Game Design, BS
Turn your passion for gaming into a career. Learn to master industry tools and technologies while you build immersive experiences, collaborate on projects and start designing the future of play.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in game design is an interdisciplinary offering that combines a hands-on approach to creating games with a rich conceptual understanding of the cultural context of games, play, simulation, virtual environments and interactive media. This program, housed in The GAME School, prepares you to be a culturally aware, technologically savvy, critically thinking global citizen who strives to use expertise in game design and media arts to bring about positive change in a society increasingly shaped by revolutions in new technologies.
You develop the skills needed for design and development of games and related media, including those used in ideating and designing augmented and virtual reality, mobile gaming, esports, and immersive interactive environments and experiences. Sitting at the intersection of advanced technology, cultural relevance and social impact, this program uses new educational technology, new models of mentorship and peer learning, and hands-on industry-embedded curriculum to provide you with the requisite skills in technology, the humanities and the arts to craft meaningful digital experiences for millions of people worldwide --- improving society and societal systems in areas as varied as health care and education.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| AME 160 Introduction to Game Design |
| AME 161 Game Engine Fundamentals |
| AME 162 Introduction to Game Production and Management |
| AME 165 Introduction to Game Studies |
| AME 210 Media Editing |
| AME 230 Programming for the Media Arts |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Craft rich, narrative-driven gameplay experiences that explore complex themes and resonate with diverse audiences.
- Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to bring complex game projects from concept to completion.
- Evaluate how social, ethical, and historical landscapes inform game design and game industry and vice versa.
Craft rich, narrative-driven gameplay experiences that explore complex themes and resonate with diverse audiences.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
An ASU student who would like to change their major to this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. They must maintain this GPA to remain in good standing and to graduate.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, game design students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animator | -0.3% | $102,030 | Learn more |
| Audio-Visual Technician | 3.9% | $58,100 | Learn more |
| IT Project Manager | 5.1% | $116,580 | Learn more |
| Information Technology Manager (IT Manager) | 15.8% | $175,140 | Learn more |
| Production Assistant | 3.9% | $73,620 | Learn more |
| Project Manager | 6.7% | $102,320 | Learn more |
| Software Developer | 10.2% | $135,980 | Learn more |
| Video Game Designer | 6.0% | $104,000 | Learn more |
| Web Designer | 6.0% | $104,000 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
A degree in interdisciplinary game design leads to various career paths in gaming and beyond. In the gaming industry, graduates can work on the artistic or programming side of game design --- they may become a level designer, creating immersive worlds, or a UX designer, shaping how players interact with games. Many graduates also work as producers, managing teams and projects to bring games to life.
This mix of creative, technical and project management skills opens doors outside gaming in diverse fields. Skills and knowledge from game design apply well to fields such as film, architecture, animation, marketing and e-commerce, enabling the creation of engaging experiences through interactive product demos or extended reality. Graduates are also valued for roles that involve data visualization, in which they make complex information easier to understand, and for their ability to create simulations used for training and planning.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The GAME School
|
STAUF-B 217
TheGameSchool@asu.edu
480-965-9432
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
