In a relatively short time span, video games evolved from a niche interest to one of the world’s most popular forms of entertainment. By earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in video game design from a leading school, you’ll develop the skills necessary to advance video game technology and create the great games of the future.
The employment outlook for individuals with experience in video game and interactive design is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of digital designers will increase 16% through 2032. The median annual salary for digital designers is $98,540. Other career paths graduates of video game design programs can pursue include special effects artists and animators (8% employment growth) and graphic designers (3% job growth).
A bachelor’s degree in video game design will qualify individuals for most entry- and mid-level jobs in video game design, although master’s degree programs are available. Bachelor’s degrees typically last four years for full-time students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition for four-year colleges (public and private) was $17,709 in the 2022-23 academic year.
How to Choose a School for Video Game Design
Choose your area of study
When considering attending school for video game design, it’s important to first become familiar with the program options in this field. At the bachelor’s level, there are a few different types of available degrees, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Arts (BA). A BFA focuses on artistic proficiency and creativity, while a BS emphasizes the technical aspects of designing games. BA degrees offer a robust general education component alongside major courses. All degree types are typically sufficient for entering the industry, but depending on your specific interests and approach to video game design, there may be a specific type of degree you want to pursue.
Another consideration is what specialization, if any, you want to pursue. Options for specializations within video game design include 3D art, 2D art, sound design, production, and writing. Your area of focus will also depend on your interests and career goals.
Research schools and programs
Once you have a general idea of what you’re seeking from a school in video game design, start researching available options.
Visiting a school’s website is a good place to start, as this is where prospective students can typically find information on program curriculum, admissions requirements, faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and more. If possible, participate in on-campus or virtual open houses or information sessions. These events can be an opportunity to speak to current students and faculty and gain additional insight into the program. You can also contact the school’s admissions office if you have questions.
Key questions to ask during the research phase include:
- What does the program’s curriculum cover? How does the curriculum align with your interests and goals?
- What specialization options are available?
- Who are the faculty? What are their qualifications?
- Are there any experiential learning components, such as internships?
- What is the program’s cost? What financial aid resources are available?
- Is the school accredited by a regional accrediting body?
Accreditation is important because it can impact financial aid eligibility, job opportunities, and future educational options. Schools may also have specialized accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Prepare for tests and applications
When researching video game design schools and programs, find out what your potential schools require for applications. Each program has its own admissions policies and procedures, so if you have questions, contact the school’s admissions office to clarify.
For an undergraduate applicant to a video game design program, an application typically includes:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- SAT or ACT scores
Many programs, particularly BFA degrees, also require that students submit an art portfolio or work samples during the application process. Check with your prospective schools to find out what, if any, portfolio requirements they have.
Select your program
Once you have a shortlist of video game design schools, you can decide how many of them you want to apply to. Based on how competitive the programs you’re considering are, you may want to apply to multiple schools to increase the odds of admission. However, your preferences and interests should be the main guide to how many applications you submit. If you’re accepted to multiple schools for video game design, compare your options to the priorities you outlined in step one to help you decide which program is the best fit for you.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
When researching schools for video game design, you should also gather information about their tuition and available financial aid. This information is usually available on a school’s website, or you can contact their financial aid office.
For students planning on using federal student aid, including loans and grants, to help pay for their degree, the first step is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges use the information from this application to determine eligibility for federal and institutional need-based aid.
Other options for paying for a video game design degree include scholarships from external sources, such as professional development organizations, religious and community groups, and non-profit foundations. Students who plan on working while earning their degree in video game design should find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Video Game Design Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best schools for video game design across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.Next, we compared this comprehensive list of schools for video game design to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a School for Video Game Design?
Video game design programs equip students with the technical and artistic skills they need to design and build innovative, compelling video games and other interactive digital experiences. Students will develop proficiency in the tools and techniques required for the complex process of creating video games, including digital design, programming, audio design, creative writing, and more.
Learning is typically hands-on, with studio classes that allow students to practice their skills in a supportive, collaborative setting. Many programs also include an internship component, in which students have the opportunity to work at video game and interactive design studios and see the process of developing video games up close.Most bachelor’s in video game design degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Specialization options and minors are common for this type of degree, as video game design is a multi-faceted art. Common specializations include game development, 3D design, 2D design, programming, and UI/UX. Some schools offer a “design your own” specialization that allows students to create a program tailored to their specific interests.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online video game design program
- Game Design Fundamentals: Introduces the various aspects of game design for those intending to work in management, production, or design teams. Students analyze gaming platforms, game genres, playability, objectives, rule dynamics, and overall quality and learn the elements of production, including game conceptualization, story development, character design, and more.
- 2D Art Workshop: A studio practice-based course in which students develop drawing fundamentals for game design, animation, and narrative art.
- Introduction to 3D Computer Animation: Introduces computer animation concepts such as geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, and systems for computer-synthesized animation using Maya software.
- Character Modeling for Games: Covers character design principles, visual communication, polygonal construction, and the use of image guides and edge flows for realistic deformation.
Video Game Design Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a school for video game design?
The most common way to apply for college is via an online application on the school’s website. Undergraduate students may also be able to apply to multiple schools using the Common Application. If you have questions about what application materials are required and how to submit them, contact the school’s admissions office for more information.
Depending on the school, admissions for video game design programs can be competitive. It’s important to be mindful of application deadlines and start terms, as some programs only admit new students once or twice per year. Failing to submit all required application materials by the deadline can impact a student’s ability to start on time.
Students must typically have some background in art and design, and programs may require that students submit a portfolio of artwork samples in order to be considered for acceptance.
How much does a school for video game design cost?
The cost of video game design schools varies based on several factors, including the school’s status as a public or private institution. For the most accurate information on how much a video game design school costs, contact the college’s financial aid office and speak to a financial aid counselor.
According to the NCES, the average annual tuition for four-year undergraduate degree programs in the 2022-23 academic year was $9,750 at public colleges and $38,421 at private universities. For students living on campus, room and board averaged $13,175 annually at four-year colleges.
Students in video game design programs should also keep in mind that this program typically requires a computer with certain specs and a variety of specialized software programs. Some schools may offer this equipment to students for free or at a discount, or students may be expected to pay full price.
How long does it take to earn a video game design degree?
For students enrolling in a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in video game design program on a full-time, the minimum completion time is four years. Students who attend their program part-time may take 5-6 years to finish. Degree completion programs that accept previously earned credits from other undergraduate degree programs can typically be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study.