Starting this fall, the University of South Florida (USF) College of Education will offer a new graduate certificate in game design for learning.
The graduate certificate will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate educational games and integrate them into curricula. Students will also learn how to design computer games that help students learn, how to improve games through iterative playtesting and revision and how to gather and analyze player data to improve student learning outcomes.
With courses taught by faculty in USF’s Instructional Technology Program, the certificate requires 12 credits of coursework, including three required classes and an elective course in programming languages, web design or instructional graphics.
“Today’s students live in the world of games,” said Glenn Smith, PhD, associate professor of instructional technology and coordinator of the certificate program. “An inspired teacher can add a world of games to their class. The Game Design for Learning certificate gives educators the knowledge and skills to add engaging, innovative games to their curriculum.”
Coursework completed through the certificate can be applied to USF’s Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology, a fully online program that prepares students to become learning technology experts in a variety of settings, including K-12 schools, higher education, industry and military or other governmental agencies.
Students seeking admission to a USF graduate certificate program must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet USF’s graduate admissions and English proficiency requirements. For more information about the graduate certificate application process, please visit USF Innovative Education’s website.
To start an application to the graduate certificate program, please visit USF’s online application for graduate admission.