Online BA in Game Design Degree
Online BA in Game Design Degree
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Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Our BA in Game Design can equip you with creative and strategic skills to design engaging, user-centered experiences across platforms. This program teaches you to create interactive digital experiences, from app-based games to educational tools and corporate training programs.
Through design, marketing and theory-based coursework, you can develop your skill set to contribute to diverse career opportunities, designing for both analog, mobile and digital games. You will also explore how gamification is used to enhance presentations, employee development, training programs in K-12 and higher education and other workplace environments.
We present aspiring game designers with the opportunity to complete their BA in Game Design online. Our online programs offer you quality learning with an added element of convenience. As you complete your online game design degree, you will have access to online resources and a community of other online students and faculty, ready to assist you with questions or concerns.
Game design is a growing field. According to a 2024 report, 190.6 million Americans play video games weekly.1 Beyond entertainment, businesses harness game-based elements and interactive design to boost engagement, improve learning outcomes and drive results. Many sectors have increased their use of gamification technology — even including virtual reality (VR) — in their meetings, presentations and trainings to create more engaging experiences for employees and consumers.2
With the increasing prevalence of game play for personal and professional use, it becomes imperative to stay on top of relevant design metrics and new technology. This creates a unique opportunity for those skilled in creation and gaming to turn their passions into a professional pathway.
At GCU, we are proud to offer programs with curricula that can provide you with quality, relevant learning. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.
GCU is proud to foster a community of vibrant creatives who are passionate about different areas of art, including design. As a student in the College of Arts and Media, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate creatively with other arts students from programs such as film, dance, music and other design degrees. Students who enroll in the bachelor’s degree in game design on campus may also explore different arts and media clubs and academic groups to further enlighten their academic experiences.
Explore some commonly asked questions and answers to gain more information on earning this degree and beginning a career in game design.
While there is not a universal answer for the education needed for this career path, many employers may prefer applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.4 A degree in a related field, such as game design, can help you gain industry-specific knowledge and technical design skills that can prove useful as you pursue different career opportunities in the field.
If you are passionate about game design and are excited about the future of this field, a BA in Game Design may be an asset to your career as a design professional. Gaming has come a long way in the last few decades, with nearly 90% of Americans reported to partake in some form of online gameplay, compared to only 18% in 1999.2 Due to the ease with which games can be accessed on different devices — phones, tablets, computers, etc. — and the spike in gaming over the years, more educated professional designers are needed to keep these gaming experiences at a high level. If you’d like to be a part of the future of game design, consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in game design.
Completing a game design degree online can provide you with the same quality and caliber of education as it would if you completed it in person. With interactive online platforms, message boards and opportunities to interact with your professors and peers, you can join insightful conversations designed to make high-level learning more accessible. While exploring degree options, be sure to verify the accreditation of the university you choose, as this will better reflect the quality of the program rather than the modality in which you choose to complete it.
This bachelor's program aims to prepare you to enter the game design field as a skilled professional. Through your interactive design and theory courses, you will work to gain valuable skills in aspects of game creation and build your competency in design and promotion for jobs across the game design industry.
Due to the widespread use of gaming and VR technology for various purposes, graduates of this game design degree may consider careers in various industries, such as:3
Entertainment
Automotive
Healthcare
Real estate
Architecture
Learning and development
Education
Aside from your general education courses, you will also complete specific core courses critical to your understanding of the field and in helping you develop a strong foundation of knowledge for your future career.
Topics you will explore in your program include:
Game industry
Game design
Visual arts
Game engines
Marketing and game promotion
2D motion design
3D modeling design
World building
Buyer/consumer behavior
Game creation
Project management
