Game – Programming (Optional Co-op) (Online)
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code3609
- Credential NameGame - Programming
- Credential TypeOntario College Advanced Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Engineering Technology and Applied Science
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length3 years/ 6 semesters
- Delivery ModeOnline
- LocationOnline
- 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
With training from Centennial College's Game – Programming (Online) advanced diploma program, you'll gain a unique blend of skills that combines the core concepts of software engineering with specialized knowledge in game programming. Upon graduation, you'll receive an advanced diploma and have the know-how to launch a career in the game software industry.
Whether you're a fan of classic or modern games, you'll participate in various phases of game development in this interactive program. You'll receive training in game design, simulation design, three-dimensional graphics programming, and multiplayer online game programming, as well as in the core concepts of object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, software testing and QA, and more.
This advanced diploma technology program will also focus on topics such as C#, C++, Java, Kotlin, advanced graphics, web game programming, HTML5/CSS/JavaScript/Angular/React, Unity3D, Unreal, and mobile application development. To put your skills into practice, the curriculum includes two game development projects that will require you to utilize all the technical and business skills acquired during your studies to build high-quality games and/or simulation apps.
So whether you're a gaming enthusiast or simply interested in software engineering, the Game – Programming advanced diploma program is an excellent choice for those looking to launch a career in the game software industry.
Please note: This program may be available with a fully online co-op option (program #3619). Qualified students transfer to the co-op option in Semester 3. A fully online fast-track version of this program may be 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 #3679), or, the co-op program for fast-track students with four semesters plus two work terms (program #3639). The following on campus versions of this program are offered at Progress Campus: Game - Programming (program #3109) with co-op (program #3119), fast-track (program #3129) and fast-track co-op (program #3139).
Program Overview
With training from Centennial College's Game – Programming (Online) advanced diploma program, you'll gain a unique blend of skills that combines the core concepts of software engineering with specialized knowledge in game programming. Upon graduation, you'll receive an advanced diploma and have the know-how to launch a career in the game software industry.
Whether you're a fan of classic or modern games, you'll participate in various phases of game development in this interactive program. You'll receive training in game design, simulation design, three-dimensional graphics programming, and multiplayer online game programming, as well as in the core concepts of object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, software testing and QA, and more.
This advanced diploma technology program will also focus on topics such as C#, C++, Java, Kotlin, advanced graphics, web game programming, HTML5/CSS/JavaScript/Angular/React, Unity3D, Unreal, and mobile application development. To put your skills into practice, the curriculum includes two game development projects that will require you to utilize all the technical and business skills acquired during your studies to build high-quality games and/or simulation apps.
So whether you're a gaming enthusiast or simply interested in software engineering, the Game – Programming advanced diploma program is an excellent choice for those looking to launch a career in the game software industry.
Please note: This program may be available with a fully online co-op option (program #3619). Qualified students transfer to the co-op option in Semester 3. A fully online fast-track version of this program may be 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 #3679), or, the co-op program for fast-track students with four semesters plus two work terms (program #3639). The following on campus versions of this program are offered at Progress Campus: Game - Programming (program #3109) with co-op (program #3119), fast-track (program #3129) and fast-track co-op (program #3139).
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.
- 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 the Game – Programming advanced diploma (online) 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 | |
| Waterloo, University of | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | |
| Windsor, University of | |
| Canada | British Columbia Institute of Technology |
| International | Munster Technological University |
For more detailed pathways information, visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
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/CTAB
- The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) and the Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies (CCTT) jointly approved accreditation of this program in 2011. This joint accreditation is the first of its kind in Canada.
- The program has met the national technology accreditation requirements established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and, as such, has received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).
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
Areas of EmploymentAdmission 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 (score of 170 or 171 is required for admission)
- 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.
Out of province and out of country co-op applicants – Co-op work terms are typically in Ontario, in and around the GTA. Additional requirements for co-op and the co-op job search may apply to out of Province and out of country applicants.
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 of $150 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.
Domestic applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
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
January registration begins mid-December
May 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 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $815.27 | $3,536.27 |
| International | $18,254.00 | $1,500.90 | $19,754.90 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
This program is part of the BringIT initiative, which mean students taking it will need to be able to consistently access and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the program’s recommended hardware requirements.
Students with Accessibility Needs: If you require accommodations for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your program. If you want to access disability services, you can make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 437-568-4799, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Want to know more? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our BringIT Program.
Students from this program will need to have consistent access to the following:
Minimum Recommended Specifications:
- Windows Laptop with:
- Intel Core i7 Processor (6th generation or later) or AMD equivalent processor;
- High-End Graphics Card, VR Ready (Geforce GTX 1060 6GB, or better, recommended);
- 16GB of RAM;
- Dual HD 256GB + 1 TB HDD;
- USB + HDMI Ports;
- 15 in Screen, FHD resolution;
- Windows 10 Edition OS, X64-based Processor
- Recommended:
- Built-in Ethernet Port; Audio/Mic combo;
- A Solid State Drive (SSD);
- 15 inch Touch Screen;
- A laptop with a battery life of 3hrs or better
Please note: MacBooks and Chromebooks are NOT acceptable alternatives. Some subjects may require additional devices such as an external hard drive. In addition to the computer specifications listed above, internet acces, a web-cam, microphone and speakers are needed.
Minimum Internet Requirement:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 50mbps download speed is highly recommended.
ClassAPPs 2.0
Students are invited to use Centennial College’s ClassAPPs 2.0, an all-in-one system that lets you use all of the digital tools you need to complete your college courses from the comfort of your own home, at any time, instead of finding the time to head for a computer lab. Any student can use the ClassAPPs 2.0 system with any modern, HTML5 enabled web browser, like Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Just log in to the service with the same ID and password you use to get into a College PC, and you instantly gain access to 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.
1. Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
2. Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
3. Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles—programming, design, and art.
4. Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
5. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
6. Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.
7. Analyze game engines and make recommendations for the most appropriate game engine to support new and existing projects.
8. Apply advanced theories and principles of mathematics and science as required for 2D and 3D games.
9. Support real-time game environments and simulations using elements such as system architecture, graphics programming, and sound/audio to optimize performance.
10. Optimize programming code to achieve high performance, high speed and reduced memory utilization, for all types of games.
11. Develop artificial intelligence strategies and tactics to support real-time game environments and simulations.
12. Implement network solutions and co-ordinate user groups to ensure seamless network interaction among different groups in on-line game communities.
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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