Are game design degrees worth it?

With a projected 8% growth in jobs for digital and game designers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, game design is a good field for college graduates. The BLS reports about 16,500 new job openings for this field, each year, on average, through 2033. The average job growth for all occupations is just 3%, so game design is an in-demand career.

What degree do I need to be a game designer?

To become a game designer, you need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like game design, computer science, or graphic design. Some designers also get degrees in game development or interactive media. It helps to build a portfolio of designs while still in school or through an internship experience. Your designs can enhance your career prospects.

What jobs can I get with a game design degree?

With a game design degree, you can qualify for many different jobs. These include: • Animator • Assurance Tester • Game Designer • Level Designer • Narrative Designer • UX/UI Designer Other possibilities include roles in production, marketing, or education within the gaming industry.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s in game design?

It takes four years, on average, to get a bachelor’s degree in game design. Most programs require 120 credits, which means students must complete between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Some online programs offer accelerated options that cut the time by 12-15 months.

Is game design a BA or BS?

You can get either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in game design, depending on the institution and the specific program. Both types of degrees can provide the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in game design, with variations in curriculum focus and academic requirements.

Do I have to be good at math for game design?

A strong foundation in math is beneficial for certain aspects of game design, but it's not mandatory. Basic math skills can help you with many design tasks, but advanced math, such as geometry and algebra, is useful for specific areas like physics simulations or graphics programming.

Is game design a fun career?

Game designers get to live their passion. The game design culture is unlike other career settings. Designers get to unleash creativity, solve complex problems, and contribute to the development of interactive and entertaining experiences. Team building and roundtable discussions create an interactive and dynamic working environment. But the enjoyment stems from a passion for gaming and creativity. If that’s you, it’ll be a rewarding and fun career!

Is game design a high paying job?

It is a six-figure career with experience and training. But the average pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $98,540 /year. The highest 10% in this occupation make over $166,180/year. These numbers stand up well against the average pay for all computer occupations, which is $176,490/year.

Does game design require coding?

Not all game designers need to be proficient coders, but some coding knowledge is beneficial. Understanding programming languages such as C++ or Python allows you to communicate effectively with developers and implement design elements. The amount of coding you need will depend on your gaming role.

Best Game Design Bachelor's Programs

The best bachelor’s in game design could see you working on some of the biggest entertainment products of the next decade.

college rank best bachelors game design — High Resolution Badge

Computer science majors are all about the numbers, so we’ve got some impressive figures for you. In 2019, Forbes highlighted how recent statistics on the video game industry’s rapid growth have shown that it could reach over $300 billion by 2025.

In fact, according to MarketWatch, and thanks in-part to recent world events, the video games industry recently overtook both movies and North American sports in terms of industry size. What does this mean? It means that you’ll be joining an industry with highly sought-after skills and with a strong earning potential for life.

Featured Programs

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Top Online Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems

Last updated: March 18, 2025

To supply you with the best of the best in Bachelor’s in Game Design degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:

The school’s ability to provide a quality Bachelor’s degree program in the field of Game Design,
Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
Taught by professionals in the field of Game Design,
Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Game Design,
Prepares graduates for career placement in Game Design.

What Are the Best Game Design Degrees?

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University of Utah

Location

Salt Lake City, Utah

Average Net Price

$13,610

More Information

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, The University of Utah is part of the Utah System of Higher Education. Students benefit from a broad range of facilities, including several recreational fields, sport courts, an outdoor leisure pool, and disc golf course. There is also a student leadership and involvement program designed to encourage personal and academic skills growth.

Offered via the entertainment arts and engineering teaching program, this university offers a B.S. in games. The curriculum draws on many years’ worth of experience in various forms of digital media, with this degree specifically intended for students who want to enter the professional games industry.

You’ll gain the skills needed to develop video game software for entertainment, health, and scientific research purposes. There’s also an element of study in the areas of math, computer skills, and design to ensure that you are ready to tackle the unique challenges of designing a game from the ground up.

Best Bachelor’s in Game Design

What Are the Best Game Design Degrees?

University of Utah

Location

Average Net Price