Game Design, Graduate Certificate

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Pursue a Career in Designing Computer GamesFour individuals collaborating around a table with papers and markers in a computer lab at the University of Michigan.

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.

Pathway to a Master's Degree

Plan ahead by selecting certificate courses that overlap with graduate courses required for a related master's program. Doing so allows you to earn your certificate while simultaneously making progress toward your master's degree. Meet with an advisor to learn more!

Program Details

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Tuition

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Graduate Tuition and Funding

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

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 for 2024. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$95,380 Median Salary

Web Developers and Digital Designers

Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 14,500 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.

$99,800 Median Salary

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 5,000 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.

$61,300 Median Salary

Graphic Designers

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 20,000 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.

$131,450 Median Salary

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 129,200 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.

$111,040 Median Salary

Art Directors

Employment of art directors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 12,300 openings for art directors 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.

Next Steps

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