Game design is an exciting career field for individuals interested in arts and technology. The best game design bachelor’s degrees provide graduates with the required theoretical background and technical skills to land high-paying jobs. Game design bachelor’s degree programs cover a wide range of in-demand skills.
Here we have put together a thorough guide to help you obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design. In addition, we have also compiled a list of some of the most rewarding game design bachelor’s degree jobs available on the market.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
Some of the best colleges where you can get a game design bachelor’s degree are Arizona State University, Drexel University, Full Sail University, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, and Syracuse University.
What Schools Offer the Best Game Design Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Drexel University
- Full Sail University
- Rocky Mountain College of Arts and Design
- Syracuse University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
The admission requirements for a game design bachelor’s degree include a high school diploma or GED and standardized test scores. Generally, the first step in the admission process is to submit an application form. Next, you will be required to submit your high school transcripts or GED results. Depending on the university you are applying to, you may also have to pay an application fee.
Other application requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design could include letters of recommendation, English proficiency test results, an art portfolio, and a written essay. However, you will need to check with your school’s admissions department to determine their specific demands for prospective students.
Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Official high school transcripts or GED results
- SAT or ACT scores
- Art portfolio
- Letters of recommendation
- Application fee paid online
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design
You get a game design bachelor’s degree by fulfilling all the graduation requirements. Typically these education requirements will include the completion of a certain number of credits and maintaining a specific minimum GPA throughout the program. Having some foundational knowledge of popular programming languages may be helpful before you start your bachelor’s degree program.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
In most schools, you need 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design. However, the required number of credit hours for a game design bachelor’s degree program is not fixed. It can vary depending on your program. You will need to check your program’s catalog for your course’s exact credit hour requirements, including required core courses and electives.
Game Design Degree Requirements
- You must maintain a minimum grade of C in all courses
- You must complete the required number of credit hours across core and elective courses
- If applicable, you will need to obtain a passing grade on your capstone project
Best Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Arts in Digital Culture (Design) | Higher Learning Commission |
| Cleveland Institute of Art | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Full Sail University | Bachelor of Science in Game Art | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Northeastern University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania College of Art and Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Art | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art | Higher Learning Commission |
| Syracuse University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Art and Animation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Advancing Technology | Bachelor of Arts in Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Wilmington University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Game Design: Top Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Selecting the best game design bachelor’s degree program can be difficult. The video game design schools and programs listed below offer quality instruction and are some of the best options for prospective students looking to obtain a bachelor’s degree in this field.
What Is a Game Design Bachelor’s Degree?
A game design bachelor’s degree is a program that teaches you how to incorporate design concepts in the creation of games for several platforms. A four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design program usually provides an introduction to rudimentary art theory and visual elements, as well as instruction in programming and the use of popular animation software tools.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design is very important because it prepares you for a future in game design and increases your chances of landing a job in the gaming industry. Although it is possible to get a game design industry job without a degree, the educational process of a bachelor’s degree gives you an advantage and helps you land the highest-paying roles.
Another reason why a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design is important is that it will set you up to further your education down the road if you want to return to school. Most master’s degree programs require students have a bachelor’s degree.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Game Design?
You can get the following types of bachelor’s degrees for game design:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Arts
There are minor differences between these degree types. However, each of them can provide you with adequate training to become a video game designer. The best type of bachelor’s degree for game design will depend on your long-term goals.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Game Design. Bachelor of Science degree programs focus on the technical aspects of game design, such as animation, programming, and the practical application of software tools. On the other hand, Bachelor of Fine Arts game design degrees place more emphasis on art-related concepts and prepare you to work as a creative professional.
Although both video game design degrees are effective, a Bachelor of Science in Game Design creates more room for you to work in diverse roles. The technical skills gained in a Bachelor of Science degree are often more relevant for tech industry jobs.
What Is the Difference Between a Game Design Bachelor’s Degree and a Game Design Certificate?
The difference between a game design bachelor’s degree and a game design certificate is that the bachelor’s degree covers a wider range of content. Game design certificates are usually streamlined towards a singular aspect of the subject. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree program’s course content covers all relevant game design areas.
While you can obtain a game design certificate in about a year of study, most bachelor’s degree programs will take three to four years to complete. A graduate certificate is an excellent option to boost your job credentials. However, a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design is usually a better option.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
A game design bachelor’s degree costs an average of $28,775, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This figure includes additional fees, room, and board costs. However, your Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design cost will fluctuate depending on your school and the nature of your program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Game Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a game design bachelor’s degree. However, some universities offer accelerated degree programs that can be completed in a shorter period. Students enrolled in a 120-credit game design bachelor’s degree program will need to complete at least 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
It is not very hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design. The best game design schools equip you with a foundational knowledge of the basics of game development before introducing more complex topics.
Provided you are willing to learn, you should be able to grasp game design concepts. However, some programs have more demanding graduation requirements and curricula than others. Some students do find that getting a game design bachelor’s degree is hard.
Why Should You Get a Game Design Bachelor’s Degree?
A major benefit of a game design bachelor’s degree is that it allows you to pursue a career at the intersection of art and technology. A degree in the field opens many doors to employment opportunities. The skills acquired from a game design bachelor’s degree program are also highly valued in digital media companies and roles where competence in graphic design is a requirement.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Game Design?
Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design courses you need to take include Introduction to Game Design, Programming Basics, 3D Modeling and its Applications, Introduction to Animation, and Video Game Production. Below, we include brief deductions of some classes you might find on your Bachelor’s in Game Design course list.
Introduction to Game Design
In this course, you will be introduced to game theory and other fundamental concepts in game design. Through classes and a series of research-based essays, students taking this course will build an understanding of what the game development process entails. You will explore different game types, including interactive games, casual games, and board games, as well as video games.
Programming basics
Game designers usually work as part of a game development team. Therefore, they are expected to understand common game programming languages like C++ and Java. This course will provide game design students with an introduction to these programming languages.
3D Modeling and its Applications
3D modeling is one of the pillars of animation and digital media design. In this course, you will be learning how to build 3D models from scratch. You will also receive instruction on working with popular software like Maya and Autodesk 3DS Max.
Introduction to Animation
The majority of game design jobs require animation skills. In an introduction to animation course, you will be taught essential theoretical concepts that will enable you to create top-quality animated projects. You will also be learning the basics of 2D and 3D character development.
Video Game Production
This course walks game design students through the entire process of video game production. In this course, you will be learning about all the elements of a gaming production pipeline to understand how to build and launch a fully-functioning video game.
Continuing Education Paths for Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best continuing education path to take with a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design is to enroll in advanced degrees to further develop your skills. Graduate degrees build specialized skills and open doors to senior positions. Alternatively, you could take up certificate courses online to learn specific aspects of game design, for example, programming or popular software such as Blender and Maya.
Related Game Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best game design bachelor’s degree programs are accreditation, employment outcomes, faculty credentials, curricular content, and the reputation of the school. Not all schools are appropriate for a game design bachelor’s degree. By referring to these criteria during your school search, you can determine if a game design degree program is suitable for you.
Accreditation
Most game design bachelor’s degree academic programs are expensive so you must be sure that you are not spending money on a degree that will not be useful to you when you graduate. Before enrolling in a program, it is essential to check if it has been accredited by a recognized licensing body. Accredited programs offer high-quality education and are respected by employers.
Employment Outcomes
Game design is a lucrative field with a lot of high-paying job opportunities. However, not every program will adequately prepare you for a career in this burgeoning field. Checking the employment outcomes of previous program graduates is an excellent way to determine how effective your prospective program is in preparing students for the competitive job market.
Faculty Credentials
Before you apply to any university, you must research the competence of its faculty members. Working with reputable faculty members is a great way to gain relevant knowledge and place yourself in a position to land the best opportunities on the market.
Curricular Content
Game design is a broad field consisting of animation, game production, sound and lighting, and many other game development topics. However, not all programs emphasize the same core topics. You should choose a game design bachelor’s program that best reflects your interests and prepares you for the specific positions you are interested in.
Reputation of the School
Not all schools have the same ranking among prospective employers and recruiters. While your skills may land you a job, graduating from a good school will undoubtedly make your job search easier. Make sure to choose a program with an excellent reputation in the gaming sector.
What Is the Most Affordable Game Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable game design bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development program offered by Wilmington University. Students enrolled in this program are expected to pay about $11,760 per year as tuition. However, the total cost for the entire duration of the BS Game Design and Development degree is approximately $47,040.
Salary and Job Outlook for Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The game design field is a great space for creative professionals to apply their skills and thrive. Getting a college education is an essential step in starting a career in video game design. For individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design, several job trajectories are available. Keep reading for more information about some of the best game design bachelor’s degree jobs.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Game Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a game design bachelor’s degree. A college degree significantly increases your career options and exposes you to several opportunities. Game design is a highly competitive field. By obtaining a bachelor’s degree, you can learn in-demand game design skills that can land you a high-paying job with ease.
What’s the Average Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design grad is $63,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, your annual salary could be significantly higher or lower depending on your position, company, location, and expertise.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Game Design Bachelor’s Degree?
Some of the highest-paying jobs you can do with a game design bachelor’s degree are software development or digital media roles. A game design degree allows you to work for various startups or well-established companies. You can also choose to work in an artistic, technical, or administrative role based on your unique preferences.
Game Design Degree Jobs
- Art director
- Animator
- Graphic designer
- Video game producer
- Video game programmer
Potential Careers With a Game Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design?
With a game design bachelor’s degree, you could make between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on your position. For example, art directors earn an average of $100,890 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To be among the highest earners in the game design industry, you must know the positions that command the best salary packages. The highest-paying game design degree jobs are listed below.
Highest-Paying Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Art director | $100,890 |
| Video game programmer | $93,000 |
| Video game producer | $79,000 |
| Animator | $78,790 |
| Graphic designer | $50,710 |
Best Jobs for Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best game design bachelor’s degree jobs offer attractive salaries. They also allow you to innovatively apply your game design skills to various projects. You can perform many jobs as a game design bachelor’s degree graduate. Some of the best career options are listed below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design is worth it. With the growing popularity of software programs and gaming, new games are constantly being created. There is a huge demand for individuals with the ability to use advanced technologies and apply modern art principles to create immersive games.
If you want to start a well-paying career in the tech field where you will get to use your creative-thinking skills alongside your impressive technical skills, you will find attending school for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design worth it.
Additional Reading About Game Design
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Game Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
No, programming skills are not a mandatory requirement for a game design job. Although writing code can be an advantage and a great addition to your skill set, several game design roles do not require working with any programming language.
Yes, you can learn game design online. The Internet gives you access to many high-quality game design courses to help you learn game design concepts and improve your skills. If you are looking for the best online game design courses, you should explore MOOC platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
A bootcamp can help you to become a video game designer. The best game design bootcamps cover all the foundational skills you need to land an entry-level game design job in a software development startup or game design company.
The common software tools that game designers use include Unity, Blender, Visual Studio, and Maya. As a game designer, you may be required to work with more than one software. It is important that you choose a bachelor’s degree program that teaches you how to work with modern and relevant game design software.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
