Key takeaways
- Game design degrees focus on combining technical skills and artistic elements to create immersive, interactive gaming experiences.
- Students can pursue various degrees related to game design, including specialized programs in game development, computer science, and media design.
- From 2-year associate degrees to advanced master’s programs, students can choose the degree level that best aligns with their career goals.
- Building a strong portfolio is crucial in the game design field.
- Graduates can work in a range of game design job roles, such as game designer, level designer, game programmer, or technical artist.
- Colleges often provide internship opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience and build industry connections.
- High graduation rates can indicate student success, while acceptance rates can inform applicants about admission competitiveness.
A computer game design degree is rampantly becoming a popular college major among young and adult students. The degree is focused on blending technical and artistic elements to ensure the most visually elevating and interactive gameplay experiences.
Moreover, game design is a vibrant and expanding field, offering career opportunities for creatives and tech enthusiasts alike. If you’re passionate about bringing ideas to life through games, a degree in game design can help you develop the skills needed for success.
The journey as a game designer is truly rewarding if you follow the right career paths. However, it has its own set of challenges that you must overcome. By researching programs, building skills, and gaining experience, you can transform your passion for games into a career. With a strong foundation and the right degree, you’ll be well-equipped to create engaging, memorable games that captivate players around the world.
So, to help you understand and navigate the academic aspect of a game design degree and what leads to a successful game designer job, here is a complete guide.
What game design degree can I get?
Firstly, keep in mind that there are several types of game design and related degrees that you can opt for. Some of these degrees may have a more straightforward career path, such as a BS in game development. However, other degrees such as bachelor in computer science might have a more indirect career direction for you to choose from.
In any case, make sure you choose a degree that best aligns with your interests and career goals. So, before you delve into further details, explore the different types of game design degrees you can get:
Degrees in game design
A degree in game design prepares students for the multifaceted world of video game creation, blending artistic, technical, and narrative skills. This program typically includes courses in game theory, storytelling, 3D modeling, animation, programming, and user experience (UX) design, all essential for designing engaging and interactive games
You need to be aware of the various types of game design degrees there are that you can explore. A bachelor’s degree in game development may be the most obvious choice, but there are other types of degrees that you should also compare and consider. This will allow you to make an informed decision. So, here are the 3 types of game design degrees.
Associate degree
Firstly, an associate degree is a 2-year program typically offered by community colleges. This is a good chance to evaluate whether further education in this field suits you.
Bachelor’s degree
Secondly, a bachelor’s degree in game design is a 4-year program that requires competition of 120 credits. This is the ideal option for those who are passionate and decisive about building a career in game design.
Masters degree
Third, after your bachelor’s degree in game design, you can opt for higher or further education to specialize in a particular field. This can open gates to senior job roles with higher pay.
Computer science degree
Now, game art and design may be an artistic field, but it is incomplete without the technicalities. In fact, it is one of the most comprehensive and thorough fields that requires a robust understanding of computer science and mechanisms.
Therefore, a computer science degree with a concentration in game development can be a great way to not only enter the game design field but also broaden your scope. This degree prepares students with the technical expertise for programming-heavy roles.
Moreover, it typically involves coursework in coding languages (e.g., C++, Python) and software engineering principles. As a result, you can explore a much more diverse variety of career paths. Graduates commonly work as software developers, game engineers, or technical artists.
Media design and art degree
A Media Design and Arts degree opens doors to various creative professions. Particularly, graduates often pursue careers as graphic designers, multimedia artists, digital marketers, web designers, and even game artists. They may work in sectors like advertising, entertainment, education, or technology.
Furthermore, a key component of a Media Design and Arts degree is its focus on storytelling and communication. Students learn how to convey messages effectively through visual elements, considering the psychological impact of colors, shapes, and textures to elicit specific emotions or reactions from an audience. Therefore, a degree in this field is truly relevant for a successful career in game design, which also focuses on such aspects.
In addition to this, this degree is suitable for students who have a keen interest in art-focused roles. So, if you are looking for technical roles or jobs where coding and other computer processes are involved, then you might need to get a different degree.
How to get a game design degree?
Earning a game design degree involves several key steps. Firstly, you need to conduct complete research on some crucial elements, such as admission requirements and other details about majoring in game design. Next, you must define your career goals in order to opt for a rewarding and fulfilling academic journey. To help you get a degree in game design, here is a breakdown of the path you may follow:
Defining your goals and interests
First of all, determine what aspects of game design excite you most. Explore the different elements of game design, such as programming, visual design, narrative creation, or game mechanics. Consequently, you will be able to identify what job rolls suit you the best, allowing you to pick the best college program.
Fulfilling admission requirements
Second, look into the admission requirements of your chosen colleges. Remember to thoroughly compare the admission requirements of various colleges, and select the ones that best match your qualifications and seem the most feasible.
Additionally, keep in mind that even though admission requirements do vary, some of the most typical ones may include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Average minimum GPA requirement
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay*
- Extracurricular activities and leadership experience
- Portfolio (usually for creative programs)
- Interview
- Application fee
- English Proficiency Test (for International Students)
Fulfilling graduation requirements
When applying or looking for colleges, many people often skip the most crucial part – the graduation requirements. These is the criteria on the basis of which you will be granted your degree. Without clearing these requirements, the college may hold back the completion of your degree.
Checking out these requirements ensures that you choose a college that you can commit to long-term, without anything going to waste. While these requirements can vary, typical ones include:
- Completion of required core subjects
- Completion of 120 credits or more
- Completion of capstone project or thesis
- Submission of internship report or proof of work experience
- Clearance of financial dues and any other commitments
Getting work experience and building a portfolio
The biggest benefit of getting a college degree in your choice of field is that colleges facilitate students in finding work opportunities. There may be numerous career fairs, partnerships associations, and other such platforms through which students can find work opportunities.
However, it is totally up to you to make the most of this privilege and indulge in hands-on opportunities. As a result, you will get a boosted start to your professional career. Internships and entry-level jobs are a great way to learn many new things, including transferable and soft skills too.
How to choose a college for a game design degree?
Selecting the ideal college for a degree in game design is a tedious task. There are so many great options. Secondly, wondering which parameters to assess and evaluate each college is also very confusing. Therefore, we have tried to make the process easier for you by providing a list of key factors to consider when choosing a college for a game design degree.
Accreditations
Accreditations from renowned and official agencies can help students understand or evaluate the quality of education and facilities offered by the college. So, look for accreditations by college, as well as program accreditations for more certainty.
Campus location
Second, if you are going to live on campus, make sure that it is located in a safe and accessible area. Explore nearby places for essentials as well as leisure. If you are an off-campus student, make sure the commute is convenient as it’s a long-term commitment for over 4 years.
Online flexibility
Thirdly, many colleges now offer online flexibility. This allows students to balance work and studies together. If you are currently working a full-time job, this factor will be of great importance for you.
Graduation rate
Fourth, the graduation rate reflects the number of students that pass each year. This rate tells you a lot about the college’s facilities, dedication, and how much it supports its students.
Acceptance rate
Lastly, do not forget to check the acceptance rate when applying. Look for colleges that have a generous acceptance rate and have suitable admission criteria. This way, you will avoid wasting application fees for colleges that do not meet your qualifications.
List of colleges for game design
Now that you are fully aware of the steps involved in getting a game design degree, you must not waste more time before searching for the best colleges for game design. Here is a comparison and list of the most ideal colleges for game design, including many from Michigan, New York, and popular names like Rochester Institute of Technology degrees.
| College | Location | Graduation rate | Acceptance rate |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 82% | 76% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 70% | 73% |
| University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | 67% | 79% |
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 66% | 88% |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) | Orlando, FL | 72% | 36% |
Embark on your game design journey today!
In summary, a game design degree is definitely a rewarding career path, given that you make informed choices. The video game designer degree and related fields offer incredible opportunities to transform a passion for gaming into a career.
However, there are some crucial steps involved in building a successful career. You must start by defining your interests, choosing the right degree, and building a portfolio through hands-on experience. Moreover, many colleges around the US offer various programs such as Media Design and Computer Science that can help you apply a lot of your knowledge and skills in the game design jobs.
Lastly, graduates with a game design degree can pursue various job roles. These may include but are not limited to game designers, level designers, gameplay programmers, or technical artists. Furthermore, this degree equips students with a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of game development, setting them up for success in a rapidly growing industry.