Game Design Student

Game Design

Career/Technical Certificate

Tired of just playing games? Why not start creating them! Turn your passion into a career with our Simulation and Game Design program! Gain valuable experience while learning the latest techniques in game design and programming simulation. Level up and get your degree in game design! 

Why choose Game Design?

Turn your passion for games into real-world skills. In San Jac’s Simulation and Game Design program, you’ll learn how games are created, from concept to completion. Whether you’re interested in coding, level design, or storytelling, you’ll gain the skills to bring your ideas to life.

Virtual Simulation

Design and build immersive games and simulations

Learn how to create interactive experiences from the ground up. You’ll design gameplay, build levels, and develop simulations used in entertainment, training, and real-world applications.
Game Designer

Develop real programming and game engine skills

Write code for games and simulations using scripting and object-oriented programming. You’ll work with game engines, build gameplay systems, and bring your ideas to life through interactive design.

3D Game Design

Create worlds with 3D design, animation, and multimedia

Build game environments using 3D modeling, animation, and visual design tools. You’ll integrate audio, video, and user interface elements to create engaging player experiences.

Team working together

Work on team-based projects from concept to launch

Collaborate with others to design and develop games using real production workflows. You’ll manage projects, build assets, and complete a capstone game or simulation from concept to completion.
Game Design Students Play Video

Careers

Computer Programmer

 $55,272
Web and Digital Interface Designers
 $93,700
Software Developers

 $127,931

 Opportunities

 Our Simulation and Gaming program prepares you for a career as:

  • Entry-level programmers
  • Game programmers
  • Level designers
  • Assistant game designers
  • Game engine programmers
  • Software testers
Salary Source: Texas Wages

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Introductory Game Design and Development, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the AAS degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career. Explore the latest design applications and game engines, including multi-player and multimedia audio and video tools.
Length 3 Months
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 18 credits for this certificate in one term.

Simulation and Game Design, AAS

Career/Technical
The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you for a career in game design and development. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, including game engines, multiplayer systems, and multimedia programming. You’ll also complete two-semester project courses where you design and build your own games or simulations.
Length 2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in four terms.

Simulation and Game Design, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate
The Level 2 Certificate helps you build advanced skills and continue into the degree program or advance in your current career. You’ll gain experience in simulation and game programming, program testing, and multimedia development.
Length 2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 45 credits for this certificate in four terms.

CAREER TRACKS

The content below shows a flowchart of the career tracks.

After San Jacinto College

Students can choose to move on to a bachelor's segree in Game Design by transferring to a 4 year university.  

Applying to San Jac

Sounds great, but how do I apply?

Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future, today.

Your Questions Answered

Big decision, simple answers. Let’s clear it up.

You’ll learn how to design and develop games and simulations from concept to completion. The program covers:

  • game programming
  • level design
  • simulation development
  • multimedia integration.

You’ll work with game engines, scripting, and 3D design tools while learning how to build interactive systems, user interfaces, and engaging player experiences.

Yes. You’ll complete hands-on, project-based courses where you design and build your own games and simulations. Some projects are individual, while others are team-based to reflect real industry workflows.

The program culminates in a capstone project where you take a game or simulation from idea to a fully developed experience, helping you build a strong portfolio.

This program prepares you for roles in game and interactive media development, such as:

  • Game programmer

  • Game engine programmer

  • Level designer

  • Assistant game designer

  • Software tester

These roles may support the development of games, simulations, and other interactive digital experiences used in entertainment, education, and training.

No prior experience is required. The program starts with the basics and builds your skills step by step. As you progress, you’ll move into more advanced topics like programming, game engines, and interactive design.

Yes. After completing the program, you can choose to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in game design, computer science, or a related field. The skills you gain in programming, design, and problem-solving provide a strong foundation for continued study.

Game design focuses on creating interactive experiences for entertainment, including gameplay, levels, and player engagement. Simulation focuses on building realistic, interactive systems used for training, education, or real-world problem-solving. Think flight simulators or medical training tools.

In this program, you’ll learn both. You’ll develop the technical and creative skills to design games while also building simulations that model real-world environments and scenarios. This combination prepares you for a wider range of careers in gaming, education, and industry training.

Game Design Computer

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Have Questions?

Have any questions about our Simulation and Game Design Program? Please contact the campus you’re attending.

North Campus
Phone: 281-998-6350 x7242

South Campus
Phone: 281-998-6350 x3502