Simulation and Game Development
Home to the first state-approved associate degree program in game development in the United States, Central Piedmont's Simulation and Game Development program offers a student-centered, multidisciplinary approach to the study of simulation and game development, with opportunities to develop skills in design, programming, and 3D modeling and animation. Developed in response to industry needs, the curriculum includes both 2D and 3D game development and utilizes industry-standard technologies. Students work with a wide range of tools, including Maya, Adobe Premiere Pro, MS Visual Studio, GitHub, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Fuse, Adobe Animate, Adobe Illustrator, ZBrush, StereoKit, Twine, Unreal Engine and Unity 3D. Coursework provides students with a broad background in simulation and game development and prepares them for success in collaborative, creative work environments.
Graduates may qualify for employment as designers, artists, animators, programmers, testers and quality assurance analysts in various industries and sectors, including entertainment, education, healthcare, engineering, forensics, banking and government.
The Simulation and Game Development program at Central Piedmont offers three degree options:
Design
The Simulation and Game Development Design degree prepares students to work as entry level designers in the game industry or similar industries. Students explore: game design and mechanics, level design, virtual environments, MMO, game narrative and audio, 2D and 3D art, playtesting, prototyping, and project management. Work-based learning provides opportunities for real-world skill development.
Programming
The Simulation and Game Development Programming degree prepares students to work as entry level programmers in the game industry or similar industries. Students explore: mobile game development and programming, tool development, virtual/augmented/mixed reality programming utilizing multiple forms of VR hardware, Artificial Intelligence, database systems, software engineering, and game engine scripting. Work-based learning provides opportunities for real-world skill development.
3D Modeling and Animation
The Simulation and Game Development 3D Modeling and Animation degree prepares students to work as entry level 3D modelers and animators in the game industry or similar industries. Students explore: tools and techniques used in computer graphics, 3D model assets, 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, virtual and augmented environments, and concept art techniques. Work-based learning provides opportunities for real-world skill development.
The Simulation and Game Development program also offers six certificates and a diploma program.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in simulation and game development employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Simulation and Game Development (A25450)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Simulation and Game Development is awarded by the college upon completion of one of the following three tracks:
- Simulation and Game Development - Design (A25450A)
- Simulation and Game Development - Programming (A25450B)
- Simulation and Game Development - 3D Modeling and Animation (A25450C)
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Placement tests determine placement in English (ENG) and mathematics (MAT).
- Some courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; Check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Simulation and Game Development program is in the Information Technology Division. For more information, call the program chair at 704.330.6398 or the program office at 704.330.6549.
Simulation and Game Development - Design (A25450A)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| SGD 124 | Massive Multiplayer Online Programming | 3.0 |
| SGD 164 | SGD Audio/Video | 3.0 |
| SGD 174 | SGD Level Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 274 | SGD Level Design II | 3.0 |
| Take 2.0 credits from the following: | 2.0 | |
| College Transfer Success | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Simulation and Game Development - Programming (A25450B)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| Take one from the following: | 3.0 | |
| SGD Mobile Programming I | ||
| Swift Programming I | ||
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| SGD 122 | Simulation and Game Database Programming | 3.0 |
| SGD 125 | Simulation and Game Artificial Intelligence | 3.0 |
| Take one from the following: | 3.0 | |
| SGD Mobile Programming II | ||
| Swift Programming II | ||
| SGD 285 | SGD Software Engineering | 3.0 |
| Take 2.0 credits from the following: | 2.0 | |
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Simulation and Game Development - 3D Modeling and Animation (A25450C)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Take 3.0 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| SGD 117 | Art for Games | 3.0 |
| SGD 161 | SGD 2D Animation | 3.0 |
| SGD 237 | Rigging 3D Models | 3.0 |
| SGD 244 | SGD 3D Modeling III | 3.0 |
| Take 2.0 credits from the following: | 2.0 | |
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Simulation and Game Development Diploma Specialization in Game Development (D25450-21)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| WBL 121 | Work-Based Learning II | 1.0 |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Simulation and Game Development Certificates (C25450)
- Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Simulation and Game Development Level I (C25450-21)
- Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Simulation and Game Development Level II (C25450-22)
- Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Simulation and Game Development Level III (C25450-30)
- Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Design (C25450-24)
- Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Programming (C25450-26)
- Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in 3D Modeling and Animation (C25450-28)
Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Simulation and Game Development Level I (C25450-21)
This certificate is also available to high school students enrolled in Career & College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Simulation and Game Development Level II (C25450-22)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Simulation and Game Development Level III (C25450-30)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Design (C25450-24)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 124 | Massive Multiplayer Online Programming | 3.0 |
| SGD 164 | SGD Audio/Video | 3.0 |
| SGD 174 | SGD Level Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 274 | SGD Level Design II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in Programming (C25450-26)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 122 | Simulation and Game Database Programming | 3.0 |
| SGD 125 | Simulation and Game Artificial Intelligence | 3.0 |
| SGD 268 | SGD Mobile Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 285 | SGD Software Engineering | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Simulation and Game Development Certificate Specialization in 3D Modeling and Animation (C25450-28)
| Major Requirements | ||
| SGD 117 | Art for Games | 3.0 |
| SGD 161 | SGD 2D Animation | 3.0 |
| SGD 237 | Rigging 3D Models | 3.0 |
| SGD 244 | SGD 3D Modeling III | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Simulation and Game Development Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
- Simulation and Game Development - 3D Modeling and Animation (A25450C)
- Simulation and Game Development - Design (A25450A)
- Simulation and Game Development - Programming (A25450B)
Simulation and Game Development - 3D Modeling and Animation (A25450C)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 117 | Art for Games | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C25450-21. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I or Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra or Calculus I | 3.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term III | ||
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term IV | ||
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| SGD 237 | Rigging 3D Models | 3.0 |
| SGD 244 | SGD 3D Modeling III | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Term V | ||
| WBL 121 | Work-Based Learning II | 1.0 |
| SGD 161 | SGD 2D Animation | 3.0 |
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Simulation and Game Development - Programming (A25450B)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C25450-21. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I or Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra or Calculus I | 3.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term III | ||
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term IV | ||
| SGD 122 | Simulation and Game Database Programming | 3.0 |
| SGD 125 | Simulation and Game Artificial Intelligence | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| SGD 285 | SGD Software Engineering | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term V | ||
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| WBL 121 | Work-Based Learning II | 1.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| SGD 268 | SGD Mobile Programming II | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Simulation and Game Development - Design (A25450A)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SGD 111 | Introduction to Simulation and Game Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 112 | SGD Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 113 | SGD Programming I | 3.0 |
| SGD 114 | SGD 3D Modeling I | 3.0 |
| SGD 124 | Massive Multiplayer Online Programming | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C25450-21. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I or Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra or Calculus I | 3.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term III | ||
| SGD 165 | SGD Character Development | 3.0 |
| SGD 213 | Simulation Game Development Programming II | 3.0 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Term IV | ||
| SGD 174 | SGD Level Design I | 3.0 |
| SGD 212 | Simulation and Game Development Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 289 | Simulation and Game Development Project | 3.0 |
| SGD 274 | SGD Level Design II | 3.0 |
| SGD 214 | SGD 3D Modeling II | 3.0 |
| WBL 111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C25450-30. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term V | ||
| SGD 172 | SGD Virtual Environments | 3.0 |
| SGD 168 | SGD Mobile Programming I | 3.0 |
| WBL 121 | Work-Based Learning II | 1.0 |
| SGD 164 | SGD Audio/Video | 3.0 |
| SGD 162 | SGD 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |