Key takeaways
- The rising demand for online game design degrees is driven by the growing demand for skilled professionals in the gaming industry.
- Online degree options range from associate degrees to master’s degrees, catering to various career aspirations and experience levels.
- While online degrees offer flexibility and convenience, they also require self-discipline and time management skills.
- Game design programs typically cover a range of topics, including game design principles, game development tools, programming, 3D modeling, and game art.
- Graduates of game design programs can pursue various careers, such as game designer, game programmer, game artist, and game producer.
- Several renowned colleges in the US offer high-quality online game design programs, including Savannah College of Art and Design and Lindenwood University.
- For those interested in related fields, computer science, cybersecurity, and software engineering can also lead to careers in the gaming industry.
If you are considering pursuing game design as a professional career choice, getting a formal education in the field of game design is the ideal first step. As the gaming industry grows, so does the demand for skilled game designers. Those aspiring designers looking for a flexible program can explore an online game design degree from one of the top colleges in the US.
Pursuing an online degree may not be the traditional route to enter the field, but it is fast becoming popular. In this guide, we discuss the feasibility of an online game design degree in detail and provide a list of the best online colleges for game design.
Why consider getting an online game design degree?
Since COVID-19, the demand for online degrees has increased exponentially. As per a report by Statista, the expected annual revenue for the online university education market in the US is expected to grow to $83.20 billion in 2024.
Furthermore, around 12.6 million students are expected to pursue an online degree by 2029. The user penetration rate will grow to 3.6% by 2029 compared to 2.3% in 2024. That brings the projected user penetration growth rate in the United States to 2.3%, the highest around the globe.
When it comes to game design degrees online, whether you are looking for a 2-year associate degree, a 4-year bachelor’s degree, or an advanced master’s degree, you will find an ideal online option. Many renowned colleges now offer the option to pursue a bachelor’s game design degree online to cater to the rising demand.
What are the pros and cons of getting an online game design degree?
The significant increase in demand and popularity of online degrees is for several reasons. However, as is true for everything, where there are benefits, there are also some drawbacks. Here we provide a list of pros and cons of an online gaming degree to help you decide if obtaining a game design degree online is the ideal option for you or not.
| Pros of an online game design degree | Cons of an online game design degree |
| Potential for a flexible schedule | Less cultural exposure |
| No geographical limitations | Limited interaction |
| Lower cost of attendance | Lack of real-time feedback |
| Option for accelerated learning | Inability to use on-campus resources |
| Pursue part or full-time employment. | Self-discipline & time management needed |
Should you pursue an online game design degree?
The fact that the pros outweigh the cons is evidenced by the rising demand for online degrees. When it comes to a game design online degree, the ability to pursue part or full-time employment alongside your degree is a major win for aspiring game designers.
It provides them the opportunity to build a professional portfolio and gain industry experience alongside their formal education, enabling them to land better jobs after graduating with an online video game design degree. Moreover, students from around the world can choose an online degree game design at the top colleges in the US.
The lack of geographical or time limitations is a major benefit of an online game design degree. Additionally, some online colleges for game design also offer the accelerated learning option. Through the accelerated learning program, students can complete their degree in less than the usual time.
However, the major drawback of an online degree is the need for self-discipline and motivation. Students enrolled in online programs must take charge of their educational trajectory. Their learning experience greatly depends on what they make it out to be.
What are the types of available online game design degrees?
Aspiring video game designers can pursue online education in the field at various levels. From online courses and diplomas, to associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in game design, the world of online education has much to offer. But before you go on selecting a program, here is what you need to know about the different types of degrees.
Associate online game design degrees
Students can explore Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees in the game design field. Associate degrees are two-year degree programs but, in some cases, students may be able to opt for the accelerated program.
It is the lowest degree level qualification aspiring game designers can pursue, and the opportunities it opens are limited to entry-level positions. However, students can transfer the credits earned in an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree and improve eligibility.
Courses include as sourced through the New England Institute of Technology:
- Introduction to Game Development
- Digital Graphics for Gaming
- Introduction to Game Programming
- HTML and JavaScript
Available jobs
In the field of game design, some employers give precedence to professional experience over degrees. However, most of the open positions require a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent experience level. If you have an associate degree, and 2 to 5+ years of experience, you are eligible for the following positions as sourced through LinkedIn.
| Job title | Average pay range |
| Dept. Assistant for Snapdragon Studios | $36.15 – $54.23 an hour |
| Instructor – Game Design (part-time) | $86.40 – $128.33 an hour |
| Elementary Game Design Teacher | $40 – $60 an hour |
Bachelor’s online game design degrees
Bachelor’s degrees span over the course of four years and offer a more comprehensive curriculum. Students will learn the tools, and techniques needed to succeed in the field of video game design. Upon graduation, they will possess a well-rounded skill set needed to obtain video game design jobs.
At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Applied Science. The primary difference between each program is in the type of general courses available to you.
Typical courses in an online bachelor’s degree can include:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Online and mobile gaming
- Story design
- Writing and editing game music
Available jobs
With a bachelor’s degree, students can apply for the following in-office and remote game design jobs. Some professional experience and demonstrated skills via a portfolio can enhance eligibility.
| Job title | Average pay range |
| Unreal Game Designer | $90,000 per year |
| Game Artist | $98,000 per year |
| Software Development Engineer | $129,000+ per year |
Master’s degrees
If you want to further progress your career and take on leadership roles, consider pursuing a master’s degree. Should you choose an online game design degree at the master’s level, you can pursue higher education while gaining professional experience, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Typical courses can include:
- Game prototyping
- Digital Art Tools and Techniques
- 3-D Modeling for Games
- The Design of Play
Available jobs
A master’s degree in game design or a game art major makes you eligible for a variety of in-office and remote game design jobs.
| Job title | Average pay range |
| Assistant Professor Design & Game Development | $75k-$80k per year |
| Senior Game Designer | $148K per year |
| Senior Technical Game Designer | $99,255 per year |
How to find the ideal college for an online game design degree?
College planning for an online degree game design can look very different than a traditional degree. Even though the admission criteria are generally the same, the criteria upon which the validity and worth of a degree are vetted can be quite different. When choosing an online video game design degree, consider the following:
Accreditations
Your first and foremost consideration will be towards accreditations. Your choice of game design degree online must be accredited by the relevant organization attesting to its legitimacy and education quality. Accrediting bodies for educational institutes in the US are available on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website.
Program curriculum
Online colleges for game design offer different degrees with varying learning outcomes. Whether you choose a game art major, or an online game development degree will depend on your career goals and aspirations. Should you decide to pursue an online video game design degree, you must look at the program curriculum to find out what you can expect to learn in the program.
Experiential learning
Game design is a technical field that values experiential learning. In fact, some companies are willing to accept job applicants with an associate degree and relevant experience for in-office and remote game design jobs that would ideally require someone with a bachelor’s degree. Make sure the program you choose provides internship opportunities and focuses on developing practical skills.
Student resources
Lastly, but most importantly, additional student resources such as mentorship opportunities, career fairs, job placement programs, and access to state-of-the-art labs and technologies are essential considerations. These will help you develop a foothold in the industry effortlessly.
Learning format
There are two basic learning formats in game design online degrees, namely synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous programs require real-time class participation, whereas asynchronous formats allow students to take classes whenever they please.
If you are looking for the most flexible option, the latter is ideal for you. However, if you struggle with time management, and are not particularly disciplined, the synchronous format is ideal for you.
Pursue an online game design degree from the list of US colleges
Whether you are looking for an online development degree, an online game art degree, or an online game design degree, here are a few of the best online colleges for game design in the US.
Savannah College of Art and Design
The Savannah College of Art and Design offers two options for online game development degrees. Students can either pursue a Bachelor of Art, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in game development, either online or on-campus.
Game Development programs offer a comprehensive curriculum. Students will begin with foundational studies in drawing, design, and color theory. They will then broaden their knowledge with general education courses in business, communication, and visual culture.
The major curriculum delves into core principles of programming, game art, design, and technology, allowing students to specialize in areas like information architecture, physical computing, or interactive web design. At the end, students will demonstrate their learning via a capstone project.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Savannah, Georgia | 3.0 | 81% | $39,605 |
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) with a specialization in Gaming Design degree program. This program is designed for those who are passionate about video games and want to turn that passion into a career.
The program combines technical skills in programming and design with the creative aspects of game development. Students will learn about the latest tools and trends in the industry and will graduate with a well-rounded skillset that prepares them for a variety of careers in game design.
Additionally, students benefit from the opportunity to complete an internship, allowing them to gain practical experience before they graduate. It gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Lynchburg, Virginia | 2.0 | 99% | $22,511 |
Franklin University
Franklin University’s B.S. in Interactive Media Design (IMD) is an online game art degree program that prepares students for careers in the growing field of interactive media. The program covers a wide range of topics, including mobile, graphics, rich media, web, and interaction design, as well as front-end development and project management.
Students enrolled in the program will develop both technical and non-technical skills, making them well-rounded professionals who can contribute to the entire development lifecycle of interactive solutions. The program offers flexibility with various start dates throughout the year and the option to transfer credits from previous education, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Columbus, Ohio | 3.0 | 100% | $9,577 |
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design program for aspiring game designers. This program provides a comprehensive education in both the theoretical and practical aspects of game design. It covers topics such as game aesthetics, immersion, usability, storytelling, and character development.
Students in this program will gain hands-on experience through project-based learning by working on real-world game development projects. They will also have access to immersive reality technologies and virtual reality headsets to enhance their learning experience.
The program offers both online and on-campus options, allowing students to choose the learning format that best suits their needs. Upon graduation, students will be well-prepared for careers in various game design roles, including game designer, programmer, tester, artist, and more.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| St. Charles, Missouri | 3.42 | 74% | $19,300 |
What alternative degrees can you pursue for a career in game design?
If you find that an online video game design degree, an online game development degree, or an online game art degree are not ideal for you, here are some alternate degrees you can pursue.
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
By not restricting yourself to the design element of game production, you can open up a variety of other career opportunities besides in-office and remote game design jobs. Many online colleges for game design also offer the above-mentioned alternate degrees.
Enroll in one of the online colleges for game design today!
The demand for video game designers is expected to rise as the online video game industry experiences an unprecedented boom. With the increasing availability of cloud and gaming technology, the growth is not expected to slow down anytime soon.
Take advantage of the many available employment opportunities in the growing field by pursuing an online game design degree at one of the best online colleges for game design in the US. Get started with your college applications with our free AI Essay Generation Tool!