Arts and Humanities in Games ,Certificate
Analyst, Art, Game Development, Research, Script Writing, design, industry
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.
The certificate program in arts and humanities in games introduces students 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, students 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 students' critical and flexible thinking skills while broadening their 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.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
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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
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C | 3 |
| Game Emphasis Area | ||
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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
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C | 9 |
| Portfolio | ||
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IAP 495 Playworks Capstone I
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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IAP 496 Playworks Capstone II
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply principles of semiotics to the design and evaluation of games and toys.
- Implement effective marketing strategies to promote creative work.
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
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
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FAB N101
harcsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
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.
