Bachelor In Game Design Public

The best bachelor's in game design could see you working on some of the biggest entertainment products of the next decade.

Computer science majors are all about the numbers, so we've got some impressive figures for you. In 2019, Forbes highlighted how recent statistics on the video game industry's rapid growth have shown that it could reach over $300 billion by 2025. In fact, according to MarketWatch, and thanks in-part to recent world events, the video games industry recently overtook both movies and North American sports in terms of industry size. What does this mean? It means that you'll be joining an industry with highly sought-after skills and with a strong earning potential for life.

What Is a Game Design Degree?

Game design degrees may be a standalone major, though they are also frequently offered as a concentration within a computer science bachelor's program. While design is commonly associated with the creation of art and visual media, these programs often teach you a great deal of technical programming skills, meaning you'll be able to contribute to more than just visual direction.

Depending on the unique makeup of your curriculum, you could study 2D and 3D modeling, storytelling and storyboard, animation, artificial intelligence, world development, game writing, sound effects, algorithms and scripting, and much more. Look for a curriculum that's best tailored to your interests and desired career path, but consider leaving your options open by not specializing too deeply.

Like computer science, game design degree programs can be highly competitive; after all, this is a fast-growing industry that utilizes some of the latest technology and incorporates a hobby that millions enjoy daily. It's not uncommon to be asked for a minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5 in addition to the other usual requirements (transcripts and letters of recommendation).

Careers for Game Design Majors

When it comes to game design, your major could see you eligible for a number of careers. You might choose to focus on the behind-the-scenes work, creating code as a game developer or programmer. Or, you might choose instead to focus on the visual elements that players control and interact with, including character models, virtual worlds, weaponry, and user interfaces.

Alternatively, you might choose not to stay in the industry at all. Computer science and game design degrees are highly transferable. You could become a web developer, creating websites for clients, a project manager, a marketing expert, and more. The technical skills you'll learn are applicable to a wide range of careers.

In these fields, the most important thing to do if you want to progress and improve your craft is to build a portfolio and keep continuously up-to-date in the latest development software, programming languages, and other changes in this fast-moving industry.

Game Design Salary Potential

If we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for data, there are several careers immediately related to the gaming industry, though their skills are utilized in other industries too, so there could be some fluctuation in figures. For example, computer programmers as a general occupation earned around $86,550 in 2019; this is over double the national average salary.

However, many of the skills you learn in your degree could apply to other industries too. For example, some graduates apply their graphic design skills to other industries and earned around $52,110 in 2019. Equally, you may choose to pick up another programming language and specialize in web development, which attracted a median 2019 salary of around $73,760.

Master's degrees are also available, but they are far from being a necessity in the industry or as a computer science major in general. Instead, you might choose to look for professional certifications, which could be in your chosen area or in another subdiscipline entirely, such as the security certifications offered by CompTIA.

What Are the Best Game Design Degrees?

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Location

Salt Lake City, Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, The University of Utah is part of the Utah System of Higher Education. Students benefit from a broad range of facilities, including several recreational fields, sport courts, an outdoor leisure pool, and disc golf course. There is also a student leadership and involvement program designed to encourage personal and academic skills growth.

Offered via the entertainment arts and engineering teaching program, this university offers a B.S. in games. The curriculum draws on many years' worth of experience in various forms of digital media, with this degree specifically intended for students who want to enter the professional games industry.

You'll gain the skills needed to develop video game software for entertainment, health, and scientific research purposes. There's also an element of study in the areas of math, computer skills, and design to ensure that you are ready to tackle the unique challenges of designing a game from the ground up. For state residents living on campus, tuition and fees cost around $9,286 for a total cost of attendance of around $26,642 annually. Out-of-state students pay tuition and fees of around $29,996 for a total cost of attendance of around $47,352. More information for students living off campus can be found on this page.

North Carolina State University

Location

Raleigh, North Carolina

Part of the University of North Carolina System, North Carolina State University is a public research institution that was founded in 1887. Around 36,000 students attend annually, taking programs in areas of specialty that include sciences, engineering, technology, and math. The university has been named the No. 1 college in North Carolina for your money by Money magazine.

This computer science degree provides a concentration in game development. Upon passing certain prerequisite courses, you'll be eligible to apply for the concentration. You'll gain a strong understanding of the necessary technologies and processes used to create game engines, while also developing a strong knowledge of general computer science, leaving you numerous career options after graduation.

Some of the course courses included in the curriculum include Computer Graphics, Advanced Graphics Projects, Advanced Game Development Projects, and Game Design and Development. There will also be an opportunity to explore topics that include artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and building game AI depending on your own areas of interest.

Full-time students enrolled in a program requiring 12 or more credits per semester pay tuition of around $3,267.50, in addition to fees of around $1,267.80. Including a campus security fee, that's around $4,550.30 per semester for state residents. Non-residents pay around $14,609.80, which includes all tuition and fees mentioned above.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology is also known as Georgia Tech or simply "Tech" to locals. With a student body of around 40,000 students, people come from every state and 149 international countries to earn their degree here or at campuses in both France and China.

Under the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech, students can enroll in a bachelor's degree in computational media. This program explores all facets of the computer, from history and technology through to applications. Focus areas include media, film, and more specifically, games. Courses also include topics such as Game Design as a Cultural Practice and Computer Animation.

As one of the fastest-growing programs at this university, Georgia Tech has seen the intake grow from a single student in 2004 to around 300 in present times, so competition can be fierce. But graduates enjoy careers in areas that include games design and development, animation, special effects, and other software-driven careers. Alumni have secured positions in major games studios and other media organizations. The estimated cost of attendance for a Georgia resident is around $29,158 annually, which includes tuition of around $10,258 and fees of around $2,594. Non-Georgia residents will pay around $50,270, including tuition of around $31,370 and the same fees as state residents. Bear in mind that these are freshman costs; check out this page for charges in other years.

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is part of the University of Texas System. Attracting around 51,000 students annually, the institution offers more than 15 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs that have been ranked within the top 10 nationally. The university has also been ranked among the top 20 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Computer science majors at UT Austin can choose a game development concentration on a program that has been ranked among the top 10 by Animation Career Review. Austin has also been named a Top Game Development City by the Game Industry Career Guide and Texas a Best State for Game Development too.

The curriculum in this concentration draws together courses in design, production, and computer engineering. You'll also take capstone courses in 2D Game Development and 3D Game Development, in addition to having the opportunity to gain internships in game development and other interactive media. UT Austin has been recognized for its value by Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review. It has also been recognized for providing some of the most employable graduates. Traditional undergraduate tuition costs around $14,480 for state residents, with non-residents paying around $28,677. You can find a tuition calculator on this page.

Michigan State University

Location

East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University was founded in 1855 and is located in East Lansing, Michigan. Nearly 50,000 students attend annually, studying on a campus that spans a huge 5,300 acres. There are more than 200 academic programs to choose from, with students also benefiting from around 275 study-abroad programs.

This B.A. in games and interactive media has a core in computer science and provides a foundation knowledge of areas required to drive a career in games design. These include basic art and design, programming fundamentals, and a commercial and social aspect of game development that's required to understand how this fast-growing industry operates.

Through collaborative projects with your peers, you will develop your communication skills while you work on creating your own media and honing your craft. There are also partnerships between the university and game studios that will help you to gain real-world experience that's integrated into your coursework. According to the Office of Admissions, in-state freshmen pay tuition and fees of around $14,524. Out-of-state students pay around $39,830. Tuition for international students runs slightly higher at around $41,330. For more information on room and board costs, check out this page on the university's website.

Indiana University Bloomington

Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana University Bloomington welcomes around 40,000 students annually. It is a public research institution and the flagship university of the Indiana University System. Founded in 1820, the institution has several programs ranked No. 1 in their field and within the top 10 in the nation.

Whether you want to become a games designer for the entertainment industry, teach others about computer science, or contribute toward solving problems through computer software development, this B.S. in game design could help you get there. You'll take a balanced look at both the creative and technical sides of game development, learning the skills needed to make your ideas come alive.

You'll study topics like concept creation, game art, sound effects, and progressive design. You'll also learn about the final stage of production, in addition to developing your own final project, which will be an original game that you've contributed to as part of a collaborative project with your peers.

Indiana University Bloomington has been recognized for its value in publications that include the Fiske Guide to Colleges, Washington Monthly, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Indiana residents pay tuition and fees of around $11,220 per year, while non-residents pay around $37,600. The estimated cost of attendance for each classification of student is around $26,186 and $52,566, respectively.

University of California at Irvine

Location

Irvine, California

The University of California at Irvine (UCI), founded in 1965, is a public institution based in Irvine, California. The student body comprises around 36,000 students who choose from 82 academic majors and 75 minors. The official mascot is Peter the Anteater, and the institution has been ranked the 8th-best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

This B.S. in game design and interactive media is suited to students who are interested in becoming a game developer or designer, or a leader in the games industry. Hands-on programming courses are integrated into the curriculum from the offset, with other courses teaching essential knowledge like visual design, animation, and storytelling. The program includes a two-quarter capstone project.

As the program takes place in Silicon Beach, you'll have access to resources and university partnerships in the local area, with connections to companies like Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Riot, some of the biggest names in the industry right now. There are also connections with companies who specialize in development for learning and scientific purposes. The University of California at Irvine charges undergraduate tuition of around $11,442 for state residents. Students from out of state will pay supplemental tuition of around $29,754. In total, the cost of attendance is estimated at around $15,835.93 and $45,589.93, respectively. More information on specific costs can be found on this page.

Location

Stony Brook, New York

Located in Stony Brook, New York, Stony Brook University is part of the University of New York System. It has been named a top 40 public university by U.S. News & World Report, in addition to one of America's Best Value Colleges by Forbes. More rankings can be seen here.

The major in computer science at Stony Brook offers a specialization in game programming, preparing students for careers in games development and research. Core courses include Operating Systems, Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, Computer Game Programming, and Advanced Game Programming. You'll also select two electives, in addition to completing a group project.

When you select your electives, there's an opportunity to specialize further into the areas that are most relevant to your desired career. Options include Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Robotics, Computer Security Fundamentals, and Advanced Multimedia Techniques. So, there's scope to focus more heavily toward AI, machine learning, IT security, and design. The average undergraduate cost of attendance is around $7,060 for New York residents and around $24,740 for non-residents. This does not include fees of around $3,020, room costs of around $9,532, and meal plan costs of around $5,352. Information on indirect costs can be found on this page.

Worcester State University

Location

Worcester, Massachusetts

Worcester State University focuses on liberal arts and sciences, welcoming around 6,500 students annually, most of whom are undergraduates. There are around 60 undergraduate majors and minors to choose from, with an additional 29 master's and doctoral degrees and certificates available. Students also have access to study-away opportunities both at home and abroad.

Worcester State University offers a unique opportunity to pair courses in game design, coding, programming, and IT regardless of your chosen major. Offered fully online to fit into your schedule, you can enroll in these courses to supplement your chosen major, and while they offer no credits, they're completely free to students.

For those with an interest in games development, courses like Game Design Introduction, Game Development, and the Game Design Basics Certificate can perfectly complement a bachelor's in computer science, for example. There are a range of other courses too, including many recognized CompTIA certifications that are highly sought-after by the industry. In terms of tuition and costs, Worcester State University has been ranked a Best Value college by The Princeton Review. Undergraduate tuition costs around $10,586 annually for state residents and around $16,666 for non-residents. It is also the only Massachusetts State University to have been named a "Best in the Northeast" institution for 16 years in a row.

University of Texas at Dallas

Location

Richardson, Texas

Located in the Dallas area and the largest public university in the region, The University of Texas at Dallas is a research institution that attracts around 28,000 students annually. Studying across 8 different academic schools and colleges, students choose from over 140 academic degree programs in business, sciences, and engineering.

The School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) at UT Dallas has been recognized within the top 20 in a ranking of the best game design schools in the U.S. Several programs have also been ranked highly by The Princeton Review, so you know you're in good hands at ATEC.

With this Bachelor of Arts degree, you'll be introduced to the basic concepts of game design and development, before delving deeper into the processes and systems behind these concepts using ATEC's game research labs. There are also industry connections to some big-name developers including Naughty Dog, Nerve Software, and more, which will see you benefit from guest speakers and more.

Tuition at UT Dallas varies based on course load and program. You'll also have the choice of a guaranteed tuition plan or variable tuition plan. The variable rate changes each year, while the guaranteed plan locks in your rates for the length of your program. Before aid, the average undergraduate cost of attendance is around $29,964.

George Mason University

Location

Fairfax, Virginia

George Mason University was founded in 1957 and is located nearby Fairfax City, Virginia. More than 37,000 students attend annually, with over 130 countries represented. Around 6,200 students live on-campus and 80% of graduates are employed within six months following graduation. The university also spends around $150 million on research annually.

George Mason University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer game design. Lasting for four years and comprising 120 credits, the program will allow you to focus on the art and visual design behind games development, in addition to giving you the skills needed to contribute to this process.

You'll gain a foundation-level knowledge in English and math, including geometry and calculus, before moving onto courses related to your craft. These include Computer Animation for Games, Music for Film and Video, Game Design Studio, and Online and Mobile Gaming. The program ends with a capstone course and a 3 to 4-credit internship.

At George Mason University, tuition is charged on a per-credit basis. Residents of Virginia pay around $396.25 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay around $1,373.75 per credit hour. There's a mandatory student fee of $146 applied to each credit hour too. New students also pay a student fee of $335 as undergraduates.

University of Southern California

Location

Los Angeles, California

The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, was founded in 1880. It is the oldest private research institution in the state. The student body comprises around 20,000 undergraduates and 26,000 graduate and professional learners. Competition is strong, with the average GPA for incoming students around 3.7 – 4.0.

In this program, you'll follow a curriculum that combines the liberal arts with a career-focused course structure. You'll also take any needed pre-professional courses and general education requirements through the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. In total, the program comprises 128 credits.

You'll start out by gaining basic knowledge in key areas, with core courses including those such as an Introduction to Interactive Entertainment, Introduction to Game Development, and Game Design Workshop. The remainder of your curriculum will cover these concepts in more depth, in addition to social gaming, usability testing, sound design, and tabletop roleplaying games for example. Undergraduate tuition at USC costs around $59,260 annually as a full-time student taking around 12-18 credits per semester two semesters. In total, the cost of attendance is around $79,063, including $9,327 in housing, $6,110 in meal plans, and fees of around $1,015. More information can be found on the financial aid website.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Location

Newark, New Jersey

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) was founded in 1881 and is located in Newark. Students can choose from around 125 undergraduate and graduate programs across six highly regarded academic schools. The university has been awarded the highest research rating possible by the Carnegie Classification.

This game development program spans numerous academic colleges, with your study location depending upon your interest area. You'll have the opportunity to take courses in the areas of game design, game programming, and game production. What's more, if you're ambitious in your course load, then there's the opportunity to study for a dual degree.

Depending on your choices, you'll graduate with one of four degree options—or potentially a dual degree, as mentioned above—which are the B.A. in digital design, the B.S. in science information technology, and the B.S. in computer science. The awards are designed in this way to ensure that you graduate with a broad degree that can lead to many careers rather than pushing you into a single emphasis area. NJIT tuition is charged at a rate of around $14,448 for New Jersey residents, with fees costing around $3,226. Non-residents pay around $33,386 with the same applicable fees. Room and board costs around $12,995 and books and supplies are estimated at around $2,900. More information can be found on this page.

Location

New York City, New York

New York University was founded in 1831 and is located in the heart of New York. For 14 consecutive years, this highly competitive institution has been breaking its admissions records, with recent applications exceeding 100,000. The student body is representative of 133 countries around the world and every state in the nation.

NYU's Tisch School of the Arts offers a BFA in game design. This four-year program focuses on video games as a creative art form, with students looking at all aspects of the medium's development. You'll be introduced to a foundation-level knowledge in design, technology, and how video games fit into our culture.

As you progress through your courses, you'll be encouraged to specialize in areas that interest you, whether that's critical analysis, sound effect design, visual design, or something else entirely. And at the end of the program, you will participate in a group project, though you'll also have the option to go it alone.

Tuition at New York University varies between programs and academic schools and colleges. Studying under the famous Tisch School of the Arts, you'll pay undergraduate tuition of around $28,802 and fees of around $1,338. Including housing and other costs, your cost of attendance will be around $39,762 annually.

University of California-Santa Cruz

Location

Santa Cruz, California

The University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university located in Santa Cruz, California. Founded in 1965 with just 650 students, the university today attracts around 20,000 learners, with a heavier emphasis toward undergraduate study. Undergraduate students have a selection of around 59 majors across five divisions.

UC Santa Cruz's offering is a Bachelor of Arts in art & design: games & playable media (or AGPM for short). Much of the curriculum draws on the teachings of the B.S. in computer science, with both cohorts participating in coursework and group projects together.

Through this collaborative group work, you will create a game over the course of a year that is in a production-ready state by the end of the project. Meanwhile, you'll learn about all facets of game development, the history of video games development, and artistic innovation.

Undergraduate students pay around $14,025 in tuition and fees annually, with room and board costing around $18,864 and books and supplies around $1,161. As a resident, your estimated cost of attendance is around $39,243, or $68,997 for non-residents. For more information and rates, check out this page on the university's website.

University of Pennsylvania

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania dates back to 1740 as one of the nine colonial colleges that was founded prior to the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The university boasts some of the smallest class sizes around, with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 6:1.

As an interdisciplinary major at the University of Pennsylvania, the digital media design program brings together coursework in computer graphics from both the fine arts and computer & information science programs at the School of Design. Running for more than 20 years, it's a well-developed program that has produced graduates who have gone on to work for DreamWorks, Disney, Google, Microsoft, and many other big-name brands.

Unlike other programs that touch on the area of fine arts, this program is more heavily weighted toward technical prowess. The curriculum includes 9 courses in math and natural science areas, 14 computer science and engineering courses, and 7 social science and humanities courses. The estimated cost of attendance for students living on-campus is around $79,635, which includes tuition of around $53,166 annually. The cost of attendance for those living off-campus with family is slightly lower, at around $68,274. More information on tuition and fees can be found on this page.

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Location

Menomonie, Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public institution located in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Founded in 1891, the university attracts around 9,500 students annually and offers around 50 undergraduate and 22 graduate programs. Students also benefit from more than 150 student organizations and reasonable class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1.

UW-Stout's BFA in game design was the first program of its type to be created in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and currently retains that status. This degree program focuses on the visual aspects of game development, with a Bachelor of Science available that focuses more on the functional aspects of game development.

Students in this program benefit from opportunities that include study-abroad courses and the chance to participate in industry projects with organizations that include the National Park Service. As the only program of its type in the state, students of course benefit from the latest technologies and resources, including VR (virtual reality) equipment and 3D printers.

Tuition rates differ for residents and non-residents. Wisconsin residents pay tuition and fees of around $9,488 annually, with an estimated cost of attendance of around $17,086. Minnesota residents also pay a reduced rate of around $10,333 annually for tuition. Non-residents pay around $17,455 tuition annually, with an estimated cost of attendance of around $25,053.

Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University is located in Portsmouth, Ohio. Founded in 1986, it is part of the University System of Ohio and features small class sizes and close, one-to-one support from instructors. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in campus activities, including 21 varsity sports teams.

Two bachelor's programs are offered at Shawnee, depending on whether you'd rather specialize in game programming or game arts. However, the cohort of each program will work with one another to collaborate on course assignments and other projects in the university's Senior Studio.

The B.S. in gaming engineering technology is suited to students who want to build the systems and algorithms that make games playable. You'll learn the necessary programming and development skills to bring projects to life. Students on the B.A. in game & simulation arts will spend more time gaining digital and traditional art skills, developing 3D models, animations, and interfaces.

Students at this university benefit from the Shawnee Advantage, which locks in your tuition cost for the duration of your degree. New students can expect to pay annual tuition and fees of around $8,604-$14,647 annually, depending on residency status. Including housing, meal plans, and other program fees, the average cost of attendance is $19,466 for residents and $25,509 for non-residents.

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drexel University was founded in 1891 and is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's one of the 15 largest private universities in the nation, with around 25,000 students attending annually. The institution recognizes over 350 student clubs and organizations, with numerous other opportunities including Greek Life, a leadership development program, and diversity and inclusion training programs.

Ranked as a top program nationally, Drexel University's major in game design & production structures its curriculum around a team project environment. You'll wear many hats as you experience various roles in the game development industry, learning programming, design, and production skills as you progress through the program.

Thanks to this broad introduction to the industry, the university claims that graduates are ready for roles in a variety of areas related to video gaming, including marketing, training, education, and communications. You will also be ready to enter organizations that range from small start-ups to large, AAA blockbuster games companies. Tuition rates vary depending on program type, with four and five-year degree programs charged at a rate of $17,956 per term. There's also a general fee of around $790 due per term. You can find more information on the university's tuition and fees on this page of the website.

University of Central Florida

Welcoming around 70,000 students annually, the University of Central Florida has one of the largest student bodies in the country. Campus is located in Orange County, Florida and was founded in 1963. Much like the student body, the prospectus of programs is large, with more than 230 degrees available to choose from.

Offered by the College of Sciences, this BA in digital media draws together knowledge from all facets of game design and development, including art, storytelling, and technology. It offers two specializations, with one in game design and web, and another in social platforms. There are three start dates in fall, spring, and summer.

Comprising 120 credit hours, the program starts with a 36-credit grounding in general education. You'll also complete 9 credit hours in communication foundations and 9 credit hours in cultural and historical foundations. These courses will ensure you have the skills and background needed to succeed in this highly technical program. Florida residents pay undergraduate tuition of around $6,379, while non-residents pay around $22,478. Around 70% or more of undergraduates receive some form of student aid, and around 44% of recent graduates had no student debt (compared to the national average of around 34% of graduates). In fact, UCF has been named a Best Buy College by Forbes.

Bradley University was founded in 1897 and is located in Peoria, Illinois. Around 6,000 students attend annually, selecting from a range of around 185 academic programs. Students participate in a range of more than 240 students clubs and organizations, with around 90% of freshman year students living on-campus.

In this program, you'll develop all the technical and non-technical skills needed to develop your own games from concept to production, including storytelling, narrative, art, and programming domains. And if you're curious about the kind of work you'll be producing in this program, just check out the program page to see some examples of past students' projects in action.

You'll cover courses that include key concepts such as game design, game scripting, and interactive media. You could also complete an internship with a partnered game design company, in addition to showcasing your own work at the yearly FUSE exhibition. Recent graduates have found work with big-name brands like Blizzard and Warner Bros.

Undergraduates studying full-time will pay tuition of around $35,060; full-time students are considered to be those taking 12-16 credits per semester. Room and board is estimated at around $10,680, with an additional $420 due to cover an activity fee and health fee. This makes for a total cost of attendance of around $46,760 annually.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Location

Rochester, New York

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is based in Rochester, New York, and was founded in 1829. The student body comprises around 19,000 students who represent every state in the nation and more than 100 nations worldwide. Campus is comprised of 11 different academic schools and colleges, and students benefit from more than 300 clubs and organizations.

RIT is a nationally ranked university for games design according to The Princeton Review, with graduates earning around $65,000 annually in their first year of work. Their B.S. in game design and development also offers an accelerated track that could see you earn your degree sooner or even a master's level award.

You'll study design and development for video games, simulation, modeling, and training. You'll also study a curriculum that's broad enough to lead into other careers, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and logistics. The curriculum also follows a cooperative education format, meaning you'll gain full-time, paid work experience and early exposure to the games—or other—industry.

Full-time undergraduate students will pay around $25,282 per semester in tuition, or $50,564 annually. Room rates are charged at around $8,140 annually, with board costing around $5,836. There's also a $306 student activity fee and $370 student health services fee due. Finally, books and supplies will cost approximately $2,088.

Columbia College Chicago

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Around 7,000 students attend Columbia College Chicago annually, which was founded in 1890. More than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered, focusing on areas such as creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business. Around 90% of graduates are employed within twelve months of graduation.

As a student enrolled in this game design major, you will complete courses in both game design and interactive arts and media. Courses focus on key areas including design theory, storytelling, and concept development. Depending on your interests, you can specialize in one of two concentrations: sound design or game development.

Your core courses will prepare you for the rigor of the curriculum, giving you a foundation knowledge in game culture, the fundamentals of interaction, and an introduction to programming. As you progress through the program, you'll have the opportunity to choose between two game projects. You'll be able to either complete a large team game project or an indie project. Full-time undergraduate students at Columbia College Chicago pay tuition of around $13,305 annually. For greater than 16 credit hours per semester, you'll be charged $673 per credit hour. Fees include a $50 application fee and $50 registration fee. Information on other fees and costs can be found here.

Northeastern University

Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Northeastern University is a private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Undergraduates can benefit from study-abroad programs, with more than 3,000 students participating in a global learning experience in one recent year. Prospects for graduates are strong, with around 97% of recent graduates employed full-time or enrolled in a graduate program within nine months of graduation.

This degree in game art and animation is suited to students who have an interest in the concepts and models that are used in creating interactive, digital worlds and characters. You'll work collaboratively as part of a team comprising both design experts and game programmers, creating team projects.

Most of your coursework will be completed within the College of Arts, Media, and Design, but you'll also take at least four interdisciplinary courses alongside your peers. The Northeastern program will also impart you with hands-on experiential training to ensure that you're ready to enter the games industry. Undergraduate students at Northeastern University can expect to pay annual tuition charges of around $54,360. Fees come to around $1,092, with an additional $17,500 for room and board. If you want to find out more exact information on your cost of attendance, you can check out the university's net price calculator here.

Lawrence Technological University

Location

Southfield, Michigan

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a private higher education institution based in Highland Park Michigan. Founded in 1932, the university offers more than 100 academic programs and provides a laptop or tablet to all incoming students. Around 85% of new students also receive financial aid, and many choose to join one of the institution's 10 fraternities and sororities.

LTU's Bachelor of Fine Arts in game design is a multidisciplinary program that utilizes team projects throughout the curriculum. Students will focus on areas that include game design and mechanics, development of video game assets, and algorithms and scripting. You'll have the opportunity to create your own production-ready game before you've even graduated.

As a graduate of this program, you'll be ready to take on a career in game design, motion graphics and animation, game writing, and more, with some graduates entering project management. Alumni have been known to work for companies including Ford, Fiat, and Jackbox Games. As a game design major under the College of Art and Design, you'll pay tuition of around $1,155 as a freshman. In sophomore and junior year, tuition rises to around $1,205 per credit hour. A number of fees and other non-billed expenses also apply; you can find more information on these costs on this page of the university's website.

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Located in Chicago, Illinois, DePaul University was founded in 1898 and is the largest Catholic university in the nation by enrollment figures, with a student body around 23,000-strong. There are more than 300 undergraduate minors and graduate-level programs to choose from, and the university offers thousands of internships.

This bachelor's degree in game design also utilizes the interdisciplinary approach, bringing together students who specialize in programming, design, and sound to complete team projects. You'll develop your own portfolio throughout the course, which will showcase your skills and serve you well as you seek a professional role after graduation.

DePaul's programs have been ranked nationally, including in rankings by The Princeton Review and Animation Career Review. Some alumni have found work at companies including Disney, Firaxis, and many more. Some have also formed their own game studios using the end-to-end knowledge gained of the game development lifecycle.

Undergraduate tuition varies depending on your academic school. As a student of the College of Computing & Digital Media, you'll pay tuition of around $655 per credit hour. This makes for a cost of attendance totaling around $40,500 annually. For more information on fees and costs, check out this page on the university's website.

Location

Hamden, Connecticut

Quinnipiac University is located in Hamden, Connecticut, and focuses on the provision of programs in arts, sciences, and business. The student body of 10,000 learners comprises around 7,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students, with around 140 programs available to choose from. Students also benefit from small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of around 15:1.

Regardless of your aspirations, this Bachelor of Arts degree in game design and development can lead to a broad variety of career paths. The curriculum has been designed to lead into the development of video games for entertainment, in addition to education, healthcare, and esports applications.

As part of the program, you'll have access to hands-on experience thanks to partnerships between the institution and local game development studios. There are also research projects and other internships available, depending on your interests. Concentrations available in the program include programming, art and design, game writing, and technology.

Undergraduate students studying full-time, with a program of 12 or more credits per semester, will pay tuition of around $25,010; this includes a student fee. Otherwise, tuition is charged at a rate of $1,105 per credit hour. There's also a technology fee of $370, which applies to certain programs.

Location

Burlington, Vermont

Founded in 1878, Champlain College offers around 30 undergraduate degree programs. Campus is located in Burlington, Vermont, and the university has been named the Most Innovative School in the North by U.S. News & World Report for five consecutive years. It has also featured on The Princeton Review's The Best 385 Colleges list in recent years.

Students benefit from strong support, with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1. Studies are based on a life-experience curriculum that prepares you for a range of careers and will give you essential life skills, with the campus also providing access to state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities.

As a student in this program, you'll have the chance to specialize in one of three areas, including system design, level design, and narrative design. Regardless of your course choices, you will build a portfolio as you study, giving you something to present as you enter the industry. Based on standard tuition rates, the estimated cost of attendance for an undergraduate student comes to around $58,838 annually. This comprises $42,564 in tuition, $9,856 for campus residency, and $5,998 for a meal plan. There's also $420 due to cover student activity and health fees. A complete list of all fees and charges can be found here.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private university located in Troy, New York. Attracting around 7,900 students annually, it's known for being one of the 10 best colleges for having the highest-earning graduates, in addition to being a top-50 U.S. research university according to U.S. News & World Report.

RPI offers a number of programs to students looking to enter the gaming industry. Their Bachelor of Science degree in games and simulation arts and sciences is a four-year degree, while there are further options for graduate level study, including a master's in critical game design and a doctoral in the same subject.

The university claims that their program is not like many others in the nation. Ranked within the top 50 game design programs nationally by Animation Career Review, the curriculum blends theory and practice, in addition to using group work projects to prepare you for the industry's collaborative ways of working.

At RPI, the undergraduate cost of attendance runs at around $55,600 annually, in addition to fees of around $1,412. Students can expect to pay around $15,954 for room and board and $2,858 for books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses. All students must also have a laptop for coursework, which can be bought directly from RPI for approximately $1,200.

Location

Poughkeepsie, New York

Marist College, founded in 1905, is a private liberal arts college. Around 5,000 undergraduate students and 1,400 adults and graduate learners attend the Poughkeepsie campus in New York annually. In total, the institution offers 47 undergraduate majors and a range of graduate-level programs, including a number of fully online master's degrees and doctoral degrees.

The games and emerging media program at Marist draws on the expertise of two faculties, bringing together the School of Communication and the Arts, and the School of Computer Science. Thus, students have two choices for concentration: technical development and programming, and design, writing, and culture.

Regardless of your chosen concentration, all game design students are taught the essentials in programming, game design and art, user experience and user interfaces, and storytelling and game writing. This means you'll have a solid foundation in all aspects of game design on which to further specialize and to develop your career.

Undergraduate students who are residents on campus can expect to pay tuition and fees of around $43,430.00 annually. Room and board comes to around $16,700.00 per year. A number of non-billed resident expenses apply too, including books and supplies of around $1,125.00, travel and transportation fees of around $1,000.00, and miscellaneous costs totaling around $1,000.00.

Location

Worcester, Massachusetts

Becker College is the culmination of the merger between two Massachusetts institutes, which were founded in 1784 and 1887. Located in central Massachusetts, Becker is among the 25 oldest higher education institutions in the nation. Around 1,700 students are in attendance at the college's two campuses, which are roughly six miles apart.

Becker College offers a Bachelor of Arts in interactive media design. A unique partnership between industry and education, known as MassDiGi@Becker College, will ensure that you have access to resources that will help you develop your skills and experience. This includes entrepreneurial advice for those of you looking to start your own game studio.

One of Becker's unique draws is the fact that five separate concentrations are offered in this program. These are game arts, game audio, game design, game development and programming, and game production and management. There is also a 4+1 program available for students who are interested in simultaneously gaining a master's degree.

Full-time undergraduate students taking a course load of 12-18 credits per semester will pay tuition of around $36,300. For part-time students, tuition is charged per credit hour at around $1,515.00 per credit hour. The estimated cost of attendance for a student who is resident on campus comes to around $46,375.00.

Savannah College of Art and Design

Location

Savannah, Georgia

This private art school has numerous campuses, including one in Lacoste, France. Founded in 1978, the institution offers over 40 majors and 75 minors to its student body of around 15,000 students. The art school's official colors are gold and black, and the college's mascot is the SCAD Bee.

When you enrol in this B.A. in digital media, you'll complete 25 credit hours in foundation studies, gaining a strong grounding in drawing and design, and color theory and application. These skills will be instrumental in developing your craft as a video game asset designer.

As you progress through the curriculum, you'll further develop these skills, taking courses including Digital Communication, Aesthetics, and 20th-Century Art. You'll choose from a number of concentration courses, which you can read more about on this page. Additionally, you'll participate in an internship, which will give you valuable real-world experience in the industry. Undergraduate students at SCAD pay around $37,575 in tuition annually, with a single credit hour costing around $835. There's also an online application fee of $60 and one-time enrollment fee of $500 due. For more information on residence fees, you can check out this page on the university's website.

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is located in the Rocky Mountain Region and is the longest-standing private university in the region. Around 11,600 students attend annually, benefiting from more than 100 student-run organizations. There are five halls of residence, 125 acres of campus space, and numerous annual events to participate in.

This bachelor's degree in game development is a well-rounded program that could see enrolled students becoming game programmers or asset designers. It blends technical skills with the creativity of a design degree, allowing you to contribute to projects in both areas.

You'll take courses such as Game Programming, 3D Modeling, Storytelling, and a game capstone project. Aside from learning about the process of game design, you'll also develop teamwork and leadership skills by working on collaborative projects with your peers as you design and develop your own game.

A full-time undergraduate student at the University of Denver can expect to pay annual tuition of around $53,640, in addition to fees of around $1,179. Including all direct and indirect costs, the estimated cost of attendance is around $73,590. Non-residents also pay an additional transportation allowance of around $528.

Location

Winter Park, Florida

Starting out as a recording studio in Ohio called Full Sail Productions, Full Sail University relocated to the state of Florida in 1980. Campus comprises 210 acres of space, with a student body comprising around 21,000 students who choose from more than 100 programs and benefit from more than 110 studios and labs.

Full Sail University offers a bachelor's degree in game development, which follows the end-to-end game development lifecycle. As part of the curriculum, you'll contribute to all areas of the process, including 3D modeling, creating AI opponents, implementing real-time setpieces, and working on multiplayer gaming.

You'll also benefit from a unique resource known as Project Launchbox. A shared resource used by students enrolled in other media-related majors, this program gives you the technology you need to succeed in your program. This includes industry-leading software, a tablet, and a high-spec laptop.

Tuition at Full Sail University varies from program to program, with this game development degree costing around $733 per credit hour for a total of around $88,000 (120 credit hours). There is also a game design degree program, which is charged at the same rate of tuition.

Ringling College of Art and Design

Location

Sarasota, Florida

Founded in 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design provides access to Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs, which span eleven different disciplines including game design. With a liberal arts focus, the institution follows the studio model of teaching, with students gaining useful practical skills throughout their curriculums.

Ringling College has been recognized as "a top gaming school in the world", ranking at No. 3. You'll hone your artistic prowess, understand how game design and interactive media are created and utilized, and develop your own game worlds. Throughout all of this, you'll work with industry-leading software used by game development studios.

You will also bring together your own portfolio of work so that you have something to showcase as you enter the industry after graduation. The success of this program has helped graduates progress into roles with companies including Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, Riot, and Bungie.

Undergraduate students can expect to pay tuition of around $45,130 annually, with fees comprising around $4,410. Room and board typically comes in at around $16,110. Residents of Florida may also receive an Effective Access to Student Education Grant, which is worth around $2,850.

If you're interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out The 35 Best Master's in Computer Engineering and The 20 Best Video Game Design Degree Programs!