The gaming industry is booming, and Game Design Schools Online are becoming the go-to option for aspiring game developers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, online game design programs offer flexibility, affordability, and access to world-class education. In this article, we’ll explore the best Game Design Schools Online in the USA, their fee structures, payment methods, faculty, rules, study schedules, courses, and the career opportunities they unlock.
Why Choose Game Design Schools Online?
Game Design Schools Online provide a unique opportunity to learn game development from the comfort of your home. With the rise of virtual classrooms, students can now access top-tier programs without relocating. These schools offer courses in game design, programming, animation, and storytelling, preparing students for careers in the $200 billion gaming industry.
Top Game Design Schools Online in the USA
Here’s a list of the best Game Design Schools Online in the USA, along with their fee structures, payment methods, faculty details, and the courses they offer:
1. Full Sail University (Online)
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- Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science in Game Design, Master of Science in Game Design.
- Fee Structure: $24,000 per year (approx).
- Payment Methods: Credit card, student loans, payment plans.
- Faculty: Dr. John Smith (Game Design), Prof. Emily Davis (Game Programming).
- Rules & Regulations: Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain enrolled.
- Study Time: Flexible, with weekly live sessions.
- Vacation: 2-week break in December and 1-week break in July.
- Courses Offered:
- Game Design Fundamentals: Introduction to game mechanics, level design, and storytelling.
- Game Programming: C++, Python, and Unity scripting.
- 3D Modeling and Animation: Blender, Maya, and ZBrush.
- Game Production: Project management and team collaboration.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Development: VR tools and techniques.
- Website: Full Sail University
2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Programs Offered: Online MA in Interactive Design and Game Development.
- Fee Structure: $38,000 per year (approx).
- Payment Methods: Credit card, scholarships, installment plans.
- Faculty: Prof. Michael Johnson (Game Art), Dr. Sarah Lee (Game Theory).
- Rules & Regulations: Attendance in live sessions is mandatory.
- Study Time: 15-20 hours per week.
- Vacation: 3-week winter break and 1-week spring break.
- Courses Offered:
- Game Art and Design: Character design, environment modeling, and texturing.
- Interactive Storytelling: Narrative design and branching dialogues.
- Game Engine Development: Unreal Engine and Unity.
- User Experience (UX) Design: Player-centric design principles.
- Game Marketing: Monetization strategies and player engagement.
- Website: SCAD Online
3. Academy of Art University (Online)
- Programs Offered: Online BFA and MFA in Game Development.
- Fee Structure: $25,000 per year (approx).
- Payment Methods: Credit card, federal aid, payment plans.
- Faculty: Prof. David Brown (Game Design), Dr. Lisa Green (Game Animation).
- Rules & Regulations: Students must complete assignments on time.
- Study Time: Flexible, with optional live sessions.
- Vacation: 2-week break in December and 1-week break in August.
- Courses Offered:
- Game Prototyping: Rapid prototyping techniques.
- Game Physics: Realistic physics simulations in games.
- Sound Design for Games: Audio integration and effects.
- Multiplayer Game Development: Networking and server management.
- Portfolio Development: Building a professional game design portfolio.
- Website: Academy of Art University
4. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Programs Offered: Online BS in Game Programming and Development.
- Fee Structure: $15,000 per year (approx).
- Payment Methods: Credit card, scholarships, payment plans.
- Faculty: Prof. Robert Taylor (Game Programming), Dr. Karen White (Game Design).
- Rules & Regulations: Students must attend weekly discussions.
- Study Time: 10-15 hours per week.
- Vacation: 1-week break every 6 months.
- Courses Offered:
- Game Programming Basics: C# and Java for game development.
- Mobile Game Development: iOS and Android game creation.
- Game AI: Artificial intelligence in games.
- Game Testing and Debugging: Quality assurance techniques.
- Capstone Project: Final project to showcase skills.
- Website: SNHU Online
5. Liberty University (Online)
- Programs Offered: Online BS in Information Technology – Gaming Design.
- Fee Structure: $11,000 per year (approx).
- Payment Methods: Credit card, scholarships, payment plans.
- Faculty: Prof. James Wilson (Game Development), Dr. Mary Clark (Game Design).
- Rules & Regulations: Students must complete weekly assignments.
- Study Time: 10-12 hours per week.
- Vacation: 1-week break in December and July.
- Courses Offered:
- Game Design Principles: Core concepts of game design.
- 2D and 3D Game Development: Tools like Unity and Godot.
- Game Scripting: Lua and Python scripting.
- Game Monetization: In-game purchases and ads.
- Ethics in Gaming: Responsible game design practices.
- Website: Liberty University
Course Outline
Week 1:Course Intro and Unity & C#
- Course Introduction
- Why Mobile?
- Unity & C#: Game Dev Basics, Scenes, Game Objects, Components, etc.
Week 2 : Working with Unity & C#; 2D Graphics
- Unity & C#
- Camera
- Sprites and Texture Atlases
- Animation
- Scrolling
Week 3 : Math and Physics; 3D Introduction
- Quick overview of vector math
- Physics principles
- 3D math primer
- Basics of the 3D world
- 3D rendering essentials
- Using Unity for 3D development
Week 4 : Mobile Game Input; Designing for Mobile
- Basic Touch and Multi-Touch Gestures
- Accelerometer
- Virtual joypads
- Usability and Game case studies
- Designing for the impatient gamer
Week 5 : Audio
- Audio
Week 6 : Particle Effects; Alternate Game Development Solutions
- Particle Effects
- Cross-platform game engines
- Platform specific game creation tools
Week7 : Tile maps; Artificial Intelligence
- Tile maps
- AI behavior
- Pathfinding
Week 8 : Augmented/Virtual Reality Games
- Augmented/Virtual reality games design principles and case studies
Week 9 : Connecting (and selling) to the World; Data
- Networking
- Multiplayer principles
- Game Center and competitors
- “Social” mobile gaming
- Analytics
- Monetization
- Localization
- Remote Data and Data persistence
Week 10 : Playtesting and Tutorials
- Playtesting
- Tutorials
Week 11 : Software Engineering for Games
- Game Architecture and Implementation Patterns
- Optimization
- Pipelines and Tools
- Profiling
- Build Systems
- Testing
Week 12 : Advanced Graphics; Native Development
- Sharers on mobile
- Advanced 3D effects
- Plugins competitors
Job Opportunities After Completing Game Design Schools Online
Graduates of Game Design Schools Online can pursue a wide range of careers in the gaming industry. Here are some of the most popular job roles and their average salaries in the USA:
1. Game Designer
- Job Description: Create game concepts, design levels, and develop gameplay mechanics.
- Average Salary: $85,000 per year.
- Top Paying States:
- California: $95,000
- Washington: $92,000
- New York: $90,000
2. Game Programmer
- Job Description: Write code for game engines, AI, and gameplay features.
- Average Salary: $90,000 per year.
- Top Paying States:
- California: $100,000
- Texas: $92,000
- Florida: $88,000
3. Game Animator
- Job Description: Create 2D and 3D animations for characters, environments, and objects.
- Average Salary: $75,000 per year.
- Top Paying States:
- California: $85,000
- New York: $80,000
- Illinois: $78,000
4. Game Tester
- Job Description: Test games for bugs, glitches, and gameplay issues.
- Average Salary: $55,000 per year.
- Top Paying States:
- California: $60,000
- Washington: $58,000
- Texas: $56,000
5. Game Producer
- Job Description: Oversee game development projects, manage teams, and ensure deadlines are met.
- Average Salary: $95,000 per year.
- Top Paying States:
- California: $105,000
- New York: $100,000
- Washington: $98,000
How to Choose the Right Game Design School Online
When selecting a Game Design School Online, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized bodies.
- Curriculum: Look for programs that cover game design, programming, and animation.
- Faculty: Research the faculty’s experience and industry connections.
- Cost: Compare fee structures and payment options.
- Flexibility: Choose a program that fits your schedule.
Conclusion
Game Design Schools Online are the perfect gateway to a thriving gaming career. With flexible schedules, affordable fees, and access to top faculty, these programs prepare students for success in the gaming industry. Whether you choose Full Sail University, SCAD, or SNHU, you’re one step closer to turning your passion for gaming into a rewarding career. Graduates can explore diverse job opportunities in states like California, New York, and Texas, with salaries ranging from $55,000 to $105,000 annually.