| University of New Brunswick | Bachelor of Applied Management |
| University of Windsor | Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours Applied Computing) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science Degree Completion | |
| York University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
Visit our search page at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on pathways and transfer credits.
You can use this Education Pathways Checklist as a guide to help with your education journey.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Recognitions
OACETT
The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes this TAC nationally-accredited program as meeting the academic standard for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) category as well as the OACETT technology report and language benchmark requirements.
Accreditation
CIPS
This program has met the national educational standards of Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession, as such, has received national program accreditation by Canada's Association of Information Technology (IT) Professionals (CIPS).
TAC
This program has met the national educational standards of Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession, as such, has received national program accreditation by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).
Please note: The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body — not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognition, students, and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and in the materials of those external bodies.
Areas of Employment
- Software companies
- Gaming companies
- Government
- Public institutions
- Banks
- Small and medium businesses
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
- Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take a Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission
Additional Requirements
Co-op Option
The co-op option in this program will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you complete three co-op work terms as an employee in the field. This experience not only allows you to put classroom learning into practice, but will also provide valuable contacts for your future career.
To participate in this co-op option, you will need to complete an application process in the second semester. If academically qualified, you may be admitted to the co-op program. Academically qualified students who are accepted into the program will register for the co-op preparation course as scheduled.
Co-op Requirements
- Minimum of 80% of courses completed from semester one and two combined
- Completion of COMM-160/161 by the end of semester 2 with a C grade (60%) or higher
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (this must be maintained for the duration of the program)
- Students must be legally eligible to work in Canada
- Students who meet the above prerequisites will submit their application for co-op to the Career Services & Cooperative Education Department in semester 2
Note: Meeting the minimum co-op program requirements does not guarantee admission into the co-op program.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,490.68 | $4,211.68 |
| International | $18,254.00 | $1,988.63 | $20,242.63 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
Students in this program must have consistent access to a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements below.
Students with Accessibility Needs:
If you require accommodations for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when selecting a device for your program. To access disability services, you can make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services by calling 437-568-4799 or emailing calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Students in this program will need consistent access to the following:
Laptop Requirements:
- 13-inch screen, Full HD resolution
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- Intel Core i7 (6th generation or later), or equivalent x64-based processor;
- USB and HDMI ports
- Windows 11, or a recent MacBook running a current version of macOS, provided it supports all required course software
- Audio/microphone combo
- Webcam
Recommended:
- Built-in Ethernet port
- Battery life of 3 hours or more
- 15-inch touchscreen
Please note: Chromebooks are not acceptable alternatives. Some courses may also require additional devices, such as an external hard drive.
Minimum Internet Requirement:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, cable, or DSL) with a minimum download speed of 50 Mbps is highly recommended.
ClassAPPs 2.0 Students are encouraged to use Centennial College’s ClassAPPs 2.0, an all-in-one system that provides access to the digital tools needed to complete college courses from home or any other location, at any time. Any student can use ClassAPPs 2.0 with any modern HTML5 -enabled web browser, such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Simply log in using the same ID and password used for College PCs to access cloud-based software and other learning resources.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
- Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
- Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles—programming, design, and art.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
- Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
- Analyze game engines and make recommendations for the most appropriate game engine to support new and existing projects.
- Apply advanced theories and principles of mathematics and science as required for 2D and 3D games.
- Support real-time game environments and simulations using elements such as system architecture, graphics programming, and sound/audio to optimize performance.
- Optimize programming code to achieve high performance, high speed and reduced memory utilization, for all types of games.
- Develop artificial intelligence strategies and tactics to support real-time game environments and simulations.
- Implement network solutions and co-ordinate user groups to ensure seamless network interaction among different groups in on-line game communities.
- Create innovative and entrepreneurial concepts that lead to the development of new games/simulations/interactive applications and/or the enhancement of existing ones.
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Ilmir Taychinov, Game - Programming, GraduateCentennial College provided great education and gave me opportunities to learn subjects interesting to me. Special thanks goes to the faculty, who provided support and access to the materials and tools required for my success.
The co-op and international departments ensured that my documents and records, as an international student, were in good standing. In addition, facilities were up-to-date and available, and the staff were always there to help as well. A variety of skills obtained at school allowed me to acquire different job positions to improve my knowledge and acquire my current developer position at RBC, where I’m happily working now.
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