Find your perfect college degree
The United States is not only the world’s largest gaming market but is also considered by many to have given birth to the concept of gaming.
In fact, according to Statista, the US video game market is estimated at 97.67 billion dollars in 2022, breaking the previous record. Such data would tell you that this market will only continue to grow. Thus, many gaming companies will continue to expand and hire more game design specialists and professionals.
Having said that, the demand for qualified game designers has led colleges, technical schools, and universities to develop online degree programs.
In order to enter this booming but competitive industry, it’s crucial to prepare with the right foundation in aspects of software development, graphic design, interactive animation, games development, and game programming.
An online Game Design degree is well worth the investment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics presents various jobs in video game development. It’s safe to say that you’ll be able to land your dream job in the game sector as soon as you graduate. However, it’s important to choose an online bachelor’s in game design first.
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The Lowdown
For enthusiasts who want to make a name for themselves in the gaming industry, an online Bachelor in Game Design offers a multitude of opportunities. You can work in the fields of video games, software development, digital media, and application development.
It is important for game development and gaming companies to hire qualified individuals who are well-prepared and have completed comprehensive training in understanding the creative and artistic aspects of the field.
Aside from acquiring an online bachelor’s degree in Game Design, earning real-world experiences such as internships, participating in studio productions, and crafting your portfolio is equally important.
Methodology
Because many online programs offer online Game Design or Game Software Development programs, prospective students naturally feel confused about which to choose. We came up with a ranking list that includes the best combination of academic excellence, affordability, reputation, and good-quality instructors.
We research and select online Game Design degrees and colleges based on their ability to generate a return on investment. These considerations below were factored in for each online Game Design school or program:
- Offered in 100% online classes, while some are a combination of on-campus and online learning,
- Provides online students opportunities for real-life experiential learning, including internships to help students build their extensive portfolio of game designs,
- Provides theoretical and practical training in the art and design of video games, game engine technology, and interactive game development,
- Provides students with information on the latest and most innovative technologies used in today’s game design field,
- Utilizes message boards, web seminars, and online discussions that allow students to interact with professors, as well as online resources and student support services,
- Taught by seasoned instructors who are experts in their respective fields, with track records and experiences in working in large gaming companies,
- Offers transfer credits, tuition discounts, and financial aid options for online students,
- Helps students master the use of tools in Game Design such as Adobe, In-Design, 3D art software, illustration tools, and more,
- Accredited by academic agencies that establish the quality standards of teaching,
- Recognized by the Game Design industry as a producer of top-caliber graduates.
For more information, visit our Methodology page.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Game Design Degree Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design (online)
Imagine yourself designing creatures from extraterrestrial planets or creatively creating virtual worlds. All these will be made possible when you enroll in an online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design offered at Southern New Hampshire University.
One of the best online Game Design schools, its program focuses on front-end game design and can help you develop a game design portfolio that will help you kickstart your career.
As you learn and apply game design and game art principles such as rigging, lighting, texturing, 3D modeling, and character animation, you can brush up your knowledge and skills in 3D and 2D graphics software.
Students in this highly regarded undergraduate program develop creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills. Online courses from SNHU allow you to stay competitive and gain the skills you need in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing workplace.
What’s Unique About The Program:
As a leader in game art and design, SNHU offers a competitive edge by focusing on modern industry standards and building essential skills. There are many careers for you to choose from, whether you want to work in games or movies, in education, or in the military.
Did You Know?
- From the day you enroll at SNHU to the day you graduate, you’ll receive support. The online classroom is available 24/7, and you will have constant access to helpful learning resources such as student support services, online library resources, and learning platforms.
- With SNHU’s transfer policy, you can transfer up to 90 credits to your bachelor’s degree and 45 credits to your associate’s degree, saving you up to 75% on tuition.
- SNHU offers its students, alumni, and staff a powerful network to support them long after graduation.
Wilmington University
BS in Game Design and Development (online)
Wilmington University offers a high-quality bachelor of science in game design and development degree program, which can be taken completely online. With this major, you can learn to design video games for various consoles and platforms.
You’ll also master topics in 3D modeling, graphic design, interactive design, and video production. Video game designer degree programs at Wilmington University are among the few accredited four-year programs in the region.
What’s Unique About The Program:
Students can attend classes with actual lab and game studio simulations, which helps them to be more familiar with the advanced technologies needed to succeed in the game design industry. As a game developer, you can show off your creations and build your game design portfolio early by working on real-world projects.
This online degree is surprisingly affordable, and it comes with flexible class schedules, which can be taken during the evening or on weekends.
Did You Know?
- Your skills will be developed in a hands-on environment as you create a portfolio you can show potential employers.
- In this program, you can take animation, 3D, graphic design, video and film production, and game development and design classes.
- You’ll learn many soft skills during the course, including ethics, leadership problem-solving, collaboration, gaming trends, and how games are developed.
Full Sail University
Bachelor of Science in Interactive Technology – Game Design (online)
A top program, such as the online Bachelor of Science in Interactive Technology with a concentration in Game Design, is offered at Full Sail University. Game development and prototyping are the main topics covered in this online program. Also, it focuses on two more aspects, such as game mechanics and game balancing.
Students gain a deep understanding of the game development pipeline through high-level game design and production courses offered through the Interactive Technology Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Game Design.
What’s Unique About The Program:
Academic Advantage Scholarships offer up to $15,000 to qualified campus students. Many prospective students are attracted to this online bachelor’s degree due to their financial aid offering.
Did You Know?
- The alumni at Full Sail University have created and contributed a lot to the entertainment industry by producing successful games, box-hit movies, and producing iconic albums. They have also designed environments and conceptualized ad campaigns.
- Among their Hall of Fame inductees are Oscar winners, GRAMMY nominees, animators, entrepreneurs, and more. Annually, Full Sail hosts a weeklong celebration featuring live events, educational panels, and more.
Middle Georgia State University
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Integrated Digital Media and Game Design (online)
The BS in Information Technology with Integrated Digital Media & Game Design concentration teaches students how to design and develop digital media and games for various IT applications. During the various courses, students will learn how to evaluate user needs and design, develop, and implement digital media products to meet those needs.
This program provides students with various skills for designing and producing graphic materials, developing interfaces, and constructing interactive applications.
After graduation, here are some careers you can pursue:
- Game Developer
- Digital Media Designer
- Multimedia Specialist
What’s Unique About The Program:
As part of your curriculum, you will complete 42 credit hours in core courses, but you’ll also be able to choose and customize your electives. It is common for courses to last eight weeks and to be flexible in length.
You can apply to MGA continuously, meaning you can enroll when the next term begins after admission. This program is very cost-effective, with 120 credits costing around $20,000, making it a very cost-effective option for undergraduates.
Did You Know?
- Internships must be completed for a minimum of 45 hours per credit hour.
- In addition to learning analysis and design skills, you will also learn graphic design in production and interactive application development.
University of Advancing Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design (online)
At the University of Advancing Technology, you can earn an online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design. With UAT’s Game Design degree program, students have the opportunity to build and create complete game design projects with faculty and fellow students from across the game studies program.
As part of the game studies program family, students are able to work together with fellow students and faculty to build and create complete game projects.
This program offers you the opportunity to learn and apply industry-standard tools, techniques, and production methods to create and implement game elements, systems, and play mechanics.
What’s Unique About The Program:
They educate the next generation of innovators using their faculty’s experience to mentor students as they lead innovations and solve technology challenges. In UAT’s Synchronic Learning model, students are prepared to become tomorrow’s innovators through an educational framework.
Embraced by UAT, this model promotes demonstrated mastery and job readiness through methodologies, curricula, and community.
Did You Know?
- In addition to producing graduates with top qualifications in game design, game programming, and animation, the program also aims to equip students with hands-on experience in these fields.
- A student’s ability to succeed in the workplace is developed through internships, community projects, and apprenticeships.
George Mason University
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Computer Game Design (online)
The BFA in Computer Game Design is available online at George Mason University. Students can attain technical skills while focusing on the artistic aspects of computer game design through this online degree program.
A required internship enhances students’ employability after graduation by providing practical experience. A new pedagogical environment based on revolving roles and project-based learning combines both sciences and arts.
The following courses are a must when you enroll in this online program:
- Computer science
- Humanities
- Music
- Visual Technology
- Art
What’s Unique About The Program:
Mason Game and Technology Academy (MGTA) offers mentorship opportunities for Computer Game Design students (CGD).
By offering challenging enrichment courses that combine STEM core competencies with immersion technology, the arts, and entrepreneurship, MGTA offers students the rare chance to engage with university professors and students.
It prepares students to succeed in STEM fields of the future by inspiring them to pursue advanced studies in those fields.
Did You Know?
- This degree program seeks to combine the arts and sciences in a collaborative, problem-solving environment.
- The “Pre-Internship Seminar” must be attended prior to the senior capstone and internship.
- The program is for students interested in combining computer science and technology with the artistic aspects of game design.
- A US Serious Game Institute is housed in the Computer Game Design program, which conducts applied research and development into game-related applications.
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – in Gaming Design (online)
Liberty University offers a bachelor of science in information technology with a concentration in gaming design. With these skills, you can enter the exciting and evolving field of game design.
Various other creative and technical professionals can benefit from these skills as well. This rapidly growing job market offers so many opportunities that now is the perfect time to jump in.
Our society today relies heavily on the gaming industry, from classic video game systems to games on our phones. The video game designer degree is the degree for you if you want to pursue a high-impact career with unlimited creativity.
What’s Unique About The Program:
Choosing Liberty is a great choice when it comes to video game design colleges. The future of gaming will bring several challenges, but you will be prepared for all of them through their online bachelor’s in game design degree.
Did You Know?
- Liberty prepares students for the fast-paced industry of online game design by using the latest tools and best practices – so you stay on top of current technology and trends.
- As a student in our information technology – video game design program, you will learn critical programming and design skills for your future career.
- Their online community of future game designers can also help you develop technical skills. Increase your network and open doors to future career opportunities by connecting with like-minded students.
Academy of Art University
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design (online)
The main objective of the Academy of Art University’s online Game Design bachelor’s degree is to help future gaming industry professionals by equipping them with practical knowledge and technical skills.
Because of this, they ensure that the course content is relevant and progressive through a dynamic learning environment. Whether you attend school online or on campus, you will receive the same quality education.
Similar to on-campus programs, they provide live workshops to online students. An internal resources page with helpful tutorials is constantly updated and covers a wide variety of interesting topics.
When you join the program online, all of these resources are available to you. Their community is vibrant and creative, so you’ll definitely find your own place there.
What’s Unique About The Program:
A range of coursework is offered by the Academy, including video productions, slideshows with narration, digital documents, expert interviews, livestreams, and more.
With the Academy’s custom Learning Management System (LMS), you simply upload your assignments, and your instructor can mark them up, upload videos, and record audio feedback. The Academy of Art University offers web-based courses over 7.5 and 15 weeks.
Did You Know?
- The Learning Management System at the Academy of Art University contains all student classes, ranks, profiles, news, and other information. These contribute to making learning more convenient.
- Providing or receiving constructive feedback is as easy as posting work or exchanging thoughts. By supporting and pushing one another, you create long-lasting relationships that endure beyond the course. You will be closer to your online classmates, as you would when you attend on-campus.
- You may submit artwork for evaluation, and instructors can provide detailed feedback.
Miami International University of Art and Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design (online)
Miami International University of Art and Design designed their online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design in a way that prepares you for a career in the gaming industry or any related field. Because it’s designed completely online, you can take the lessons from anywhere you wish.
The course covers augmented and virtual reality as well as the economics of developing a marketable game. Students and instructors share their work and feedback with each other while using professional-grade technology and software.
What’s Unique About The Program:
The courses prepare students for employment in the field by providing them with the necessary tools and skills. Faculty mentors will offer valuable guidance to students in creating a portfolio that stands out. Many of them are working in the industry or have worked there in the past.
Did You Know?
- A Technology Fee is included with each degree program so you can use the latest technology during your program. This fee includes the provision of an iPad, an Apple pencil, and a keyboard.
- The Technology Fee covers the cost of specialized software and tools you’ll need to complete coursework.
- However, it is possible for students to choose not to pay the Introductory Technology Fee and to purchase all the necessary tech gadgets by themselves.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Game Design Degree Program
Game Design
Game Design falls under the Design category. Game design courses teach students how to design games for multiple platforms and consoles such as mobiles, TVs, and computers. During the course, students learn how to design games technically.
Interactive Design
Interactive art and design are critical aspects of this course. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore the breadth of interactive design through coursework. Hands-on projects help students develop their skills.
3D Animation
Graphic design, visual effects, character animation, and motion capture are just a few of the skills you’ll learn in a 3D animation course. The knowledge of 3D animation that you will gain from an undergraduate degree will be a good foundation.
An industry expert will mentor you personally and teach you how to create life-like animation and CGI scenes using the latest tools and techniques.
Career Pathways for Online Bachelor’s in Game Design Graduates
Game Designer
As a game designer, you will develop the game’s mechanics, develop game structures, and write interactive narration. You will also add features, design, and maintain everything about the game to make it user-friendly and suit the preferences of gamers.
Animator
By sequencing multiple frames together, an animator creates an illusion of movement, which is referred to as animation. Models, puppets, and digital or hand-drawn pictures can be used to create the images.
The majority of animators are involved in the creation of 2D and 3D models, stop-frame animation, or computer-generated animation.
Multimedia Expert
As a multimedia specialist, you’ll integrate text, audio, video, graphics, photography, and virtual reality to create multimedia products on TV, laptops, phones, and other gaming gadgets. Despite different media mixes, all projects have a computer component that integrates them all.
Graphic Designer
An experienced graphic designer will make eye-catching visuals for a wide range of products and activities, like posters, websites, ads, and games. A graphic designer must work with clients to understand their business goals and requirements, estimate the time needed to complete a project and develop design briefs.
Software Engineer
Technology advances and the strategic direction of the company in which you work will constantly change the environment in which you work as a software engineer. As a systems analyst or architect, you will develop, maintain, audit, and enhance hardware and software systems to meet particular needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a high demand for Game Designers?
As part of the broader category of multimedia artists and animators, the BLS includes video game designers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data predicts that special effects artists and animators’ employment opportunities will rise by about 4% in the next decade.
This means that there will be approximately 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators every year.
How long does it take to finish an online Bachelor’s in Game Design degree program?
It typically takes four years full-time to complete a bachelor’s degree online. It may be possible for you to earn your degree faster if you take courses during the summer.
A number of online programs allow part-time learning, too. Studying part-time takes longer overall, but it’s a great option for working adults.
How do you start a career in Game Design?
Through this search for degree programs, you’ve already begun your path to becoming a game designer! Undergraduate degrees offer a lot more than just coursework in game design. Internships or apprenticeships may be required as part of some programs, giving you real-world experience.
Your last semester or quarter of study may include a Capstone Project, which is a good way to build a portfolio that employers will appreciate.
As you learn about the Game Design profession, internships, and apprenticeships are excellent opportunities for networking and partnering with working professionals. Networking is a concrete way to start a career in game design.
Summary Points
- Graduating from an online Bachelor’s in Video Game Design program commonly leads to careers in video game design, artists, and developers. Entry-level positions are highly competitive in this field, so many aspiring professionals develop their own games to establish a portfolio and build networks.
- Companies that develop games look for applicants who have had comprehensive training and preparation in the artistic and creative components of the field. Hence, it’s important to participate in many real-life opportunities that will hone your game design skills.
- Some of the core courses you take in this online bachelor’s in game design include design, graphic design, project management, concept development, and story design. The majority of programs are project-based, and you may have to work with other students virtually.
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