The Blinn College District proposes adding a Simulation and Games Programming AAS to our inventory. Successful completion of this program will result in students earning the following stackable credentials:

• Occupational Skills Award (OSA) after making 14
• Level One Certificate after earning 28 SCH
• Level Two Certificate after earning 44 SCH
• Associate’s in Applied Science in Computer Programming: Simulation and Game Programming after completion of 60 SCH

We will start the Simulation and Games Program in the Fall 2021 term with an anticipated 20 students. For subsequent years, enrollment is expected to plateau at 75 students per year with a maximum capacity of 150 students, limited mostly by classroom space. Courses will consist of face-to-face course work, with the potential for offering online and hybrid courses for special populations. We will initially deliver classes at the Brenham campus with the intention of expanding to the RELLIS campus in the fall of 2022.

Individuals interested in a career in video game design and testing, television, and film production, medical and scientific simulation, industrial animation, and training occupations in entertainment, transportation, architecture, forensics, engineering, education, and government industries will be the primary market for the Simulation and Game Programming Program. We anticipate these individuals will be specifically interested in the offered training in computer programming, game design, project development, and game scripting.

The College District is particularly well-suited to offer this program due to a potential synergy between it and the active E-Sports team with national exposure. Students engaged in the E-Sports League or otherwise attracted to the College District may also share an interest in a career in the Simulation and Video Games industry and might be more likely to explore the program. Additionally, few neighboring 2-year institutions currently offer a similar program making it potentially attractive across the State of Texas. Finally, the current faculty and program director is an experienced game developer and executive who can involve current industry leaders to guide this program’s advisory board members.