At a Glance
$495
Cost per Credit
120
Credit Hours
100%
Online
3-4 years
Program LengthBachelor’s in Game Design, BA
Program Overview
At a Glance
$495
Cost per Credit
120
Credit Hours
100%
Online
3-4 years
Program LengthWhy Study Game Design?
Want to bring new game worlds to life? At Lindenwood University, you can build out the technical and creative skill and expertise you need within game design and development through our online game design degree. Ranked No. 1 by The Best Schools as the Best Online Bachelor’s in Game Design Program, this bachelor’s-level game design online degree program offers the diversified education you need to take a gaming concept all the way through to the user experience. Plus, earning your game design degree online is a way to get the education you need flexibly. Prepare to pursue a number of career paths within the game industry.
What You'll Learn
Your online game development degree coursework can advance your game industry expertise to the next level. Learn to master the game design life cycle, and round out this central focus through supportive coursework in topics such as the following:
- Introduction to Game Design
- 3D Graphics
- History of Games and Critical Theory
- Level Design
Essential Skills & Insights
Coursework in this online game design degree program covers the following:
- Analytical Thinking. Prepare to make critical decisions within conceptualization and development of games.
- Collaborative Approach. Learn to work effectively with peers on a game project team.
- Project Management Skills. Cultivate end-to-end oversight expertise within the gaming development lifecycle.
- Technology Aptitude. Gain advanced proficiencies in essential game development technologies such as two- and three-dimensional game engines.
Game Design vs Game Development
Game design centers around the creative process of generating a game concept, whereas game development emphasizes implementing such concepts using more technical expertise and proficiencies in areas such as programming, motion graphics, and emerging technologies. However, there are many intersections within game development and game design, in areas such as character development within visual storytelling, for example, where technical implementation can require conceptualization of that character’s persona. Lindenwood’s online game design degree blends aspects of both development and design, exploring concepts and skills within the game development lifecycle as well as conceptualizing the world of a game.
Career Outlook
Those with a background in game development can join the exciting, cutting-edge gaming industry in roles such as Game Designer, Concept Artist, Mobile App Designer, Environment Artist, Game Illustrator, Special Effects (VFX) Artist, Game Tester, Character Designer, Level Designer, and Animator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Effects Artists and Animators can earn a median annual salary of $99,060 annually.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this program is $495. Besides being ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree.
Admissions Requirements
For admission to your online game design degree, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
From all colleges and universities previously attended. If you have fewer than 24 college credits, you will need to submit your official high school transcript.
If cumulative college GPA is below a 2.0, the following will also be required:
- Résumé
- Letter of intent/personal statement
(1–2 page document indicating your interest in the program and Lindenwood)
TRANSFER CREDITS
Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 30 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!
Another benefit of our transfer credit program is our Prior Learning Credit opportunity, which lets you earn credit based on your prior education and/or work experiences. Undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for this advantage.
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
Learn MoreCurriculum Overview
Your degree in game design program coursework develops your fundamental approach to conceptualizing and implementing games. This game art degree enables you to harness your creativity within virtual environments, using the latest game development technologies. Explore key aspects of game design and development, such as physical prototyping, level design, aesthetics, immersion, and usability alongside coursework in the following areas:
- Introduction to Game Design
- 3D Graphics
- History of Games and Critical Theory
- Level Design
Major Coursework – 21 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AAD 20300 | Adobe Certification in Photoshop | 3 |
| AAD 33600 | 3D Graphics | 3 |
| GAM 10000 | Introduction to Game Design | 3 |
| GAM 23000 | Prototype Studio | 3 |
| GAM 30100 | Team Studio I | 3 |
| GAM 36800 | Game Development | 3 |
| GAM 42400 | Game Design Firm | 3 |
Elective Coursework – 15 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AAD 10100 | Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| AAD 11000 | Programming Logic | 3 |
| AAD 13000 | Drawing I | 3 |
| AAD 14000 | Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| AAD 31100 | Extended Realities (XR/AR/VR) | 3 |
| AAD 31200 | User Experience and Interaction Design for XR (AR/VR) | 3 |
| AAD 32200 | AAD 32200 | 3 |
| ARTH 37000 | History of Games and Critical Theory | 3 |
| ENGL 20900 | Writing for Game Design | 3 |
| GAM 32000 | Audio for Games | 3 |
Game Design Emphasis
Game Art
The online game design degree (BA) with an emphasis in Game Art requires 54 credit hours for completion. Including required game art courses such as drawing, concept design, classical myth, and 3D animation. This program has immersive reality game technology integrated throughout the curriculum and requires the use of a virtual reality headset identified by the department and associated applications.
General
Pursue your Lindenwood game design degree without a concentration focus through this General BA in game design online program. Learn the ins and outs of bringing video games to life through cutting-edge techniques and technologies in this online game design degree.
Accreditation and Awards
Best Online Game Design Programs
Student Testimonials
“I became immersed in an environment both supportive and challenging, using industry-standard software and practices to experiment and develop game design skills. The structure of the program built upon each stage of game development, transcending my game idea into a fully-realized video game. Their hands-on approach of applying theory to a game project was educational and deeply fulfilling.”
Luke Maeser •
“The Game Design program at Lindenwood University challenged me to take my dream seriously. From working with peers to learning from professionals, I was given the opportunity to grow my skills and portfolio. I’ve found that as I work in the industry the academic perspective, I’ve developed toward game design has served me well in being an effective developer, especially when communicating my design visions with peers.”
Luke Hoffman •
Career Opportunities
Game Designer
Develop concepts, mechanics, and narratives for video games that provide engaging and immersive worlds to conquer.
UI/UX Designer
Design the user interface of games to ensure intuitive and exciting player experiences.
Animator
Create detailed characters, environments, and eye-popping special effects by utilizing the latest software and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to be a game designer?
A Bachelor’s in Game Design can give you the fundamentals in the gaming industry to prepare you to pursue game design roles, along with other roles in this growing industry of video game innovation.
What is the definition of video game design?
Video game design involves creating the rules, content, and gameplay for a video game – essentially new game worlds. This process relies on diversified expertise in computer science, graphic design, user experience, and creative writing.
What does a game designer do?
Essentially, game designers bring the worlds within games to life. They create storylines and gameplay, and ensure a fun, seamless user experience. They rely on diversified expertise and aptitude in areas from content design to collaboration with others on a game development team.
How to become a game designer?
A career in game design requires a bachelor’s-level degree in game design, computer science, or software engineering. A creative portfolio is also important to showcase your creative skills to employers, and hands-on experience through internships or entry-level roles in this field are essential for those pursuing entry to this field.
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learn moreWe are committed to helping you succeed.
Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.
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