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The Best Game Design Programs at Christian Colleges

Game Design Students

Successful Student has ranked the best Game Design Programs at Christian Colleges in the U.S.

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We ranked these schools to help students who want to get a Game Design degree at a Christian college or university make informed college and degree decisions.

Private, religiously affiliated colleges often provide a more personal educational experience and a more intimate atmosphere.

It may be your religious preference, the college that you've received a scholarship to attend, or simply the most convenient for any number of reasons; whatever your reason for attending a Christian college you will find that many of the popular degrees at other institutions are also available to you at the school of your choice.

Related:

  1. The Best Video Game Design Colleges
  2. The Best Online Game Design Degree Programs

Video Game Design involves conceptualizing games, storytelling, animation, programming, music production and sound effects, and more.

The Best Game Design Programs at Christian Colleges

The Best Game Design Programs at Christian Colleges
Rank School Location
1 Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas
2 Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
3 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona
4 Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma
5 Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas
6 Greenville University Greenville, Illinois
7 Messiah University Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
8 Sacred Heart University Fairfield, Connecticut
9 Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York
1.

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, Texas

Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University established Guildhall in 2003 specifically as a game development center for graduate level students. Currently, Guildhall is the only institution of its kind to offer concentrations in all four cornerstones of game development:

  • Art
  • Design
  • Production
  • Programming

Admission to the school is competitive, with portfolio requirements for each specialization. Once accepted students may choose to enter the Master of Interactive Technology degree or the Professional Certificate in Game Development track.

The proactive and innovative mission of the school has led to many number one ranking placements of SMU in video game design graduate programs.

2.

Liberty University

School of Business

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University

At Liberty University the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Game Design degree is offered through the School of Business. Students have both online and on campus enrollment options. A total of 120 credits are required for graduation. The curriculum will detail topics such as:

  • Game Development
  • C# programing
  • Digital Imaging
  • 3-D graphics

Core courses for the Information Technology major include:

  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • IS Hardware and Software
  • Integrative Programming and Technologies
  • Intro to Human-Computer Interaction
  • Web Architecture and Development

Courses are weighted at three credits a piece. The majority of students are able to finish all requirements within four years.

3.

Grand Canyon University

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Phoenix, Arizona

Grand Canyon University

At Grand Canyon University offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Game and Simulation Development degree.

This traditional undergraduate program is designed to be completed within four years at full-time enrollment.

The 128 total credits include 34-40 general education credits, 88 major credits, and zero to six electives.

Some of the current program core courses include:

  • Digital Logic and Design
  • Principles of Modeling and Simulation
  • Computer Graphics
  • Introduction to Computer Architecture
  • Game Design and Game Play
  • AI in Games and Simulations
  • Principles of Compiler Design
  • Mobile Game Development
4.

Oklahoma Christian University

Edmond, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Christian University

Central Christian College opened in 1950 with 97 students enrolled, now Oklahoma Christian University teaches more than 2,000 students a year in a variety of engaging, comprehensive degree programs.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gaming and Animation is a popular choice for students interested in studying game production, 3-D modeling, animation, and more. Students must complete 126 credit hours, which should take about four years to complete. The 21 credits of core courses include:

  • Technology for Graphics
  • Fundamentals of Drawing
  • Elements of Visual Thinking
  • Form and Communication
  • The Business of Branding Yourself

Other possible classes include:

  • Digital Photography
  • Motion Imagery
  • Gaming and Animation Studio
  • Media Production
5.

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, Texas

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University manages the College of Business Administration, which is home to the Department of Information Technology and Computing. Students can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Digital Entertainment Technology. This portfolio-driven program offers specialization in:

  • Film and Media Production
  • Digital Design
  • Game Development

Students will need to complete a total of 128 credits, including 56 credits of university requirements, 66 credits of major courses, and six credits of electives. Courses for the Game Development concentration may include:

  • Mobile Application Development
  • Introduction to Databases and Databases Management Systems
  • Web Application Development
  • Managing Technical Projects
  • Information, Technology, and Computing Internship
6.

Greenville University

Greenville, Illinois

Greenville University

In 1892 members of the Free Methodist Church founded the school that would become Greenville University. Today the school enrolls over 1,200 students, within more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs from which to choose. Both online and on-campus enrollment is offered depending on the degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Media degree requires 50 to 51 credits for the major.

There are specialization tracks in:

  • Audio Recording
  • Internet Development
  • Graphic Design
  • Video and Film
  • Game Design and Development

An additional 15 to 17 credits should be dedicated to the area of concentration. Courses for the Game Design and Development concentration include:

  • Programming and Data Structures
  • Game Theory
  • 3-D Modeling and Rendering
  • Interactive Media
  • Game Development
7.

Messiah University

Department of Computing, Mathematics, and Physics

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Messiah University

Messiah University was originally Messiah College, which was founded in 1909. In 2020 Messiah College received university status and changed its name to Messiah University. Today there are over 150 undergraduate degree programs offered and more than 3,300 students in attendance.

The Department of Computing, Mathematics, and Physics offers the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media: Mobile Application and Game Design degree. The program curriculum requires 123 credits, 15 of which should be dedicated to the concentration.

Courses may include:

  • Computer Programming
  • Introduction to Game Design
  • Introduction to Mobile Application Design
  • Information Systems and Managers
8.

Sacred Heart University

College of Arts and Sciences, School of Computing

Fairfield, Connecticut

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University offers the comprehensive Bachelor's in Game Design and Development. Students learn game design and development proficiencies, such as 3D object creation, programming languages, and storyline creation, and virtual reality.

Currently, the required courses for the major include:

  • Introduction to Computer Gaming
  • Advanced Computer Gaming
  • OOP and C# Games
  • 3-D Object Creation
  • Theory of Computer Gaming
  • Analysis of Algorithms
  • Operating Systems
  • Advanced Game Programming
  • Building Computer Games
9.

Marist College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Marist College

Marist College offers a well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum in the Bachelor of Science in Games and Emerging Media degree. Students will gain a solid foundation in the subjects of:

  • Programming
  • Art
  • Game Design
  • UI/UX
  • Game writing/storytelling
  • Business

This traditional four year undergraduate degree program offers concentrations in Technical Development and Programming, or Design, Writing, and Culture.

During their studies students will participate in a mock gaming studio and will generate a portfolio of gaming ideas and work by graduation. At the end of the degree all students will take a required capstone course.

Game Design and Game Art Career Information

Game developers and artists work together in the game design industry to create and develop games. For an in-depth look at Game Designer salaries, see our article How Much Do Video Game Designers Make? Design Salaries

1. Game Designers

Game Designers are the folks who conceptualize games, and then go about working with developers and animators to make the game come to life. Often times they know how to code across various platforms to do the development side.

According to Payscale, Game Designers have a median income of $59,758.00. Entry level income is $56,000.00, and game designers with over 20 years of experience earn $98,000.00. There is a positive trend in increasing salary trajectory the longer a career continues.

2. Game Artists

Animators are the folks who draw the games in 2-D or 3-D, which of course involves the game settings and the characters. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Multimedia Artists and Animators have a median income of $65,300. The typical entry-level job employee has a bachelor's degree.

3. Game Sound Designers

Sound Designers create the soundtrack for the games, along with sound effects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Sound Engineering Technicians earned a mean income of $65,240.00 (this also includes recording studio engineers and sound engineering for movie soundtracks). There is no data specific to Sound Designers for video games in particular collected by the BLS.

Ranking Guidelines:

Successful Student always ranks schools and programs from the point-of-view of the prospective student. The factors in this ranking are: being a Christian affiliated university or college, the video game program's classes, the type of degree(s) offered, and academic reputation. It is a bottom-up approach to ranking schools and programs, which is intended to be a research guide for current and future students.

More resources:

Game Designers and Animators work in the following Careers: