We have ranked the best online Video Game Design degree programs in the U.S.
This ranking was designed specifically to inform online students who want to get an online game design degree of college options. We encourage readers to determine their own research keeping in mind career goals in the video game industry.
The game industry is so popular and profitable that it rivals the movie industry, and may be the largest entertainment industry in the world:
In 2024, the Video Games market is projected to reach a revenue of $282.30 billion.
Statista
The game industry will also increase in revenue with the advent of the Metaverse, virtual reality, and other technologies.
More online school programs are offering online game design degree options than ever before in the history of higher education. These online degree options include the artistic side of game creation, such asvideo game animation and game art programs. Online Game Design degree options include certificates, associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees.
Game design degrees can have different emphases or concentrations. For example, some are very technical and teach programming and coding, and some teach artistic instruction for the aesthetic side of games. Each program is unique, teaching different skills and proficiencies in game design.
Learning these skills can potentially lead to a variety of employment positions at professional game design companies. It's important to learn the distinction and decide which degree path most aligns with your career ambitions.
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The Best Online Video Game Design Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA |
2 | Southern New Hampshire University | Hooksett, NH |
3 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA |
4 | Fisher College | Boston, Massachusetts |
5 | Lamar University | Beaumont, Texas |
6 | Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL |
7 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA |
8 | Arkansas State University-Main Campus | Jonesboro, Arkansas |
9 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe, AZ |
10 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, Missouri |
11 | Baker College | Flint, MI |
12 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco, CA |
We use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, and other data aggregators, in our ranking criteria. For more information see our College ranking methodology.
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA
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
Hooksett, NH
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.
Liberty University
School of Business
Lynchburg, VA
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
Boston, Massachusetts
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
Department of Computer Science
Beaumont, Texas
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.
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
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
Fairfax, VA
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 University-Main Campus
Jonesboro, Arkansas
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.
University of Advancing Technology
Tempe, AZ
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
School of Arts, Media and Communications
Saint Charles, Missouri
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
Flint, MI
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.
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
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.
Ranking Methodology
This ranking was created using Successful Student's ranking algorithm. This algorithm uses the following data points to calculate a school's ranking placement:
- Acceptance rate
- Graduation rate
- Cost of undergraduate tuition
- Percentage of first time undergraduates awarded aid
- Percentage of students who are fully online
- Academic influence
Professional associations
Membership in professional organizations can be helpful for career prospects through networking and becoming aware of new job openings.
- International Game Developers Association
- Entertainment Software Association
- The Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA)
- Graphic Artists Guild
Video Game Designers
A video game designer is a professional who creates and designs the concepts, mechanics, and overall structure of video games. They work with a team of developers, artists, and other designers to bring a game to life, from initial concept to final release. Video game designers are involved in every aspect of game development, including:
- story and character creation
- game mechanics
- level design
- user interface design
They often use specialized software and programming languages to create and test the game.
Game Software Development
These programs typically cover a wide range of topics, including game design, programming, 3D modeling, animation, and user interface design. Students may also learn about:
- game engines
- physics
- artificial intelligence
- project management
- team collaboration skills
Many programs also include hands-on experience through the creation of a final project or game prototype.
Some programs offer a specific focus on certain areas of game development, such as programming, art or design. These programs can be found at universities, colleges or specialized schools and may be offered as a degree or a diploma. They can be completed on-campus or online, and full-time or part-time.
What is the career path for Video Game Designer?
Software developers, graphic designers, computer scientists, and animators might find a career as a video game designer. There are many different types of careers in the gaming industry, such as:
- Level designer
- UX designer
- App developer
- Gaming Tester
- Character developer
- Game music
Payscale lists the average salary for video game designers as $69,813.
Video Game Design in Computer Science
Computer Science video game design programs are more technical and often include computer science instruction. Students learn coding and computer programming languages, and how to use them in video game design to become a game programmer. The game design curriculum online courses teach students how to create game mechanics for digital games, including mobile devices.
Examples of these game design degrees are:
- Bachelor of Science in Game Programming and Development (sponsored) at Southern New Hampshire University
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Gaming Design (sponsored) degree at Liberty University
See our ranking of The Best Computer Science: Game Design Degrees for learning online game design within online bachelor's degree options in computer science. These online degree programs are for students interested in working in the computer gaming industry.
Game Art
Bachelor of Arts degrees are often primarily associated with the more artistic side of game design, such as game animation.
Students learn how to use the state-of-the-art graphic design and animation techniques, and create levels, backgrounds, characters, and any digital assets that need to be visually rendered. This degree type may also teach storyboarding and plot development.
See our ranking of the Best Video Game Art and Animation degrees for learning the artistic side of the gaming industry in online game design schools.
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- The Best Bachelor's in Computer Science: Game Design Degrees
- The Best Online Certificates in Game Design
- The Best Online Associate's Degrees in Game Design
- The Top Women in Game Design and Development
- What Do Game Designers Earn? Salary Information
- The Best Online Animation and Graphic Design Colleges
- The Best Bachelor's Degrees in Graphic Design in California
- The Best Game Design Programs at Christian Colleges
- The Best App Development Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of degree do you need to design video games?
The typical entry-level degree needed for gainful employment working at game design companies is a bachelor's degree. There are many game design degree online schools. These can be Bachelor of Arts Degrees in concentrations such as Game Art. Degrees are also in Bachelor of Science for more technical Game Design careers such as Game Development or Game Programming.
What is the bachelor degree for game development?
To get a degree in Game Development, students will pursue Bachelor of Science degree in Game Design, or Game Development, or Programming. A Bachelor of Science: Game Development degree teaches the technical aspects of Game Design, such as coding and programming languages.
Does game design require coding?
Game Programming and Game Development requires coding. These are the technical aspects of Game Design, that create the gaming worlds within computer science. Designing the games, such as concept creation, storyboarding, and character development do not require coding. Game Art, such as Animation and Graphic Design, also does not require coding.
What skills do you need to be a game designer?
To be a game designer that creates the games using coding and programming languages within computer science, you need the skills of a programmer. These include knowing one, or more, programming languages. To create the art and visual worlds of the games, such as characters and backgrounds, 2D and 3D art, you need creative skills such as being an artist and the ability to think abstractly. To create the concepts, storyboards, and characters, you need to think in terms of compelling stories which requires imagination and the ability to form a narrative.
What are online Game Design degree concentrations?
Some online bachelor's in Game Design concentrations include Game Design, Game Development, Game Programming, Game Art, Game Software Development, Information Technology: Gaming Design, Interactive Design and Game Development, Computer Science: Game and Simulation Development, and others.
What's the difference between a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design?
Game Design degrees can be broken into two areas, the Technical and the Artistic. The technical concentrations are Bachelor of Science degrees. The artistic degrees are Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.
The Bachelor of Science degrees teach the technical subjects in game design creation. These degrees are closely related to computer science degrees, because they use programming languages and coding to create games. Bachelor of Arts degrees are more oriented towards the conceptual creation, storyboards, character development, music, atmosphere, and artistic rendering of games.
What are some Bachelor of Science in Game Design degrees?
Some common bachelor of science in Game Design degrees are:
- the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design - DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design - Full Sail University
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development - Arizona State University
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development - Rochester Institute of Technology
- Online Bachelor of Science in Game Programming and Development - Southern New Hampshire University
- Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development - Baker College
- Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Gaming Design - Liberty University
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Game and Simulation Development - Grand Canyon University
What are some Bachelor of Arts in Game Design degrees?
Some common bachelor of arts in Game Design degrees are:
- Online Bachelor of Arts in Game Art and Development - Southern New Hampshire University
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Design - DigiPen
- BFA in Interactive Design and Game Development - Savannah College of Art and Design
- Online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design - Lindenwood University
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Design - University of Advancing Technology