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?
Ready to make the next move in your game design career strategy? Take your passion for the creative mechanics of video game development to the next level with this BA in game design online and prepare for an exciting role on this digital frontier.
Ranked No. 1 by The Best Schools as the Best Online Bachelor’s in Game Design Programs, this 100% online game design degree program offers the insights you need to leverage basic programming skills for advanced game design and production.
Through this online BA in video game design degree program you can develop your approach to the pipeline of game design and development—exploring areas such as physical prototyping, level design, aesthetics, immersion, and usability with a focus on working with a team to take a concept from an idea to a realized game prototype. Our online gaming design degree program also explores experiential learning on two- and three-dimensional game engines such as Unreal and Unity offering the opportunity to bridge classroom theory with real impact in the field of video game creation.
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
Career Outlook
Graduates can leverage their techno-creative skill sets across game design and production in roles such as special effects artist, animator, web developer, or digital designers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), special effects artists and animators can earn up to $78,790 annually. Web developers and digital designers can earn up to $78,300 annually.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this program is $495. Besides affordable tuition, we offer a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs, saving you time and money on your education!
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 bachelor’s degree in game design online 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!
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
The online Bachelor’s in Game Design degree program at Lindenwood University provides a robust curriculum that blends creative artistry with technical proficiency applicable from game design to development. You will engage in project-based learning while developing the professional abilities to take a concept from an idea to a functional prototype. You will also focus on advanced storytelling and character development skills. Plus, you can build an impressive portfolio to impress prospective employers after graduation.
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
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.
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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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