Game – Programming (Fast-Track) (Optional Co-op)
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code3129
- Credential TypeOntario College Advanced Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Information Technology
- Program TypeFast-track program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- Delivery ModeHybrid
- LocationProgress Campus
- Emailicet@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology Requirements
- PGWP AlignedNo
- CIP Code11.0204
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
Centennial College's Game – Programming (Fast-Track) program will grant you direct admission into the second year (third semester) of this three-year offering to receive an advanced diploma in four semesters, if you're a qualified college or university graduate with a software background.
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 offers a unique blend of skills that combines the core concepts of software engineering with specialized knowledge in game programming, equipping you to design, develop, and deploy fully functional games and simulations. You’ll gain in-demand programming skills and apply them in collaborative, project-based environments to build immersive, interactive experiences.
As a program centered on game programming and interactive systems design, the curriculum emphasizes the creation of game mechanics, system architecture, real-time graphics, and networked gameplay. From core concepts to production-ready code, you’ll work across all major stages of game development, including:
- Game and simulation architecture
- 3D graphics programming
- Multiplayer 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 also includes a strong emphasis on Generative AI integration, giving you hands-on experience with modern AI tools that are transforming the game development landscape. You’ll learn to use GenAI in your own projects, applying it to:
- Procedural level and asset generation using AI-driven logic
- Non-player character (NPC) scripting using large language models
- Automated QA testing powered by machine learning
- Generating adaptive dialogue systems and dynamic storytelling elements
- Prototyping game ideas and mechanics with AI co-creation tools
Your experience will culminate in two full-scale game development projects, where you’ll combine traditional development skills with emerging AI-enhanced techniques. These capstone projects will showcase your ability to create sophisticated, playable games and simulations while using industry-relevant technologies and tools — including GenAI.
Upon graduation, you’ll receive an advanced diploma and a strong portfolio of completed projects, ready to pursue roles in game studios, simulation development companies, or teams working with AI-powered interactive software and experiences.
Please note: The co-op option is available for fast-track students with four semesters plus two work terms (program #3139). Fast-track programs may also be available in a fully online version (program #3679), and, online co-op (program #3639).
Program Overview
Centennial College's Game – Programming (Fast-Track) program will grant you direct admission into the second year (third semester) of this three-year offering to receive an advanced diploma in four semesters, if you're a qualified college or university graduate with a software background.
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 offers a unique blend of skills that combines the core concepts of software engineering with specialized knowledge in game programming, equipping you to design, develop, and deploy fully functional games and simulations. You’ll gain in-demand programming skills and apply them in collaborative, project-based environments to build immersive, interactive experiences.
As a program centered on game programming and interactive systems design, the curriculum emphasizes the creation of game mechanics, system architecture, real-time graphics, and networked gameplay. From core concepts to production-ready code, you’ll work across all major stages of game development, including:
- Game and simulation architecture
- 3D graphics programming
- Multiplayer 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 also includes a strong emphasis on Generative AI integration, giving you hands-on experience with modern AI tools that are transforming the game development landscape. You’ll learn to use GenAI in your own projects, applying it to:
- Procedural level and asset generation using AI-driven logic
- Non-player character (NPC) scripting using large language models
- Automated QA testing powered by machine learning
- Generating adaptive dialogue systems and dynamic storytelling elements
- Prototyping game ideas and mechanics with AI co-creation tools
Your experience will culminate in two full-scale game development projects, where you’ll combine traditional development skills with emerging AI-enhanced techniques. These capstone projects will showcase your ability to create sophisticated, playable games and simulations while using industry-relevant technologies and tools — including GenAI.
Upon graduation, you’ll receive an advanced diploma and a strong portfolio of completed projects, ready to pursue roles in game studios, simulation development companies, or teams working with AI-powered interactive software and experiences.
Please note: The co-op option is available for fast-track students with four semesters plus two work terms (program #3139). 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, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Toronto Stock Exchange, CIBC, Bell Canada, Hudson's Bay Company, IBM Canada and Manulife
Program Highlights
- The program's courses use leading technology geared to industry standards to teach concepts.
- Project-based learning is a key component of the offering.
- You learn from and interact with knowledgeable and approachable School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science faculty members who have diverse business experience and academic credentials.
- Graduates from the program may apply for certified membership to either the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) or their provincial engineering technology association.
Career Outlook
- Software developer
- Software tester
- Game programmer
- Mobile applications developer
- User interface developer
- Computer programmer
- Systems analyst
- Business analyst
- Web applications developer
- Database administrator
- Applications or software support
Education Pathways
Graduates of the Game – Programming (Fast-track) advanced diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways 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 receiving institution.
| Region | Institution |
|---|---|
| Toronto GTA | Seneca Polytechnic |
| York University | |
| Ontario | Algoma University |
| Lakehead University | |
| Ontario Tech University | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | |
| Windsor, University of | |
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 (IT) Technology 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 recognitions, 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
- Degree or a three-year college diploma in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a related discipline
- We will consider applicants with a combination of partial diploma or degree and relevant work experience
Additional Requirements
- English language proficiency
- Transcript and resume review is required
- Centennial English Admission Test is required
Co-op Option
The co-op option in this program will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you complete two co-op work term 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 semester 1. 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
- Completion of COMM160/161 by the end of semester 1 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 1
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.
Fall Registration begins mid-July
Winter Registration begins mid-December
Summer Registration begins mid-April
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 2026.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,775.00 | $1,582.16 | $4,357.16 |
| International | $19,167.00 | $2,093.81 | $21,260.81 |
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.
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