Best Game Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Arizona State University was established in 1885. This public university offers several in-demand graduate programs across various subjects, including arts and design, engineering, and business. It presently has more than 63,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Culture (Design)

The BA Digital Culture (Design) degree is a 120-credit program offered by Arizona State University. Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree program will learn core design principles. The program covers concepts such as special effects, illustration, character design, and 3D modeling which can be applied to create game characters.

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Culture (Design) Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $765/credit (in-state); $1,200/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Culture (Design) Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: SAT 1120 or ACT 22 (optional)
• Application Fee: $50 (for Arizona residents); $70 (Domestic non-residents); $75 (International residents)
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, top 25% of graduating class if ACT and SAT requirements are not met.

Applying to Arizona State University

1. Complete the online application form via ASU’s admission portal, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee. For Arizona residents, the amount is $50, while for non-residents and international students, the application fees are $70 and $85, respectively.
3. Have your school submit your high school transcripts
4. Fill out the FAFSA form

Cleveland Institute of Art was founded in 1882 to provide high-quality instruction for students seeking to pursue a career in the arts. This private institution is rapidly growing and presently has over 500 students in its 13 undergraduate programs.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design

This BFA Game Design degree program covers several critical aspects of interactive design and game development, including virtual and augmented reality. The Cleveland Institute of Art program equips students with the practical skills and requisite knowledge to create graphic content for PC, mobile apps, and even virtual reality video games.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $1,850/ credit
• Required Credits: 129 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 64%

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, portfolio, one letter of recommendation

Applying to Cleveland Institute of Art

1. Talk to an admissions counselor
2. Complete the online application form
3. Request for your high school transcripts to be sent to the Cleveland Institute of Art
4. Submit a portfolio with between 12 - 20 projects
5. Submit one letter of recommendation

Drexel University is a research-focused university founded in 1891. It is a well-known private school with over 14,000 undergraduate students enrolled in one of its 13 schools and colleges. Drexel University provides a unique teaching experience and equips graduates to design innovative solutions for real-world problems.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production

The BS Game Design and Production program offered by Drexel University prepares students for a successful career in the video game industry. This 191-credit bachelor's degree covers relevant aspects of video game design, including animation, motion capture, and computer graphics.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,179/credit
• Required Credits: 191 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Production Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, portfolio, writing supplement, essay, two letters of recommendation

Applying to Drexel University

1. Submit your application via Common or Coalition application
2. Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee
3. Submit a 250 - 650 word essay using the Common or Coalition application
4. Request for your transcripts to be sent from your high school
5. Submit two letters of recommendation, your financial aid documents, and a portfolio
6. For international applicants, you will need to provide proof of your financial responsibility

Full Sail University provides graduate and undergraduate education in Film and Television, Arts and Design, Business, and many other in-demand fields. This private college moved to Florida in 1980 and is presently home to over 24,000 students.

Bachelor of Science in Game Art

Strong game design skills are an essential requirement to get a job in game design . The BS Game Art degree program teaches students industry-standard animation and motion capture techniques that can be used to develop games for several platforms, including mobile devices.

Bachelor of Science in Game Art Overview

• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $758/credit
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 20 months
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 44%

Bachelor of Science in Game Art Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts, valid government-issued ID, language proficiency test results (for students from non-native English speaking countries)

Applying to Full Sail University

1. Submit an online application via Full Sail University’s undergraduate admissions portal
2. Complete the admissions interview
3. Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee
4. Submit your high-school transcripts and any other necessary documents
5. Complete the math self-evaluation test

Northeastern University was established in 1898 as a research-focused college to produce students with the intellectual capacity to learn independently and take up leading industry positions. With over 15,000 undergraduate students and more than 90 majors, Northeastern University has become a popular destination for many local and international students.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design

The BFA Game Design degree equips admitted students with a foundation knowledge of game design. Graduates from this program will be able to create immersive digital graphics for video games. During the program, they will accumulate real-world experience to prepare them for a future in the field of game design.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,766/credit
• Required Credits: 128 credits, 92 of which are major credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 90%

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, portfolio, letters of recommendation from a school counselor and teacher, proof of English proficiency (for applicants from non-native English speaking countries)

Applying to Northeastern University

1. Submit your application online via the Common or Coalition application
2. Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee
3. Submit letters of recommendation from your secondary school teacher and counselor
4. Submit your portfolio online using SlideRoom
5. Submit your high school transcripts or GED results

Pennsylvania College of Arts and Design is a private institution established in 1982. This university offers degree programs covering popular art and design subjects, including graphic design, fine art, and illustration. It has a great 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and strives to support students in making their passion their career.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Art

Animation and game art are essential facets of digital design. The University of Pennsylvania's BFA Animation and Game Art degree provides instruction in 3D modeling, animation, and audio production to enable students to build top-notch digital media projects. Graduates of this program will be able to work as part of a software design team and in other industry roles.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Art Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,157/credit or $27,750 per year for full-time studies
• Required Credits: 123 credits
• Program Length: 4 years (1 foundational year and 3 years for specialization)
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 51%

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Game Art Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $40
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, portfolio, resume, personal statement, technology requirements

Applying to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

1. Prepare an art portfolio with 8 - 10 pieces of recent work
2. Submit your application via the university’s website or the Common Application
3. Write a 250 - 500 word personal statement
4. Pay the non-refundable $40 application fee
5. Submit your transcripts and any other required documents

Rocky Mountain College of Arts and Design is a specialized institution that trains talented individuals across various aspects of arts and design. This private university was founded in 1963 and presently has over 1,600 students taking part in its on-campus and online bachelor's degree programs.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art

This BFA in Game Art degree spans various topics including art history and liberal arts. Apart from providing students with solid theoretical knowledge of essential art concepts, this bachelor's degree program also emphasizes core technical concepts such as character animation, 3D modeling, and virtual storytelling.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $693/credit
• Required Credits: 123 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: Hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 39%

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art Admission Requirements

• GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.0 or a GED score of at least 165
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, art portfolio, statement of intent, language proficiency test scores (for non-US residents)

Applying to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

1. Submit your online application before the deadline
2. Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee
3. Submit your transcripts via e-mail to transcripts@rcmcad.edu
4. Submit a portfolio and statement of intent
5. See an admissions counselor and complete your interview
6. International students will need to submit a bank statement
7. International students will also need to score at least 550 on the TOEFL written test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 75 on the internet-based test. For students taking the IELTS, you will need a minimum score of 6

Syracuse University was established in Syracuse, New York in 1870 as a research-focused private college for training innovative leaders across various industries. This school has over 14,000 undergraduate students studying in various arts, science, and social science programs.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Art and Animation

The BFA Computer Art and Animation undergraduate program prepares students for a career in game design. Students learn technical computer skills required to create digital media content. This bachelor's degree covers the rudiments of digital design, enabling graduates to land high-paying game industry jobs.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Art and Animation Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,864/credit
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Art and Animation Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $85
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, portfolio, two letters of recommendation

Applying to Syracuse University

1. Submit your application via the Common Application
2. Pay the non-refundable $85 application fee
3. Submit your high school transcripts
4. Submit your senior year grade report, two letters of recommendation, and your art portfolio
5. Contact your school counselor to send in your secondary school counselor evaluation report

University of Advancing Technology is a private school that teaches new and relevant industry practices in several fields, including business, software engineering, digital art, and cyber security. It was founded in 1983 and currently has over 800 undergraduate students.

Bachelor of Arts in Game Design

The University of Advancing Technology's BA Game Design program is well-designed to help students take advantage of career opportunities in the game design industry. Students enrolled in this 120-credit bachelor's degree program will obtain hands-on experience in the field of game design, which will enable them to land their dream job upon graduation.

Bachelor of Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $832/credit
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 40%

Bachelor of Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: At least four semesters at an accredited high school
• Other Requirements: Academic history (high school GPA, standardized tests, GED, military experience, or college transcripts), official transcripts, essay

Applying to University of Advancing Technology

1. Submit your application online via the school’s website
2. Submit all the required documents
3. Answer all the essay questions

Wilmington University has delivered high-quality, affordable education to its graduate and undergraduate students since 1968. Wilmington University also offers excellent online programs for prospective students in computer science, advanced graphic design, applied technology, and other popular fields. Currently, there are over 10,000 undergraduate students at Wilmington University.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development

Mobile game designers are expected to understand animation principles, interactive media design, and programming. The BS Game Design major focuses on teaching students the latest digital media design principles for creating highly immersive video games. They are equipped with hands-on experience and a holistic understanding of the game design process.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $399/credit
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 21%

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: None required
• Application Fee: $35
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, immunization record

Applying to Wilmington University

1. Fill out the online application form
2. Pay the non-refundable $35 application fee
3. Take a placement test
4. Submit your transcripts
5. Submit your immunization records
6. Fill out the FAFSA form

An art director leads a team of creatives and determines how best to express a concept. Art directors are usually given the responsibility of project management. They can work in diverse environments including both gaming and software development companies. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the project timeline stays on track through to the launch phase.

• Average Salary: $100,890
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 98,500
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Oregon

Video game programmers write the code that allows gaming software to run. These professionals are the backbone of any game software team. As a video game programmer, you will be working with various programming languages, such as C++.

You would also be developing games for different platforms, including consoles and mobile devices. A Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development would also prepare students for this role.

• Average Salary: $93,000
• Job Outlook: -10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 185,700
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Virginia, District of Columbia, Massachusetts

Video game producers are responsible for managing the entire process of game production. They work in tandem with other aspects of the gaming software team to ensure that timelines are adhered to. They also monitor each team member to ensure that the highest standards are met before the launch of a game.

• Average Salary: $79,000
• Job Outlook: 24% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 131,000
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Connecticut, Mexico, New Jersey

Animators are creative professionals who use design software to create 2D and 3D images for various digital media platforms. Animators work in game design, web development, and advertising. Depending on the gaming company, they may also be involved in basic programming tasks.

• Average Salary: $78,790
• Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 62,400
• Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, California, Washington, New York, District of Columbia

Graphic designers are in high demand in various industries. Their unique skill set enables them to create images for video games, public relations teams, federal and nonprofit organizations, and many other creative industries. Graphic designers can work independently or as part of a design team.

• Average Salary: $50,710
• Job Outlook: 3% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 254,100
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, California