CECS Graduate Education Office

Pursue a Career in Designing Computer Games

If you have an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer engineering, the graduate certificate in game design from UM-Dearborn can give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career creating computer games. You’ll learn some theory, but the program’s focus is on hands-on development of computer games.

The skills you’ll learn have lots of applications outside computer games. They’re useful in fields like software development, artificial intelligence, multimedia design, and more.

You can complete the four-course, 12-credit graduate certificate online, in person, or a combination of both.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$92,750 Median Salary

Web Developers and Digital Designers

Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,000 openings for web developers and digital designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$99,060 Median Salary

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,910 Median Salary

Graphic Designers

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$130,160 Median Salary

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 153,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$106,500 Median Salary

Art Directors

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 153,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Tuition

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Application Deadline

This program operates on a rolling admission basis. It is advised to submit all documents by the advisory deadline to ensure consideration for your preferred term and to facilitate pre-term planning. Advisory deadlines differ for domestic and international students.

View Advisory Deadlines

Admission Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher is required.
  • There are no required prerequisites or standardized test scores for admission.
View Certificate Admissions Requirements

Next Steps

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