Associate Degree in Game Design: Program Summary
Video game designers use graphic design, animation and programming skills to develop video games. Students who are interested in earning a degree in the field from a community college or vocational school can enroll in an Associate of Science in Video Game Design and Development.
Associate of Science in Video Game Design and Development
Associate's degree programs in video game design and development often offer practical training in the skills and methods that make up the game designing profession. Students learn how to develop ideas for video games through digital animation, storyboarding and video game scriptwriting courses. They then learn how to put those ideas into reality through practical courses in computer programming.
Students enrolled in a 2-year video game design and development degree program learn how to manage several tools and technologies in the field, including animation software, 3D technologies and computer scripting languages. They are also often asked to complete a capstone project in which they must design and develop a video game of their own creation.
Education Prerequisites
A high school diploma or GED is a standard requirement for any student interested in studying video game design and development at a community college or technical school. Some schools also require incoming students to take placement tests in English or mathematics before they can begin core courses.
Program Coursework
The majority of courses included within an associate's degree program in video game design and development are taught through classroom lectures and hands-on computer laboratory sessions. Some examples of such courses include:
- 2-D illustration
- 3D animation
- Modeling
- C++ programming
- Photo editing and animation
- Level design
- Game scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Game texture mapping
- Capstone project
Popular Career Options
Individuals with an educational background in video game design and development can go on to earn a variety of positions within the gaming industry. Some of these include:
- Video game programmer
- Level designer
- Character artist and animator
- Game interface designer
- Storyboard artist
Continuing Education
There are several advanced degree opportunities for individuals who are interested in learning more about video game design and development. Universities and colleges offer bachelor's and even master's degrees in video game design, graphic design, computer games technology or similar fields. Those individuals who are more interested in the creative side of the industry might consider enrolling in advanced degree programs in illustration, animation or art.
Related to Associate Degree in Game Design: Program Summary
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
8 Free Game Design and Development Courses and Resources Online
See our list of the top free online game design and development courses. Learn about what courses are available and...
Game Art and Design Jobs: Options, Salary Info and Requirements
In game art and design jobs, employees create new games, design characters and test the final product. Salary for...
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Game Design Degree Overview
Game design combines artistic and technical skills to create electronic and digital entertainment. Completing a...
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...
Bachelor of Game Art and Design: Online Degree
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Game Design and Development Degree Overview
- Bachelor of Game Art and Design: Degree Overview
- Game Art and Design Degree and Certificate Program Overviews
- Top School for Massage Therapy Programs - Chicago, IL
- Top Ranked International Business and Global Economics Degree Programs - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top Public Administration Degree Programs - Kansas City, MO
- Top University with an Interior Design Degree Program - Cincinnati, OH
15 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (3 campuses)
- California (16)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (4)
- Illinois (8)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (1)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (2)
- North Carolina (2)
- New Jersey (3)
- Nevada (1)
- New York (2)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Associate
-
- AA in Information Technology
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (3 campuses)
- Colorado (2)
- Michigan (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Associate
-
- AS in Computer Science
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
- Illinois (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Texas (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Associate
-
- AS in Information Technology
-
-
School locations:
- Alabama (2 campuses)
- Arkansas (1 campus)
- California (1)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (1)
- Georgia (1)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (1)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (6)
- Missouri (2)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- Ohio (2)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (3)
- Tennessee (3)
- Texas (4)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (2)
- Wisconsin (1)
- West Virginia (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- Associate - Software Development
- Associate in Information Technology - Software Applications and Programming
-
- Associate in Software Development Technology
- Associate in Information Technology - Multimedia
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Colorado (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
