Cambrian College Introduces Innovative Graduate Certificate in Serious Games

Cambrian College in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, is set to launch a groundbreaking graduate certificate program in serious games design and development in the fall of 2024. This initiative marks the first of its kind at a public college in Ontario, aiming to harness the potential of video games and virtual reality as essential tools for education and business.

According to a recent news release, the one-year, two-semester program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to create interactive experiences that transform learning and workforce development across various sectors. The program emphasizes the application of game mechanics, extended reality technologies, and gamification to produce effective training tools and engaging learning experiences.

Janice Clarke, Vice-President Academic at Cambrian College, highlighted the growing demand for professionals who can merge game design with practical applications. “As industries modernize and adopt more immersive technologies, the demand for graduates who can combine game design with real-world applications is accelerating,” Clarke stated. She believes that this program positions Cambrian at the forefront of an expanding field, preparing learners to develop game-based solutions that can have a significant impact.

Program Structure and Opportunities

The serious games program offers flexibility, allowing students to participate in instructor-led classes either in person or online. Over the two semesters, students will collaborate on a serious games project, culminating in a portfolio-ready application that showcases their ability to design meaningful and innovative game experiences.

Dr. Aaron Langille, the program coordinator, emphasized the importance of the curriculum. “Serious games bridge the gap between learning and doing,” Dr. Langille noted. He explained that the program provides students with the technical foundations and creative problem-solving skills necessary to design experiences that enhance confidence and prepare individuals for real-world challenges in a safe, interactive environment.

The program also caters to those already working in game development, offering an opportunity to specialize beyond entertainment and expand career prospects in one of Canada’s fastest-growing digital sectors.

For further details about the new serious games program at Cambrian College, prospective students can visit the college’s official website. This innovative offering underscores the increasing recognition of the role that serious games play in various professional fields, paving the way for a new generation of game designers who can contribute to meaningful learning experiences.