Online Game Design and Development Degree Programs

To pursue a career in computer game design and development, software engineers generally need a 4-year degree; for advancement, they may need a graduate degree. Though some employers may accept a certificate or 2-year degree in this field, fewer schools offer these types of programs. Some colleges and universities throughout the United States offer online game development degree programs.

Game Design and Development Bachelor's Degrees Online

Many online game design programs emphasize computer graphics, software development, computer programming and animation. Background skills in computer science, mathematics and drawing are encouraged. Some schools may even require applicants to have a drawing portfolio. An online 4-year program in game design and development can result in a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Program Information and Requirements

Online bachelor's degree programs in game design and development cover the entire spectrum of game design, from concepts to game-testing. While many programs, especially those offered through for-profit schools, are conducted entirely online, some are presented in a combination of on-campus and online classes. In some cases, students build a game portfolio, which they can present to potential employers or use to satisfy enrollment requirements for pursuit of an advanced degree.
Some schools have specific Web browser, software and hardware requirements for students enrolled in online game design and development programs. Updated versions of Internet Explorer and several Adobe programs, such as Acrobat, Flash and Photoshop, may be required. Some schools request that students have certain hardware, including a color scanner, a CD or DVD burner, a color inkjet printer and a digital camera.

Online Courses Commonly Related to Game Design and Development

Program coursework for online game design and development degree programs generally includes introductory courses in game design, simulation, animation and production. Students might also take courses in business, software engineering, math and communications. Some programs provide an internship.

Game Design Fundamentals

This course addresses design strategies, current design techniques and video game types. A history of video games and basic terminology might also be covered.

Computer Animation

Students in computer animation or computer graphics courses will study 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional basics, motion graphics and animation software. Blocking, modeling, filtering and animation materials are other topics addressed in these courses.

Game Development

Different types of game development software are studied and applied in game development courses. Students learn programming languages, editing, audio and visual effects.

Graduate Career Information

In addition to becoming video game designers, graduates of an online game design and development bachelor's degree program can pursue careers as graphic artists, computer programmers, Web designers and game testers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in all areas of software engineering and computer programming is expected to be more than 20% between 2008 and 2018.
Compensation for game designers and developers varies. In its April 2010 issue's salary survey, Game Developer magazine (www.gdmag.com) reported an average of $75,573 for all game developers. Divided by discipline, game programmers earned about $80,000, and game designers (including writers) got about $69,000. Animators and artists averaged approximately $71,000. These average salaries across all experience levels were similar to the compensation earned by those with 3-6 years of experience.

Continuing Education Information

Game design professionals generally need continuing education to learn updates to programming languages or real-time architectures. Some of these programs are offered entirely online. In some cases, software vendors might offer certification programs for their specific products.
Individuals seeking supervisory or management positions in the game design industry might be required to obtain a master's degree. Though not as common as online bachelor's degree programs, some schools offer distance education programs leading to a Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Game Design and Development. Some colleges may require that students have some programming experience.