Computer Programming and Video Game Design


Instructor: Matthew Newman 
315-589-2646

Program Goal: Computer Programming and Video Game Design enables students to learn software development, game programming and computer network support. After mastering Java programming, students may choose to specialize in computer programming and video game design or computer hardware and network operating systems through on-line tools and certification exams provided by TestOut.

Curriculum: During the first year of this program, students learn the essentials of computer programming and practice their skills through programming exercises and by writing their own computer games using Java. Students are taught concepts from geometry, trigonometry, and algebra necessary to model real world physics in games and simulations. During the second year, students may select between two areas of specialization. 

Video Game Programming: Students who select the video game programming specialization study the Windows programming model using .NET and C#.  C# is the most modern programming language desired by professional software development firms.  These students apply their skills to collaborate on a substantial game development project using C#, Visual Studio, Unity game engine or other tools.

Computer Networking and PC Support:  Students who choose this specialization study the fundamentals of computer and networking technology as well as desktop and server operating systems.  These students will also design, implement and support networks and PCs in a lab environment.  In addition to the TestOut certifications, this specialization also includes preparation for the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams.

Work Based Learning: Students from both specializations will collaborate to form the officers and staff of an in-house software design and marketing company which markets student created software projects to customers.

Curriculum Areas/Units of Study:

  • Java Programming
  • Computer Game Programming
  • C# Programming      Unity
  • PC Pro
  • Network Pro

Dual Credit (3 or 4 Credits Each): Finger Lakes Community College (CSC 115-Introduction to Programming, CSC 190: Object Oriented Software Development, CSC 216: Introduction to C#, CSC 260: Network Technologies, CSC 271: A+ Hardware and Operating Systems)

Articulation Agreements: Bryant & Stratton College (TECH 100: Business Information Systems Principles, INFT 124: Computing Skills); SUNY Canton (CITA 152: Computer Logic, CITA 170: Computer Concepts/ Operating Systems, CITA 220/221: Data Communications and Network Technology and Lab); SUNY Cobleskill (CITA 290 Special Project Information Tech, CITA 115 Computer Operating Systems, CITA 115X Computer Operating Systems Lab)

Job Outlook (US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook):