Online Game Design & Development Degrees: Curriculum & Program Info
Game designers & developers are computer software engineers that plan, write, and develop video game software. They also test and evaluate software programs and systems.
Game design & development is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Between 2006-2016, employment growth in this field is expected to increase by 44.6%. Top earners in the game design & development field make $125,750+ per year; the average salary is $87,672 per year; and entry-level game designers & developers earn $53,580 per year.
If you want to break into this competitive industry, the best place develop your skills is college. A bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, mathematics, or information systems with a focus in game design is required for most full-time salaried positions.
Some positions, such as research or teaching positions, may require a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or a first professional degree. Doctoral and first professional degree holders account for 5% of all professionals in this field and 6% hold a master’s degree. 32% hold a bachelor’s degree and 15% hold an associate degree. Associate degree holders usually begin their careers as assistant game designers or in support positions.
Aspiring game design & development professionals may earn a degree through an on-campus or accredited online school. Students seeking convenience and flexibility usually choose the online option.
Prospective students should pay close attention to admission requirements, curriculum, and accreditation when searching for a solid online game design & development degree program. Most accredited colleges require a sample of students’ work in order to assess artistic, creative, and technical ability. They also require transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The information in the next section can be used as a valuable tool to compare accredited online and on-campus program curriculums to other schools' curriculums.
On-Campus and Online Game Design & Development Degree Curriculum
Accredited game design & development program curriculums should address:
- Animation
- Art
- Cinematics
- Creative Writing
- Game Mechanics
- Game Theory
- Production Methodologies
- Storytelling
Students will learn about the creative process and pre-production planning as well as the processes of video production, motion capture and audio. They will also learn about visual based principles such as interface design, textures and 3D modeling as well as design principles and documentation. A coherent curriculum prepares students for a career as a level designer, quality assurance analyst, or an assistant producer.
Accredited game design & development degree programs will include some or all of the following courses:
- 3D Modeling 1 (3DS Max)
- Advanced Flash
- Cinematics
- Critical Analysis
- Employment Preparation
- Flash
- Game Audio 2
- Game Production
- Game Theory (Analog)
- Game Theory (Digital)
- Interactive Narrative
- Level Design 1
- Level Design 2
- Machinima/Cut Scenes
- Mobile/Handheld Design
- Motion Capture
- Portfolio Development
- Post-Mortem Analysis
- Pre-Production Techniques
- Project Design
- Project Development
- Project Management
- Project Pipeline
- Quality Assurance for Games
- Scripting 1
- Storyboarding
- Storytelling
- Team Management
- The Business of Games
- Video Game Art
- Video Production
- Visual Design Principles
- Visual Storytelling
Finding Online Game Design & Development Degree Programs
To locate top accredited online game design & development degree programs, students may explore offerings at on-campus technical schools, film schools, colleges, and universities. They may also search through comprehensive online directories such as Top Online Colleges or use well-known search engines such as Bing, Ask or Google. Each online degree program will offer information on accreditation. The accrediting agency must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tip: An accredited online game design & development degree program requires superior computer programming and mathematic skills, creative ability, discipline, and determination. An online program gives students the time they need to focus on developing these skills.
