Arts and Humanities in Games, Certificate
Did you know the toys and games you loved as a kid were not only fun, but also probably had an impact on your growth and development? Learn how gameplay shapes the mind, and become an influential designer, researcher or analyst in the games industry.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Arts and Humanities in Games undergraduate certificate description
The certificate program in arts and humanities in games introduces you to the design, creation and analysis of games from holistic and interdisciplinary perspectives. It emphasizes the cultural, social and artistic dimensions of play and explores how games are used, consumed and experienced across diverse communities.
Through coursework that integrates arts and humanities, you examine the design, development and qualitative study of toys and games while considering the role of play in human mental, emotional and social growth. This interdisciplinary approach develops your critical and flexible thinking skills while broadening your understanding of games as cultural texts and creative practices.
The program complements the technically focused study of games offered through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, providing a distinct view based in the humanities.
Why earn an arts and humanities in games undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Most game programs focus how to build games. This certificate program teaches you how to understand and shape the human impact of games. You explore game writing, sound design, visual design, narrative development and game culture while building work that prepares you for careers in gaming, media and creative industries.
Additional details
You have access to the West Valley Game Jam, an annual, collaborative event where you design and create tabletop or digital games within a structured, time-limited setting. Working solo or in teams, you develop concepts, build playable prototypes and test ideas, drawing on disciplines from game design and programming to art, storytelling, sound design and project management. Open to all experience levels, the event welcomes both established teams and individuals seeking collaborators and it prizes experimentation, skill development and community over competition or intensive production schedules.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate in arts and humanities in games consists of 18 credit hours of coursework, of which a minimum of 12 hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the certificate must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.
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| Required Foundational Course | ||
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IAP 220 Games, Culture and Aesthetics
(GCSI)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
| Game Emphasis Area | ||
|
Required Courses (complete both): Elective (complete one): OR Required Courses (complete both): Elective (complete one): OR Required Courses (complete both): Elective (complete one): OR Required Courses (complete both): Elective (complete one): Students select and complete one emphasis area (comprised of two required courses and one elective course). At least six hours must be upper division.
9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 9 |
| Portfolio | ||
|
IAP 495 Playworks Capstone I
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
IAP 496 Playworks Capstone II
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply principles of semiotics to the design and evaluation of games and toys.
- Implement effective marketing strategies to promote creative work.
Apply principles of semiotics to the design and evaluation of games and toys.Enrollment requirements
This certificate is open to students in any major. Students who wish to pursue this certificate should consult an academic advisor in the School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies to ensure that the appropriate set of courses is taken.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before an undergraduate degree is completed. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this arts and humanities in games undergraduate certificate prepares you for
The certificate in arts and humanities in games is appropriate for students who are seeking employment as:
- artists
- board game designers
- game archivists and librarians
- game curators
- game sound designers
- game writers
- multimedia artists
- narrative designers
- video game designers
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
|
FAB N101
harcsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
