Game design is a small and niche field, which means you need great contacts and a solid background to further your prospects in the gaming industry. A college degree does just that by improving your portfolio and connecting you with professionals. Friday, January 14, Bidisha Das. September 1, Best Four-Year Game Design Colleges Whether you want to build a solid foundation in game design or impress potential employers or both!
DigiPen Institute of Technology , Redmond, WA If you would prefer a game design degree that pays careful attention to the behavior and psychology of game design, DigiPen could be the college for you. University of Washington , Seattle, WA The online game design course at the University of Washington provides hands-on experience in building gaming prototypes and even pitching them to industry professionals.
Pasadena City College , Pasadena, CA From preparing storyboards to working with industry-standard game engines, the certificate program at Pasadena City College is perfect to gain entry-level proficiency in game design. American University , Washington, DC Want to be a part of gaming events while getting your certification? Savannah College of Art and Design , Savannah, GA From study abroad trips and gaming fests to electronic entertainment expositions — at Savannah College of Art and Design, students can earn a BA or BFA in interactive design and game development while participating in a wide range of activities.
University of Baltimore , Baltimore, MD Learn 3D animation, usability design, and computer programming at the oldest and largest online gaming program in Maryland at the University of Baltimore. Liberty University , Lynchburg, Virginia Are you looking for a program to take your game design skills to the next level? Skills Needed to Work as a Game Designer A game designer is a writer, programmer, and artist all fused into one. Consume copious amounts of gaming content.
Listen to Game Developers Conference sessions on YouTube, where artists and gaming professionals exchange ideas or go through video game postmortems to help learn from your past successes and failures.
Join game-making groups. There are plenty of these groups on social media platforms that you can join. Participate in game jams. Straight As are great , but in the real world you need to display your skills — and what better way to do that than game jams? Anybody can apply. So, keep an eye out for the hundreds of local game jams at colleges, universities, or other private spaces, and bigger events, such as the Global Game Jam , which takes place every year in over countries around the world.
Apply to colleges. To make sure your efforts pay off, make a list of the colleges you want to apply to and start checking their application requirements including federal aid , scholarship, and grant options to stay ahead of the game. How long does it take to get a degree in game design?
What other career options are related to game design? Is going to college for video game design worth it? Parlay your undergraduate experiences into an internship, a job, or even a profitable business. Read program highlights from 6 top-ranked schools. DigiPen Institute of Technology offers some pointers on how to become a game designer. Suggested Schools. Request Info. View School. Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts. Register Book Go.
Institutional Partnerships K Home Tutor. Yes, I love saving money! Recommendation letters, standardized test scores, and resumes are optional for both. The WPI bachelor of science in interactive and media game development covers engagement apps and computer-based game development.
Students may concentrate in game studies, digital painting, audio arts, and the social impact of games topics. Coursework focuses on math and engineering, game development and design, interactive experiences, and cultural narratives. Additional classes target artificial intelligence, computer networks, and operating systems. Submission requirements for first-year applicants include high school transcripts and recommendation letters from school counselors and teachers.
Transfer applicants must submit official high school and college transcripts and a recommendation letter. Chico State offers a bachelor of science in computer animation and game development that prepares students in animation production, game scripting, virtual reality, and photogrammetry.
The program also offers a master's fast-track offering both BS and MS degrees in five years. In addition to general education pathway requirements, classes for the credit degree include digital texturing, computer graphics programming, internet media design, and digital audio. Students may select additional options in animation production or game development. First-time applicants must submit high school transcripts 2. Requirements for transfer applicants vary based on status upper- or lower-division.
DSU offers a bachelor of science in computer game design that builds communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Graduates come away with knowledge in programming languages, 3D modeling, 2D graphics, and an ability to craft effective player experiences.
Required classes include computer design, project development, game programming tools, and world-building. Students may also select an emphasis in game art, narrative design, or software development.
All applicants must submit transcripts. First-year applicants need to show either a minimum 2. Transfer applicants must have a cumulative college GPA of 2. American University's master of arts in game design helps students stretch their capabilities as designers, developers, and game administrators. Award-winning faculty share real-world experiences, training participants in game design theory and multi-disciplinary development.
The credit program goes beyond traditional design, instructing students how to build educationally based games and play. Courses include rhetoric, design, 3D static modeling, and 3D animation. Other coursework covers tools and techniques and research methods. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a 3. Required submission materials include a statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a resume.
The bachelor of science in computer game design and development at KSU equips students with the skills to apply computing and software engineering techniques to digital media production and design. Studies build on expertise in hardware and software to create immersive multimedia systems. The program consists of general education and lower-division major requirements and major courses.
Classes include computer graphics, software testing, digital media and interaction, and casual game development. Students may select from seven different tracks, including simulations-informatics, creative content, and a custom option. KSU requires a high school diploma with a minimum 2. Transfer students must submit transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.
UNO's bachelor of science in computer science, game programming concentration teaches introductory knowledge of 2D and 3D game programming, resource management, design concepts, and general graphics theory. Required courses focus on computer graphics and game programming. Electives include artificial intelligence, robot algorithms, video game design, and human-computer interaction.
For assured admission, first-year applicants must submit an official high school transcript showing a 3. Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts with a 2. Andrews offers a bachelor of arts major in visual performing arts with a concentration in game art and design. Concepts include creating advanced character models, multiple layer textures, lighting, and animation. Coursework includes character rigging and animation, textures, and level development.
Graduation requires both a portfolio and a demo reel. First-year applicants must submit official high school transcripts, but no minimum GPA or test scores are required. Transfer applicants must submit transcripts from previously attended institutions with a 2. Up to 90 credits may be transferred. The bachelor of fine arts in game art offered through Ringling College emphasizes visual art for computer and virtual reality games. Participants learn artistic techniques and game design mechanics with the ultimate goal of "hyper marketability.
Ringling College gives students the opportunity for real-world experience through its Collaboratory Commitment. Undergrads can pair with local businesses to develop innovative approaches to design and branding and understand the entire creative process.
Students must also prepare thesis projects during the program's final year. Admission requirements include official transcripts 2. HPU's bachelor of arts in game and interactive media design teaches theoretical concepts and understanding game design principles while applying best practices to game development. Students graduate with a completed portfolio.
Studies for the credit program include communication, media law, and game culture, development, criticism, and theory. Application requirements for first-year students include an official high school transcript, recommendation letter, and school report form. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from previously attended institutions 2.
Up to 90 credits may be applied to the degree. Taught through its Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, DU's bachelor of arts in game development prepares students to be modern game designers.
Students learn computer science foundations while building skills as creative artists. Studies blend general classes with electives and game-specific coursework, such as 3D modeling, game programming, and a two-semester capstone. While no minimum GPA is specified, successful candidates show a 3. Transfer students must submit transcripts from previously attended institutions 3. Webster's bachelor of arts in games and game design emphasizes preparation for "serious games. Coursework ranges from conceptualizing different gameplay experiences to building multilevel games.
The program also covers professional ethics and cultural understanding, preparing students for the global marketplace. Topics include interactive digital media, screenplay writing, VR, and simulation.
Webster favors applicants showing a minimum 3. Transfer student submission requirements include official transcripts from previously attended institutions and a minimum 2. The bachelor of science in game design offered through Fitchburg State develops independent thinkers with robust problem-solving skills.
Students learn to create powerful, thought-provoking games with solid mechanics, aesthetics, and engaging stories. The curriculum consists of liberal arts and game design, programming, writing, and art classes. The player-focused program also teaches participants how to manage time, resources, and people and testing, iterating, and collaboration.
A capstone requirement may be met by game study or internships. First-year applicants must submit official high school transcripts 3.
Transfer applicant requirements include official college transcripts 2.