NHTI, Concord's Community College Catalog 2013-2014

Animation and Graphic Game Programming
The degree of Associate in Science with a major in Animation and Graphic
Game Programming (AGGP) will be awarded upon successful completion
the program.
Listen to Professor Simkin and an AGGP student on a radio station
discussing the AGGP curriculum:
http://media.podcastingmanager.com/7/2/9/1/3/141065-131927/Media/
NHHEAF_09_16_12.mp3
The business of game development in the United States has passed
$25 billion dollars in annual sales, with the majority ($15 billion) in
software sales. The game development industry is growing, with a wide
range of industry applications, such as simulation development in the
medical fields, educational training and assessment, military training and
deployment, advertising, entertainment and digital media, or any industry
incorporating animation and graphics with computer programming skills.
Recently, interactive animation development has exploded in the areas of
web based multi-player interactions and hand held devices. These changes
have been fueled by advancements in new technology, including the massive
adoption of social networks and the increasing use of smart phones and
other hand held devices, expanding ways to serve interactive content to
users.
The AGGP degree program builds upon the skills of computer science,
with a strong added emphasis on computer programming and interactive
animated applications. For the AGGP students, creating computer
programs is a challenging and fascinating process. Math and physics play
a key role in animation development and are incorporated in all related
courses. The program offers a unique course which blends math, physics,
and interactive graphics programming. The students will be introduced
to interactive animation development with Adobe Flash and Actionscript.
An example of what is possible for students to create in the first course of
the AGGP curriculum is available at the following link:
http://www.metrocast.net/~mtibbals/.
From the very beginning of their program, AGGP students are
challenged to create computer programs and animation graphics,
incorporating the following curriculum content:
• Programming languages, including C++, C#, Java and Actionscript
• Utilizing local area networks and the internet for project development
• Advanced data structures for solving programming challenges
• Designing and incorporating data bases
• Math and physics represented in coding display solutions
• Using current industry standard 2D and 3D graphical engines
• Graphical user applications for creating art and animations
• Development on a wide range of platforms; PC, Mac, hand held,
game consoles and TV
• Opportunities for game publication in the web marketplace
• Familiarity with tools for team software development
Key to the success of Animation and Graphic Game Programming
graduates is the development of a web site portfolio which is used to
display individual and team work capabilities. The portfolio is used for
both obtaining a job and for entrance into schools.
The AGGP program prepares students for both entry level computer
programming jobs and the opportunity for advanced education. Upon
program completion, graduates of the program have successfully transferred
to programs in computer science, computer game design, artistic animation
and graphics.
The following schools have accepted student transfers from AGGP
degree:
• University of New Hampshire Computer Science Note1
• Southern New Hampshire University Note1
• Daniel Webster College, NH Note1
• Digipen Institute of Technology, WA
• Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
• Savannah College of Art & Design, GA
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA
Computer Programs
• University of North Texas, TX
• Carnegie Mellon University, PA
• University of Southern California, CA
• The Art Institute, FL
• University of Advancing Technology, AZ
• Becker College, MA Note 2
• Guildhall at Southern Methodist U, TX Note 2
Note 1 Transfer agreements in place
Note 2 Working on transfer agreement
A sampling of game and graphic companies recently offering jobs to AGGP
graduates include:
• Turbine Games
• Disney Animation Studios
• Sucker Punch (Sony studio)
• Blizzard Entertainment
• Crowd Star
• Rampid Interactive
• Piehead
• Genuine Interactive
• Haromix Music
• Lineplot Productions
• LOLapps
• Tank Design
• Moon Set Studios
• Hatchling Studios
(Earn your AGGP degree through the Division of Online & Continuing
Education evenings option in four years. Contact Professor Simkin at
tsimkin@ccsnh.edu for details.)
Visit www.nhti.edu/academics/programs-study/computer-programs/
animation-and-graphic-game-programming-degree
Specific Admission Requirements
1. Minimum Math Requirement: Provides the ability to complete the
AGGP curriculum and the ability to obtain an initial job. High
school algebra I with a grade of “C” or higher or NHTI’s MT 103
Algebra I - Part I and MT 104 Algebra I - Part II, both with grades
of “C” or higher. A mathematics assessment test is required prior to
registration into MT 124 College Algebra. (Prepares students for MT
124 math track.)
Preferred Math: Ability to create more effective games
in the AGGP curriculum and improves transferability to some
other colleges. High school algebra I, algebra II, and geometry with
grades of “C” or higher, or NHTI’s MT 108 Introductory Technical
Mathematics I and MT 109 Introductory Technical Mathematics II
both with grades of “C” or higher. A mathematics assessment test is
required prior to registration into MT 133 Elementary Functions.
(Prepares students for MT 133 math track.)
Best Math: Ability to make very effective games while in
the AGGP program and improves transferability to a wide range
of colleges. Those students who have had high school math beyond
the courses listed for “Preferred Math” listed above should take either
MT 134 Pre-Calculus or MT 205 Calculus. Most major schools
offering a BS degree in game development require Calculus in the
initial first two years. A mathematics assessment test is required and/
or approval of the Department Head prior to registration into either
MT 134 Pre-Calculus or MT 205 Calculus.
2. High school level physics is recommended.
3. Basic working knowledge of the Windows operating system, word
processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and the Internet or
IT 102 PC Applications with a grade of “C” or higher. (Students
may be required to take computer skills assessment test.)
26 NHTI Catalog 2013-2014