Online BS in Game Development Degree
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The Bachelor of Science in Game Development at Grand Canyon University is designed for those passionate about gaming and technology. This program dives deep into the technical and creative aspects of game development, covering everything from game engine architecture and AI to 2D/3D graphics, animation and software development. Beyond coding, you’ll explore game mechanics, networking and quality assurance — gaining the hands-on experience to bring games to life.
But game development isn’t just about programming — it’s also about teamwork and strategy. That’s why this degree emphasizes collaboration, project management and industry-specific business and marketing insights. Whether you dream of designing immersive worlds, developing modern software or working in interactive media, GCU’s online game development degree can help you turn your passion into a career.
Choosing our online game development degree means becoming part of a collaborative community that fosters creativity and innovation. With a curriculum covering game engine architecture, user interface design, gameplay mechanics and networking, you'll have opportunities to develop your skills alongside peers and knowledgeable faculty in an engaging, supportive environment. Our program also offers access to advanced technology and hands-on projects to support your growth in interactive media.
Earn Your Game Development Degree Online
With the flexibility of online learning, knowledgeable faculty will teach essential skills in coding, game design and graphics. This online game development bachelor’s degree offers the same comprehensive curriculum as traditional on-campus options. It requires dedication and effort to master the material and build a solid foundation for a career in the gaming or related industry.
This degree explores critical skills, such as programming and storyboarding and offers hands-on practice with 2D and 3D computer graphics. As you navigate the curriculum, you will also create a student portfolio, which you may find useful when you apply for a job.
Key topics taught in this game development bachelor’s degree include:
Game engine development
Learn the core architecture and functionality of game engines.
Artificial intelligence in gaming
Implement AI to enhance gameplay, NPC behavior and decision-making.
Multiplayer and networking
Build real-time multiplayer experiences with advanced networking techniques.
Virtual and augmented reality
Develop immersive experiences using VR and AR technologies.
Game physics and simulation
Apply physics principles to create realistic interactions and environments.
Mobile and cross-platform development
Design and optimize games for mobile and multi-platform use.
Game testing and debugging
Master quality assurance techniques to refine game performance.
Game design and production
Design, develop and launch interactive games through hands-on projects.
For those fascinated by virtual worlds and software development, this game development bachelor’s degree offers the opportunity to gain skills that can help prepare you to seek a variety of career paths and roles, such as:
Computer and information systems manager
Information security analyst
Computer and information research scientist
Computer network support specialist
Database architect
Computer programmer
Software developer
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
Web developer
Web and digital interface designer
Computer occupation
Data scientist
Median annual wage for software developers as of May 20232
Estimated job growth for types of software developers from 2023 to 20333
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
FAQ
Explore our commonly asked questions section to learn more about our online game development degree at GCU, including curriculum and career details.
Any degree that teaches key skills like coding, math and engineering is good for game developers. For example, this BS in Game Development from GCU covers these essential areas while providing hands-on experience in programming, 2D/3D graphics and game design. This type of program can help you prepare for various careers in game development and related fields.
A game development bachelor’s degree offers valuable skills in programming, game design and software development, useful in gaming and related fields like simulation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for software developers to increase by about 18% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated 1,995,700 jobs in the field by 2033.3 While the gaming industry is competitive, a degree can offer structured learning, hands-on experience and networking opportunities, making it a potentially worthwhile investment for pursuing careers in technology and entertainment.
Yes, a strong foundation in math is crucial for problem-solving and building realistic, interactive experiences. Concepts like algebra, functions, probability and logical reasoning help developers create game mechanics, physics, AI and graphics.
Turn your passion for gaming into a career with hands-on experience used in today’s competitive gaming industry.
- Vimeo. (2023, Sept. 5). Showcasing GCU Senior’s Technological Innovations. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Software Developers, as of May 2023, retrieved March 11, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, retrieved March 11, 2025.