--- title: "Pre-College Summer Programs" date: 2023-04-03 author: "Michelle Yan" --- # Pre-College Summer Programs # [ Pre-College Summer Programs ](#) [Home](https://academy.digipen.edu/) / [Academic Programs](https://academy.digipen.edu/academic-programs/) / Pre-College Summer Programs## Learn game design, programming, animation or sound design this summer! DigiPen Academy offers four-week, online summer courses in [Art & Animation](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-art-animation/), [Game Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-game-design/), [Video Game Programming](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-game-programming/), and [Music & Sound Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-music-sound-design/) that introduce students to college-level coursework in their chosen field – along with the skills they need to be successful in the game industry. The coursework is aligned with the curriculum at [DigiPen Institute of Technology](https://www.digipen.edu/) – one of the world’s top ranking video game schools- and at the end of the program, students receive a transcript of their course grades for inclusion in their college application. During the four-week online course, students learn the fundamentals of their chosen field. Mornings are dedicated to learning core concepts from faculty-level instructors, and afternoons are spent in the project lab, where students immerse themselves in the roles of programmers, game designers, artists, music composers and sound designers. #### [ Interested in past student work? Visit the Showcase. ](https://academy.digipen.edu/showcase/ "Interested in past student work? Visit the Showcase.") [ View Student Showcase ](https://academy.digipen.edu/showcase/)#### There are four Pre-College Summer Program tracks: [ ART & ANIMATION ](#art) [ GAME DESIGN ](#game) [ PROGRAMMING ](#programming) [ MUSIC & SOUND ](#sound)### Pre-College Summer Programs Overview Coursework consists of three core academic subjects plus a daily project lab. Each morning, students study their academic subjects. In the afternoon, students from all four tracks join in an online project lab where they work together to create a game from start to finish. #### Technical Requirements: Students must have access to a computer as well as additional hardware and software. Some programs or courses may indicate additional technology requirements, and not all programs are Mac compatible. Refer to the individual courses to view additional technical requirements and information. #### Prerequisites: - Participants must be at least 16, entering their Junior or Senior year of high school, or have graduated high school within the last 18 months. - Game Programming students are expected to have successfully completed Algebra 2. - It is recommended music students have some experience playing an instrument. #### Credits: Students receive grades for their Pre-College classes, plus a final transcript to include in their college application. ##### Tuition Credits: Any student who successfully completes the Pre-College Program and matriculates to DigiPen Institute of Technology within three years will receive a tuition credit equal to the Pre-College Program tuition to apply toward their first-semester tuition as a freshman. #### Instructors: Our Pre-College instructors are outstanding, highly trained and passionate about their respective fields. Instructors impart their years of knowledge and experience to teach and inspire the next generation of innovators. #### International Students: Students from outside the United States are welcome! There are no additional program prerequisites for international students, but please understand that all instruction will happen in English and between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST. [ Pre-College FAQ ](https://academy.digipen.edu/admissions/faq/#precollege-programs-faq) [ Download Pre-College Catalog ](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigiPenAcademy_Pre-College-Summer-Catalog-2023_digital.pdf)##### Category: PRE-COLLEGE ##### Timeframe: Summer ##### Format: Online ##### Program Dates: Four consecutive weeks in July **July 6th to July 31st, 2026** ##### Registration: OPEN ##### Location: Online ##### Schedule: Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST ##### Tuition: $2995 to $3195 / program ##### How to Register: Visit our registration portal and follow the prompts to provide all details and payment. [ Register Now ](https://academy.digipen.edu/registration/)### Pre-College Summer Programs ![DigiPen academy icon animation artist palette symbol](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigiPen_Icons__art-animation.svg) Pre-College #### [Art & Animation for Games](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-art-animation/) Students are introduced to the visual development process, art skills and animation techniques every production artist needs.**Classes:** ART: Art Foundations ANI: Animation Techniques CG: Computer Graphics Tools GAM: Game Project Lab [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-art-animation/) ![DigiPen academy icon game design game controller symbol](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigiPen_Icons__game-design.svg) Pre-College #### [Game Design](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-game-design/) Students are introduced to the technical and creative skills that create engaging, interactive player experiences.**Classes:** GD: Principles of Game Design CS: Applied Computer Science for Games GD: Interactive Narrative and Character Creation GAM: Game Project Lab [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-game-design/) ![DigiPen Adademy Icon programming code](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DigiPen_Icons_programming.svg) Pre-College #### [Game Programming](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-game-programming/) Students learn the art and science behind video game development – from math to physics and more.**Classes:** ​CS: Applied Computer Science for Games MAT: Applied Math for Games PHY: Applied Physics for Games GAM: Game Project Lab [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-game-programming/) ![DigiPen Adademy Icon sound volume indicator](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/DigiPen_Icons_sound.svg) Pre-College #### [Music & Sound Design for Games](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-music-sound-design/) Students gain an understanding of the elements that make a video game’s soundtrack a compelling experience.**Classes:** MTM: Music Theory and Musicianship MHL: Music History and Literature FMSD: Fundamentals of Music and Sound Design GAM: Game Project Lab [ LEARN MORE ](https://academy.digipen.edu/program/pre-college-music-sound-design/)Ready to take the next step? [ Register Now ](https://academy.digipen.edu/registration/)### Student Video Showcase #### See what past students have created in our Pre-College programs [ View Student Showcase ](https://academy.digipen.edu/showcase/) [ Watch More on YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/@DigiPenAcademy) [ Download Pre-College Course Catalog ](https://ewsx9umvbe9.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DigiPenAcademy_Pre-College-Summer-Catalog-2023_digital.pdf)