University of Lynchburg

Certificate in Game Art (Five-Course Certificate)

(1749218855GFN3g)

Format: Online | Credential: Digital Certificate + 5 Micro-Credentials

Duration: Five 8-week courses  
No prior experience required

Turn your passion for games into a powerful new skillset.
Whether you're aspiring to enter the game design industry or build a professional portfolio, the Certificate in Game Art from the University of Lynchburg’s Professional Development Institute offers an immersive, hands-on introduction to the entire game development pipeline.

This fully online, non-credit program includes five in-depth courses designed and taught by an industry professional. Each 8-week course earns a digital badge/micro-credential, with a final digital certificate awarded upon program completion. Students will learn to conceptualize, build, and showcase original games and environments using industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, and Adobe Substance.

Program begins August 25, 2025.  

Questions? Email: PDI.lynchburg.edu

Certificate Registration Fee: $2,999 (Five-course sequence)

 

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    How to develop a professional Game Design Document (GDD) and plan out full gameplay experiences.

  • How to model and texture 3D assets for game worlds using Maya and Photoshop.

  • How to build fully playable environments and game mechanics using Unreal Engine 5.

  • How to design shaders, lighting, and visual effects for immersive game scenes.

  • How to create a standout portfolio showcasing real-time rendered assets and environments.

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    Game Design Fundamentals
    Explore the foundations of game design, storytelling, player psychology, and level development. By the end, you’ll produce a 20+ page professional Game Design Document.

    3D Asset Modeling
    Learn 3D modeling, UV mapping, and asset optimization using Maya. Build a detailed outdoor environment with at least 10 original 3D models.

    Game Mechanics Development
    Master the basics of blueprint scripting and level interactivity in Unreal Engine 5.4. Create and export a playable gray-box level with responsive mechanics and UI.

    Engine Shader Development
    Dive into shaders and visual effects with Unreal Engine. Create master materials, glass and water shaders, landscape textures, and VFX for stylized storytelling.

    3D Materials & Lighting
    Understand photorealistic rendering, PBR workflows, and professional lighting techniques. Showcase your work through portfolio-ready scene compositions and renders.

     

    Group of diverse gamers.

    This program is perfect for:

    • Aspiring game designers and developers

    • Creative professionals seeking a new career path

    • High school graduates interested in game tech

    • Indie developers and content creators expanding their skills

    No prior game development experience is required. This program is designed for learners of all backgrounds with an interest in digital storytelling, interactive design, and immersive technology.

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    What You’ll Receive

    • Five digital micro-credentials (one per course)

    • A Certificate in Computer Game Design upon completion

    • A robust digital portfolio of models, environments, and a playable prototype

    • Real-world skills aligned with today’s game design and development industry

    Photo of Gabriel Wilson

    Gabriel Wilson, MFA
    Instructor, Game Design Certificate Program

    Gabriel Wilson is an award-winning educator and game design expert with more than a decade of experience in digital arts, immersive technologies, and curriculum development. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Game Development from the Academy of Art University and currently teaches Game Design at the University of Lynchburg and Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design.

    A specialist in Unreal Engine, 3D modeling, and visual storytelling, Gabriel has led AR/VR projects in collaboration with NASA’s STEM Gateway, the Ulrich Museum of Art, and Ballet Wichita. As a former Program Director of Game Design at Wichita State University, he oversaw curriculum innovation and mentored student teams through dynamic, real-world design experiences.

    His teaching is distinguished by a hands-on, inclusive approach, and he was recognized with WSU’s Mickey and Pete Armstrong Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Gabriel is passionate about preparing students for the future of interactive media—empowering them to explore, design, and lead in the evolving world of game development.

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    • Game Design Fundamentals: August 25, 2025 - October 19, 2025
    • 3D Asset Modeling & Game Mechanics Development
      (taken concurrently): October 20, 2025 - December 14, 2025
    • 3D Materials & Lighting: January 5, 2026 - March 1, 2026
    • Engine Shader Development: March 2, 2026 - April 26, 2026
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    Career Outlook
    • Strong Job Growth: Employment for video game designers is projected to grow 6-8% through 2033, with software development and QA roles growing even faster at 17%-well above the national average. 
    • Entry-Level Opportunities are Expanding: Entry-level roles such as junior designers, QA testers, and 3D artists are in steady demand across indie and mid-size studios, offering starting salaries from $45k-$75k, depending on role and skillset.
    • In-Demand Skills You'll Learn: Mastery of industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine, Maya, and Adobe Substance gives participants a competitive edge-especially as more than 64% of developers now use Unity or Unreal. 

    The U.S. game design industry is growing rapidly. Video Game Designers are classified as a Bright Outlook occupation by O*NET, reflecting strong projected demand over the next decade. Related fields such as software development, quality assurance, and programming are expected to grow by up to 17% through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Entry-level roles—including junior designers, developers, and 3D artists—offer starting salaries between $45,000 and $75,000, depending on the position and studio size. Quality assurance testers, one of the most common entry points into the industry, typically earn $40,000–$50,000 to start, depending on location.

    The job market is no longer dominated by large publishers alone. Over half of all new games are developed by indie and mid-size teams, opening up more opportunities for new talent (Game World Observer, 2025).

    This certificate prepares you with real-world skills in tools like Unreal Engine and Maya—so you can start building your game design career, even with no prior experience.

    Price: $2,999.00
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