Students want to look at various factors such as school type, size and costs when choosing a school. The following table offers a way to compare these facts.

Central Piedmont Community College
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Stanly Community College

School Type
2-year; public
4-year; public
2-year; public

Total Enrollment (2019)
18,646*
29,615*
2,687*

Campus Setting
Large city
Large city
Distant town

Undergraduate Tuition & Fees 2019-2020
$2,792 in-state; $8,936 out-of-state*
$6,905 in-state; $20,339 out-of-state*
$2,673 in-state; $8,817 out-of-state*

% of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Financial Aid (2018-2019)
61%*
74%*
66%*

Acceptance Rate (2019)
N/A – Open admissions
66%*
N/A – Open admissions

Retention Rate (2018-2019)
56% for full-time students; 44% for part-time students*
83% for full-time students; 67% for part-time students*
58% for full-time students; 41% for part-time students*

Graduation Rate
20% (for students who began their studies in 2016)*
64% (for students who began their studies in 2013)*
44% (for students who began their studies in 2016)*

Source: *NCES College Navigator

Central Piedmont Community College

Serving more than 18,000 students, Central Piedmont Community College is a 2-year, public school conveniently located about one mile from downtown Charlotte. The college offers aspiring game designers a variety of training programs in simulation and game development that include a certificate, a diploma and an associate’s degree.

Simulation and Game Development Certificate Programs

This certificate program offers training in simulation and game development at basic and more advanced levels. Prospective students can choose from programs in simulation and game development, as well as mobile game development.

Each certificate program incorporates a variety of coursework that focuses on providing instruction in simulation and game development design as well as programming and modeling at varying levels. Coursework in mobile game programming, mobile simulation and game programming are included in the certificate program for mobile game development.

Diploma in Simulation and Game Development

The diploma program consists of 36 credits of coursework that includes six credits of general education classes in expository writing and communication. Students will develop skills in game development, design, programming and modeling in addition to learning about game engines, wireless programming and mobile game simulation programming.

Associate in Applied Science in Simulation and Game Development

Admission to this 2-year program in simulation and game development requires prospective students to have a high school diploma or GED as well as meeting placement test guidelines in English and math. Candidates for the associate’s degree receive guided instruction in using industry-standard programs, such as Flash, Adobe Photoshop, 3ds Max Studio, Game Maker and Unreal Engine. Course topics include 3D modeling, database administration and programming, software engineering and computer design. All courses in the program can be taken online.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

As part of a research-intensive learning institution, the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina (UNC) is focused on becoming a top innovator in the field. With a state-of-the-art game design and development lab, commonly referred to as ‘the Playground,’ UNC has the facilities and faculty to offer students in-depth, hands-on training.

Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development

This game design and development certificate is available to students who already have a bachelor’s degree or are in the process of obtaining one at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The program consists of five undergraduate game design courses on topics such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics and audio processing for computing. For admission, students must know two higher-level computer languages and fulfill specific math requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Focus Area on AI, Robotics and Gaming

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program that provides prospective students with the option to explore a focused concentration in AI, robotics and gaming. The area of emphasis includes coursework in computer graphics, basic and advanced courses in game design and development, software engineering and artificial intelligence for computer games.

Graduate Certificate in Game Design and Development

To qualify for this program, candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in a scientific, business or engineering major and have fulfilled several mathematics requirements. Prospective students seeking admission to this program must also have acquired skills in computer application languages. Coursework covers topics such as computer graphics, game engine construction and artificial intelligence for computer games. All credits earned may be used toward a master’s degree in computer science at UNC.

Stanly Community College

Stanly Community College is a 2-year, public school that enrolls over 10,000 students per year. The college strives toward assisting students who aspire to transfer to a university and offers prospective game designers several programs in simulation and game development.

Design Certificate in Simulation and Game Development

This certificate program consists of five courses and 13 credits that focus on teaching students skills in simulation and game development. Instruction is provided in 3D modeling at basic and advanced levels, simulation, game animation and video editing techniques. Components include a combination of classroom lecture in addition to lab work.

Programming Certificate in Simulation and Game Development

Students enrolled in this certificate program will learn about computer programming languages and concepts in artificial intelligence and software engineering that are used in the design and development of game simulations. Coursework includes an introductory course in computers as well as basic and advanced courses in simulation and game development programming.

Associate of Applied Science in Simulation and Game Development

The 2-year, associate’s degree program provides students with career industry skills in simulation and game development. During the first semester, coursework introduces students to 3D modeling techniques used in game development. Instruction and training is provided in subject areas that include storytelling and character design, game play and core mechanics, narrative and interface design.

Subsequent semesters focus on advanced methods and techniques used in simulation and game design. Students learn about the process of animation and how it is used in creating character sketches and storyboards. A course in programming and logic focuses on language syntax, data types, algorithm design and problem-solving techniques. General education requirements include courses in mathematics, expository writing, professional research and reporting, plus electives in the humanities and the social sciences.