The Academy of Information Technology & Computer Science
Programming & Software Development Career Pathway

IT Exploratory
STEM
Course Code:  700
Credits: 0.25
Grade:  9
Weight: General
Schools: WCA
This course will provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding and application of information technology.  This course explores the nature of technology, technology systems, and the history, evolution and characteristics of technology as well as its effects on our society, culture, economy, politics and the environment.  

Software Development 1
STEM
Course Code:  766
Credits:0.5
Grade:  All (WCA 11 & 12)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA
In today’s global technology network, software is the single common thread tying all disciplines together. All STEM industries, without exception, benefit from the efforts of software developers, engineers, and integrators on a daily basis. This lighting-paced course will introduce students to how corporate software projects are developed, managed, integrated, and fielded. An interface-oriented approach to software development eliminates the need for any prior coding experience. Students will navigate this complex world following a project-based roadmap and leave with a significant sense of accomplishment and key professional skills after creating professional-caliber apps, games, and control algorithms. SD graduates will establish a solid foundation in software development principles. More importantly, they will gain a big-picture understanding of interface management and the engineering process at large.   Please note: Students at WCA may only take this course during grades 11 or 12. 

Software Development 2
STEM  
Course Code:  768
Credits:0.5
Grade:  All (WCA 11 & 12)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA
Prerequisite: Software Development 1
Having gained knowledge in SD 1, students are thrust into a software development project to further their understanding, problem solving and teamwork skills. They will need to rely on team members to do their parts in order to complete the scope of the project on schedule. The students will gain a deep understanding of larger projects that incorporate software and harder integration to allow them to succeed in their future careers no matter what discipline or industry they end up in. Please note: Students at WCA may only take this course during grades 11 or 12. 

Game Design and Development 1
STEM
Course Code:  8007
Credits:0.5
Grade:  All (WCA 11 & 12)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA, WAMS
Does your love of video games motivate you to pursue a career in this field? Pursue your passion by learning about the principles of game design through the stages of development, iterative processes, critiques, and game development tools. Put these new skills to work by designing your own game! Please note: Students at WCA may only take this course during grades 11 or 12. 

Game Design and Development 2
STEM
Course Code:  8008
Credits:0.5
Grade:  All (WCA 11 & 12)
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA, WAMS
Prerequisite: Game Design and Development 1
Now that you have the basics of game design down, let’s use your creativity to develop a game from start to finish! Develop your game creation skills and practice with the tools professionals use to launch your career options in the field of game design. The content of this course also applies to certification exams.  Please note: Students at WCA may only take this course during grades 11 or 12. 

Game Design and Development 3
STEM
Course Code:  8010
Credits:1.0
Grade:  10-12
Weight: General
Schools: C, K, W, WCA, WAMS
Prerequisite: Game Design and Development 2
Are you ready to enter this multi-billion-dollar industry and start applying your technical skills to a compelling package that will catch the eye of an employer? Beginning with conceptualization and the design process, you’ll develop your game’s story elements, narrative, plot, characters, and assets. Using game design software, you’ll bring your game to life by applying lighting, audio, visual effects, player choice options, and AI, and consider the type of controls to use for your game. Build an immersive world using the tools that Unity has to offer. Get ready to build atmospheric landscapes, mountain runs, stair builds, and implement obstacles. All of the moving parts of the game development process come together so you can unleash your game into the world!