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High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Animation & Game Design

Animation & Game Design

Bring virtual worlds to life. The Animation & Game Program empowers students to design immersive 2D and 3D experiences across gaming, film, television, virtual reality, and interactive media.  As part of the MCPS Design Center, students master foundational drawing, specialized digital media tools, and real-world arts projects, building competitive portfolios that pave the way to top colleges and creative industry careers.

 

Core Experiences

  • Develop technical mastery across leading animation and game design software
  • Create collaborative animated shorts and interactive digital experiences
  • Deepen artistic perspective through history, critique, and visual theory
  • Gain direct industry exposure alongside professional community partners

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills in the Arts: Students develop competitive portfolios, demonstrating strong drawing skills and media‑specific technical abilities across animation and game development platforms.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience in the Arts: Students have opportunities to earn industry‑recognized credentials related to media production and/or business marketing or entrepreneurship while designing and implementing a capstone project aligned with their chosen career focus, supported by MCPS partners.
  3. Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways in the Arts: The program supports students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in animation, game design, and related creative industries. Students gain access to certifications, dual‑enrollment opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals, preparing them to complete the MSDE Animation and Game Design Program of Study and the MSDE Arts Pathway Diploma Seal.

 

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

  • Region 2: Blake
  • Region 3: Woodward
  • Region 5: Gaithersburg

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Animation & Game Design Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

AP Computer Science Principles (tech credit)

Animation and Game Development 1*

Animation and Game Development 2*

Animation and Game Development 3  or

Career Connected Learning*

Digital Art 1

Digital Art 2

Digital Art 3

Digital Art 4
World Language* World Language*

Art or Computer Science Elective Course  or

Arts Entrepreneurship and Management  or

World Language

Art or Computer Science Elective Course  or

Arts Entrepreneurship and Management  or

World Language
English English English English
Math Math Math Math
Science Science Science Elective (PE or Health)
Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Elective (PE or Health)
*Part of the MCPS graduation requirements includes either 2 credits in a world language or completion of a state-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study along with a minimum of 0.5 elective credit or more depending on the program of study. Animation and Game Development I, II, and III are part of the state-approved CTE program of study in 3D Animation & Game Development. Students who plan to attend a four-year college or university after high school are encouraged to take world language courses to meet admission requirements and strengthen their college applications.

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, all students must complete the following courses to remain enrolled in the Animation and Game Design Program and earn the related certificate:

  • Design Core
    • Digital Art 1–4
  • Animation and Game Development Core
    • Animation and Game Development 1 and 2
    • Animation and Game Development 3 or Career-Connected Learning experience
  • Electives (one of the credit options below)
    • 2 credits from the following categories:
      • Art electives
      • Computer Science electives
      • Art Business electives
    • or 2 credits in World Languages during grades 11–12 and meeting the requirements of the Seal of Biliteracy