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Gamers: Earn Your Degree in Game Design

Gamers: Earn Your Degree in Game Design

DePaul University's Jarvis College of Computing and Digial Media describes its Game Design degree program as preparation for a career on "the frontier of games by exploring emerging theories and applying them to practice. "Graduates of Game Design programs "will be prepared to invent the future of games and adapt to the ever-changing composition of conventions, tools, and platforms."

If you have a passion for gaming, earning your degree in game design is a great move. Getting an education in game design can open doors for a variety of job opportunities and set a student up for a multitude of future successes. A degree in game design may be offered an associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and as a postsecondary certificate program.

An education in gaming has its foundations in both art and computer science. A program in game design will teach students a variety of skills such as:
  • Game mechanics design
  • Prototyping
  • Narrative design
  • Game development
  • Game production methodologies
  • Virtual reality
  • Visual aesthetics
  • 3D design

Certificate in Game Design

A postsecondary certificate in game design is a great starting point for those interested in this career. Sometimes game design certificates are offered as separate educational programs with one certificate for computer programming and another for graphic artist. Other programs will offer one certificate covering both essential aspects of game design.

Jobs With a Certificate in Game Design:

Quality Assurance Tester– Identifies and reports problems with a game including software bugs, art glitches, and issues arising during gameplay. Average annual salary: $49,000.

Associate Degree in Game Design

Earning an Associate Degree in Game Design is perfect for students wishing to advance their knowledge and increase their earning power in the game design job market. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees with an associate degree earn 15% more than their counterparts without a post-secondary education.

This equates to approximately $500,000 more earnings over the course of an average American’s lifetime. An Associate Degree in Game Design has foundations in art and computer science, both essential components of game design.

Jobs With an Associate’s in Game Design:

Audio Worker– Develops, records, and processes all of the game’s sounds, including music, dialogue, and all other noises, both real and fictitious. Average annual salary: $49,000.

Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design

For entrepreneurial students looking to start their own game design business, a minor (or even a double major) in business would be ideal. Don’t forget complementary minors such as computer engineering and computer science.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees with a bachelor’s degree earn twice as much as their counterparts without a post-secondary education. This equates to over $2 million more in earnings over the course of an average American’s lifetime.

Jobs With a Bachelor’s in Game Design

  • Multimedia Artist– Creates images and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment. Average annual salary: $75,000.
  • Producer– Manages the administrative details of the studio’s products and departments. Responsibilities include calling meetings, maintaining schedules, keeping development costs within budget, and help ensure that a game is released on schedule. Average annual salary: $85,000.
  • Software Developer– Creates applications or systems that run on a computer or another electronic device. Average annual salary: $108,000.

Master’s Degree in Game Design

A Master’s Degree in Game Design is a wonderful academic opportunity for those interested in advancing their knowledge and becoming a leader in both the academics of the game design industry and real-life application of the degree. Becoming a postsecondary teacher or a published expert are both viable career options once attaining this level of formal education in game design.

Some colleges may offer a terminal degree in Game Design as a Masters in Fine Art or MFA. An MFA is not the same as a Master's Degree, it's typically the terminal degree for art programs but this may vary depending on the school.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees with a graduate degree earn approximately 40% more than their counterparts with an associate degree. Those with a graduate degree will earn almost twice as much as those without a post-secondary education. This translates to an additional $2 million more in lifetime earnings for an average American.

Jobs With a Master’s in Game Design

Ready to start your education in Game Design? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Biola University - Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Interactive Media. Biola University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Lone Star College - Offers a stackable certificate and associate degree program. Students can earn certificates in Game Design and an Associate of Applied Science in Game Design & Simulation Developer. Lone Star College does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Maine College of Art (MECA) - Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Art (AG). Maine College of Art participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Quinnipiac University - Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and Development. Quinnipiac University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

University of Central Florida - Offers the top-ranked (Princeton Review and PC Gamer Magazine) Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment. The University of Central Florida participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

University of the Incarnate Word - Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Animation and Game Design. University of the Incarnate Word participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.