Video games have become extremely popular, and the industry is growing as technology advances. Working in the game development field can be both rewarding and exciting. To join this competitive field, you need specific skills and technological know-how. You can gain this by enrolling in game development bachelor’s degree programs.
The best Bachelor’s Degrees in Game Development prepare you for a number of potential careers in this dynamic field. This guide will highlight some of the best game development bachelor’s degrees to help you make an informed decision. Learn about the admissions requirements and tuition costs for Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development below.
What Is Game Development?
Game development is the creation of video games through conceptualization, design, testing, and releasing. When you become a game developer, you will need to consider factors such as game rewards, mechanics, level design, and player engagement throughout all of the different phases of game creation. Video game developers need to be well-versed in different coding languages and often have creative talent.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development from many different institutions including Southern New Hampshire University, Champlain College, Drexel University, and DePaul University. These schools can help students get real-world experience and eventually become video game designers and developers.
In addition, there are also two-year schools that offer Associate Degrees in Game Development. These programs allow you to start at a smaller institution and then transfer to a university to finish your bachelor’s degree after you graduate. You’ll learn game mechanics, software development, and interactive design.
What Schools Offer the Best Game Development Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Drexel University
- Kent State University
- Dakota State University
- University of Baltimore
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development include having a high school diploma or any equivalent credential. However, the Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development requirements are different for each school. For example, some institutions may require standardized test scores and a minimum GPA.
Prospective students may also need to submit a personal essay or letter of recommendation. To be sure what is mandatory for a particular school, game design students should research each institution’s application process and requirements before applying.
Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completed online application form
- Minimum 2.5 GPA (only at some schools)
- SAT or ACT test scores (optional at some schools)
- Letter of recommendation and personal essay (optional at some schools)
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development
You can get a game development bachelor’s degree by enrolling in a four-year game development program. However, in order to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development, you will need to meet specific graduation criteria, such as maintaining and 2.5 GPA and passing all of your core classes.
The best way to get a game development bachelor’s degree is to take full-time courses for eight consecutive semesters. This way, your education is uninterrupted and you will be able to graduate with a degree in four years. After that, you can quickly enter the field of game design and development with a strong portfolio.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
You need at least 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development. Though some of these credits will go towards general education courses, a large portion of the 120 credits will be focused on game development topics. It will vary depending on whether you get a Bachelor of Science Degree or a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
In addition, some game development bachelor’s degree programs may require more than 120 credits. Once you choose a degree in video game topics, you should look into the specific program requirements to understand the exact amount of credits required for graduation.
Game Development Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 120 total credit hours
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
- Complete all core classes
- Fulfill all general education requirements
- Stay in good academic standing with your institution
Best Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain College | Bachelor of Science in Game Programming | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Dakota State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| DePaul University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Grand View University | Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Interactive Analytics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Indiana University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Kent State University | Bachelor of Science in Animation Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Game and Simulation Programming | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Baltimore | Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Webster University | Bachelor of Arts in Games and Game Design | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Game Development: Top Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for game development bachelor’s degrees offer both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Some top game development bachelor’s programs are part of the computer science department while others are standalone programs.
With courses on artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and building a virtual environment, these degrees can help you to reach your career goal of working as a video game designer. Learn more about the best schools for a Bachelor’s degree in Game Development below.
What Is a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?
A game development bachelor’s degree is a four-year academic degree offered by colleges and universities. The curriculum often covers programming languages for game development, graphic design, and the creation of dynamic gameplay experiences. A Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development gives students the skills they need to enter the workforce after completing the program.
After completion, students have career options in different fields and industries as programmers, art directors, and game designers. The design skills learned in such programs can also be applied to industries like advertising and marketing. A Bachelor of Arts in Game Design or a Bachelor of Science in Game Development can help game design students enter the field.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development is very important if you want to pursue a professional career in game development or a similar field. The main reason getting a game development bachelor’s degree is important is that the four-year program will equip you with all of the technical skills and knowledge you need to work as a game developer and designer.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Game Development?
You can get two types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Game Development, which are either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. Though both of these game development bachelor’s degree types will provide you with a comprehensive foundation in game development, they are not entirely equal.
A Bachelor of Arts degree will include coursework in humanities in addition to game development courses. This is to say that Bachelor of Arts students can expect to take additional classes in areas such as art, writing, and history. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Science program will include supplemental math and science courses rather than humanities.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Game Development?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in game development because this type of program will focus more on the technical coding and math skills needed in the development process. However, when choosing which is better, a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Game Development, you should also consider which aspect of the game development process you would like to work on.
For example, if you are most interested in game design, then a Bachelor of Arts in Game Development would be perfectly suited to your needs. This type of program will allow you to take more classes in arts. Overall, the difference between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Game Development is that the former includes more science and math courses whereas the latter focuses on humanities.
What Is the Difference Between a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree and a Game Development Certificate?
The main difference between a game development bachelor’s degree and a certificate in game development is that the former is much more recognized and respected by employers. Though both educational programs may offer students a well-rounded game development curriculum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development program will be much more robust.
Another key difference between a game development certificate vs a bachelor’s degree is that students need to meet much more stringent requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree. In a degree program, students need to maintain a minimum GPA, master certain concepts, and complete capstone projects. With this, a game development bachelor’s degree is better than a certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development will cost about $16,647 per year. This figure is based on the average cost of a four-year institution in the 2019 to 2020 academic year. However, the average game development bachelor’s degree cost depends on the type of institution and the method of delivery.
While private universities have an average tuition of $32,769 per year, the average tuition for public schools is just $9,349. In addition, the cost of a program can also change depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. To learn more about the game development bachelor’s degree cost for your specific program of choice, contact the school’s admissions office and ask for more information.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development. By taking at least 15 credits a semester for eight consecutive semesters, you will be able to graduate with a game development bachelor’s degree in four academic calendar years. Online game design colleges might take less time.
However, there are various factors that can influence a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development program’s length. For example, if you choose to attend school part-time or fail classes and need to retake them, it may take you longer to complete the program.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development is hard to get because it requires four years of studying. In addition, students in a game development program will need to master complex and technical topics. That being said, a game development bachelor’s degree is not necessarily harder to get than other technology or science-based bachelor’s degrees.
Why Should You Get a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a game development bachelor’s degree because it will fully prepare you to enter the workforce. The benefits of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development include networking opportunities, internship opportunities, hands-on experience, and critical professional knowledge.
One of the main benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development is that you will learn everything you need to know to work as a game developer, from coding to 3D modeling. In addition, getting a second Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development or a similar field, such as game design, can also be helpful. Studying for a second degree can help you further expand your knowledge and allows you to pursue more areas of interest.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Game Development?
The required courses in a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development program are a combination of general education and game development-specific courses. Students can expect Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development courses to include topics such as 3D modeling, coding, level building, and interface design. To learn more about the topics covered in this degree, read through the Bachelor’s in Game Development course list below.
Introduction to Game Production
In this course, students will learn about the process of game production. This will include the steps of the production process, the organizational systems that are used, and the common methods of production. Students will learn how to use industry-standard software tools, including those for collaboration, management, and scheduling.
Advanced Game Development
In this course, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in game development. Students will learn the art of storytelling and character development and work on both 2D and 3D game designs. This course will also allow students to try out different game engine software. In addition, students will learn about game theory.
3D Design and Modeling
Students will learn the various components of 3D design. Through computer models, students will be able to create characters, buildings, and objects. Students will learn how to design proportionally as well as how to create shadows and textures within a design.
Level Design
This is an advanced video game design course that will expand on topics covered in lower-level courses. Students will learn through projects in which they emulate a real-world work setting. Students will use various professional tools while working in a team to fully build out a game level.
Design of Multiplayer Games
This course teaches students the important elements and considerations for building complex, multiplayer games. Students will learn how to design a game that responds to simultaneous actions from a wide range of players. Projects in this course include level building and creating minigames. This course may cover sound design and other technical aspects of highly interactive games.
Continuing Education Paths for Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
When it comes to continuing education, the best path to take with a game development bachelor’s degree is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Game Development. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development program, a master’s degree program will allow you to further expand and enhance your knowledge and expertise in the field. Getting a master’s degree also allows you to gain access to higher-paying roles.
Related Game Development Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Programs
When looking for the best Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development programs, you should consider various factors such as cost, barriers to admission, and the program’s content. Each individual program will have its benefits and drawbacks, but some qualities are essential. Learn how to choose a game development bachelor’s degree program through the five key elements below.
Cost
Unfortunately, bachelor’s degrees can be quite expensive. You will want to carefully review all of the associated tuition and fees for any program you consider so that you know what to expect. With this, you can also look into what financial support, if any, the institution offers to students. Online tuition rates might also be lower than in-person ones.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an essential evaluation that verifies a school is offering quality education. Without accreditation, programs do not receive the same level of respect and trust. As such, it is important to make sure that your school and program are duly accredited by a third party.
Employment Outcomes
The aim of obtaining a bachelor’s degree is to gain the necessary skills to enter the workforce. As such, it is important to know your program’s employment outcomes. If the majority of students struggle to find relevant jobs after graduating from a program, that is a red flag. This could mean that the program did not properly prepare them for the professional world.
Curricular Content
A program’s curriculum is likely one of the most important factors to consider. Though every degree program will contain at least some general education requirements, you should make sure that the program focuses on the key components of game development. For example, if your program does not cover 3D modeling, it may limit the types of game development jobs you can get in the future.
Barriers to Admission
Some schools and programs are very competitive. As such, they may require specific GPAs, test scores, prerequisite courses, and more. You should look carefully into your desired program’s admission criteria to determine if you are likely to be accepted or not.
What Is the Most Affordable Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development is the program offered by the University of Baltimore. At just $3,648 per semester for in-state students, this is the lowest cost program on our list. Other affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development programs include those from Dakota State University, Indiana University, and Kent State University.
Salary and Job Outlook for Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After graduating from a program, there are a variety of game development bachelor’s degree jobs that you can apply for. The average Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development salary will vary with the specific job role you get. The list below will help you learn more about the highest-paying Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development jobs.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a game development bachelor’s degree. In fact, as game development is a rapidly growing field, it is easy to get a job with a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development and the proper skills. During your bachelor’s degree program, you will have learned everything you need to know in order to succeed in a professional game developer role.
What’s the Average Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development holder is $69,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, with a bit of experience and a solid resume, game developers with a bachelor’s degree can earn up to six figures per year.
Once you have worked on notable projects and built up your portfolio, you will be able to access higher-paying roles. For example, the average PayScale salary for game developers is $83,867 a year. You will earn more based on your education and experience level as well.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Game Development Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs that you can get with a game development bachelor’s degree include game programmer, visual effects artist, and simulations programmer. Some of the highest-paying game development jobs for bachelor’s degree holders include a game engineer and a game developer.
Game Development Degree Jobs
- Game engineer
- Game developer
- Visual effects artist
- Gaming programmer
- Simulations programmer
Potential Careers With a Game Development Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development?
You can make between $50,000 and $130,000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development. If you want to access the higher end of the pay scale, you will need to gain experience in the industry and build your resume. The average amount of money game development majors make out of college will vary with what state they work in and the company that hires them.
Highest-Paying Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Game Development Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Game Engineer | $112,320 |
| Game Developer | $101,644 |
| Gaming Programmer | $83,479 |
| Visual Effects Artist | $78,790 |
| Simulations Programmer | $76,289 |
Best Jobs for Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for game development bachelor’s degree grads are those that pay well and provide career growth opportunities. Below, we will discuss the best jobs for a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development. Find out how much the best paying game development bachelor’s degree jobs pay and what the job outlook is for these positions.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development is worth it if you want to pursue a career in the gaming industry. A game development bachelor’s degree is a good investment because you will gain all of the skills you need to begin working as a professional game developer. This means that you will be entering a stable and well-paying field.
In addition, having a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development makes it possible for you to take on higher positions such as art director, lead designer, and design director where you stand the chance of earning more. Overall, an online program in game development or an in-person Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design is a great investment.
Additional Reading About Game Development
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Game Development Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
To become a game developer, you need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development or a similar topic like digital media or computer programming. Also, some video game design degrees that also focus on software engineering and computer science may help you to become a game developer.
PayScale reports that game developers have an average salary of $83,867. However, this amount can be even higher based on extensive experience in a similar role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, the group to which game developers belong, make a median salary of $110,140.
It takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree and enter the field of game development. However, game development bootcamps and online education courses make it possible to gain an education and join the field in as little as six months.
Game designers may not need knowledge of programming to create working games. However, it is ideal to have some programming skills in order to be versatile in the field. You should be able to think like programmers to make a functional mobile game.
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.
