The Best Online Video Game Design Degree Programs

One of the top online schools for game design is Savannah College of Art and Design. It was founded in 1978. Savannah College of Art and Design offers more Art and Design programs than any other institution of its kind. This includes an online game development degree.

Students can pursue a number of gaming-related programs:

• a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media
• a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development
• a Master of Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development
• a Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development

All are online or on-campus options.

The undergraduate programs include coursework in:

• color theory and application
• form and space
• elements and organization
• composition and media

The graduate programs feature courses in:

• character development
• human-centered interactive design
• visual interface and information

Each program allows students to gain real-world experience through internships. Students also can gain international experience through study abroad opportunities in Hong Kong.

Through participation in professional conferences as well as opportunities to collaborate with industry giants, students are able to capitalize on their passion for interactive design.

By completing a comprehensive portfolio of work throughout their classes, students are able to get a head start on their careers.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers two undergraduate online game design program options. Prospective students can earn a bachelor's in game design online or attend on-campus.

Motivated bachelor's students can finish an online bachelor's degree in 24 months with their fast game degree options. SNHU accepts transfer credits from Sophia Learning.

The Bachelor of Arts in Game Art and Development program combines fundamental skill development with advanced training in techniques used by industry professionals. Students learn and apply principles such as:

• digital painting
• 3D modeling
• anatomy illustration
• 3D mesh topology

Students gain skills needed to produce art assets for multiple online platforms, including mobile, PC, web and console platforms.

The Bachelor of Arts in Game Programming and Development program provides students with the technical expertise needed for successful careers in a range of fields that use gaming and simulation, from healthcare to education. It is one of the only online game design degrees to include artificial intelligence instruction in its coursework.

Courses include:

• artificial intelligence
• computer programming languages and scripting
• game engine development
• digital sculpting

SNHU also enables students to earn up to six math credits through Pathways to Math Success assessments.

When looking for online gaming schools, you might consider Liberty University. Liberty's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Gaming Design degree provides students with a well-rounded Information Technology foundation.

Credits: 120

This bachelor's degree is designed for those seeking careers as game designers, game artists or game programmers. The IT courses teach computer science skills for understanding the technical aspects of Game Design.

The game design courses teach game development and graphic design. Together these skills cover the technical and design aspects of creating games professionally.

The curriculum features courses in:

• 3D graphics
• digital imaging
• graphic design
• C# programming

Online students can complete an internship. Gain valuable insight from Liberty's professors, who have real-world experience in the game design industry.

Fisher College, a non-profit college in Boston, offers the online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Game Development.

This program is one of the only online video game design programs that is an Information Technology based degree with a Game Development concentration.

Budding game developers learn mobile and computer video game development in 2 dimensions and 3 dimensions. Students learn Information Technology and Computer Science fundamentals, and how to apply them to game design and development.

Online courses include:

• Website Programming and Development
• Advanced Web Application Development
• Computer Science Internship I
• Computer Science Internship II

This can also be taken as a degree completing program for students who already have over 30 credits. This video game design degree can be taken online or on campus. Terms are 8 weeks long. The online degree can be completed in 3 years and 4 months.

Lamar University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development.

This online program is designed to teach students game development, computer modeling, and graphic visualization within computer science. This is also one of the only online game programs that teaches artificial intelligence in the U.S.

Major courses include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Mobile Computer Game Development
• Introduction to Computer Game Development
• 3D Animation for Computer Graphics
• Computer Graphics
• Computer Game Development I

Students will use C++ for creating interactive graphics applications, create models in 3D, blend together separate animations, and create a new game, among other proficiencies.

Lamar allows for paying tuition by the course.

With more than a decade of experience, Full Sail University's programs have developed to meet the needs of animators, developers, designers and writers.

The online Game Business and Esports Bachelor of Science degree teaches students the esports business aspects of the game industry. Here is the description from Full Sail's website:

The Game Business & Esports curriculum provides an opportunity for you to examine the business aspects of the gaming industry. You will dive into the publisher, product, and distribution world as well as the esports side of the industry, building experience in community interactions, marketing, events, business development, and digital engagement from all angles of the industry. The curriculum provides exercise in creating digital content and cultivates your understanding of how different gaming communities engage through digital mediums, including from an international lens. You will learn to identify revenue-generation opportunities and ways to connect them with businesses within the industry. 

Full Sail

Credits: 120 hours

The Bachelor of Science in Game Art focuses on the fundamentals of interactive graphics development, including:

• environment and prop creation
• character creation
• in-game effects
• animation
• the game production pipeline

The Bachelor of Science in Game Design consists of high-level game design and production courses as well as concepts influencing level designs and systems.

Courses include:

• Game Balancing
• Game Systems Integration
• Production and Planning

The online Bachelor of Science in Game Development degree helps students master the tools and technology needed to develop and program single- and multiplayer video games, computers, networks and gaming consoles.

Courses include:

• Engine Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Game Architecture

The Interactive Technology Bachelor of Science: Concentration in Simulation and Visualization Completion Program provides students with technical and critical-thinking skills necessary to study, develop, architect and test simulation and visualization systems.

Length: 40 weeks

Credits: 120 credit hours

Entering students must have a related associate degree or higher level degree and must complete at least 60 semester hours for a total of 120 credit hours.

Full Sail University

The Master of Science in Game Design program focuses on:

• core concepts in leadership and teamwork
• design and prototyping
• marketing
• project development

George Mason University offers two gaming degrees – an online BFA in Computer Game Design and a Master of Arts in Computer Game Design. George Mason University has one of the best online game design degrees.

With a team-based, revolving-role, project-based pedagogical environment, the Online BFA in Computer Game Design focuses on the artistic components of computer game design as well as technical skills needed for the field. The curriculum for this online bachelor's combines courses in:

• computer science
• visual arts
• computer music
• digital arts
• gaming design

Students gain real-world experience through a required internship.

Designed to prepare students for a career in the video game industry, the Master of Arts in Computer Game Design is an academically rigorous, technical program that combines an understanding of the artistic and creative elements needed in an ever-evolving field. The curriculum includes courses in:

• interactive design
• the business of games
• creative writing for games
• game design and production

Computer Game Design students also can serve as mentors in the Mason Game and Technology Academy (MGTA), which features challenging enrichment courses that combine STEM core competencies within the arts, immersive technology, and entrepreneurship.

George Mason University's Computer Game Design program also hosts the nation's only Serious Game Institute, which focuses on game-related applied research and innovations.

Arkansas State offers the online Bachelor of Science in Digital Technology & Design - Game Design degree. This online degree teaches students proficiencies in digital interactive environments, including 2D and 3D graphics and animation.

This program from one of the top game design schools is designed to be comprehensive and teach all elements and aspects of game design: from conception to implementation.

Program length: 120 credit hours total.

Required Credit Hours:

• General education: 38 credit hours
• Major courses: 25 credit hours
• Concentration courses: 12 credit hours
• Electives: 45 credit hours

Courses Include:

• Concepts of Programming
• 3D Digital and Game Design
• Human Centered Design
• 2D Animation and Graphics

Arkansas State accepts up to 90 credit hours in transfer credits.

Since its debut in 1995, the University of Advancing Technology consistently has been named one of the top game design programs in the world. UAT offers four degree options in the game design and production field. All can be completed either online or on campus.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Game Art and Animation program helps students develop skills needed to create 3D art assets for various video game platforms. Students also learn to incorporate artistic principles used in 3D video games art asset creation, including:

• lighting
• color theory
• shading
• anatomy
• perspective
• 3D mesh topology

The online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design degree program allows students to build and create complete game design projects with faculty and fellow students. The program encourages collaboration with students and faculty across all gaming degree majors.

The online Bachelor of Science in Game Programming degree provides students with a broad coder skill set and expertise in many platforms and languages. Students also hone their skills in game play interaction, game engine architecture, artificial intelligence, and networking.

The innovative online Master of Science in Game Production and Management program consists of four modules.

Students complete modules in Game Development and Game Production and then can choose from 10 others - such as Cyber Organization, Technology Leadership, App Development, Digital Maker - to tailor their M.S. in Game Production to their interests and goals.

Lindenwood University is one of the top online colleges for game design. Lindenwood's School of Arts, Media and Communications allows students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Game Design.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design program prepares graduates to work in a game studio environment. The curriculum includes courses in advanced game design and production as well as key industry concepts, such as:

• storytelling
• usability
• game economics
• aesthetics and immersion
• character development

Students also complete project and portfolio courses.

The program's hybrid format combines online classes with on-campus, face-to-face courses.

Students also can tailor their degree with a Game Art emphasis, which includes courses in classical myth, drawing, 3D animation, and concept design.

The online Master of Arts in Game Design program consists of high-level game design and production courses. The relevant and comprehensive curriculum includes key industry concepts ranging from usability and game economics to aesthetics and immersion as well as project and portfolio courses.

Baker College's offers a top game design online degree. Their fully online Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development provides students with skills needed to develop, design and test games across a range of formats and platforms.

Designed with experts in the industry, the program focuses on the gaming process from conception to design to final publication. By taking part in a complete process, students gain hands-on experience before graduation.

The Academy of Art University's School of Game Development provides students with a comprehensive hands-on experience ranging from 3-D printing to the visual and audio aspects of gaming.

The interactive curriculum allows students to gain skills and knowledge of fundamental game art principles, animation, texturing, production environments, and more.

The School of Game Development offers two undergraduate degrees and two graduate degrees in Game Development as well as a BS in Game Programming.

The online Associate of Arts in Game Development provides students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of game engine technology and game construction.

The online BFA in Game Development program features a well-rounded education in the arts with an emphasis on techniques including animation, lighting and 3D modeling. Students gain a solid understanding of game engine technology and pre-production and production environments.

The online Master of Arts in Game Development and MFA in Game Development programs combine traditional art and design fundamentals with groundbreaking technologies. Students gain hands-on skills in prototyping game mechanics and art creation and create an industry-quality portfolio.

The online Bachelor's in Game Programming program helps students develop strong problem-solving skills as well as those needed to write efficient code. Students collaborate with designers and artists to provide optimized solutions for game design. The curriculum emphasizes algorithms, data structures, and software architecture techniques to create cutting-edge games.