Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Game Design
Majors Overview February 22, 2015Game design and development programs, or game design programs, feature the examination of interactive entertainment to create simulations for individuals to practice and play. Graduates of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Game Design may be able to find design and programming careers in the video game industry.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Game Design
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Game Design programs provide students with coursework devised to teach design and programming skills for mobile devices, consoles, and gaming platforms.
Most programs focus on understanding students’ ways of learning, socializing, and interacting with information and applying this knowledge to impart education to game design students on interface, environment creation, video and audio techniques, game methods, and concept development. Students can expect to become adept in leadership, teamwork, animation, video production, programming, and interactive design.
Students enrolled in game design B.S. programs usually learn about the design workflow, which begins with inception and moves on to character and environment creation before culminating in project completion.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Students are encouraged to have prior experience in technology and computing.
Coursework
Coursework requires delving into subjects that address animation fundamentals, design processes, entertainment technology landscapes, and interactive applications. The curriculum also includes general courses, such as the following:
•Digital media
•Motion graphics
•Visual communications
•Data structures
•3-D modeling
•Software development
•Sound effects
Career Choices
Graduates from the bachelor’s degree program can seek entry-level careers in the gaming industry. They may enjoy the chance to create simulations for several areas; these areas include traditional games, new console titles, education entertainment systems, and military training. They may pursue job positions such as:
•System designers
•Animators
•Level designers
•Computer programmers
•Multimedia artists
Job and Wage Outlook
A slower-than-average job growth rate of 6% has been predicted for multimedia artists and animators over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics); computer programmers are expected to see growth of 8% during the same period. In May 2012, computer programmers took home an average annual wage of $74,280, while multimedia artists and animators banked $61,370 on average.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of the bachelor’s program may seek continuing education through enrollment in the Master of Science (M.S.) in Game Design and Development degree program. Coursework within a master’s degree program in game design is devised to impart additional knowledge on software development and entertainment technology, in addition to providing students with the opportunity to develop software or working games.
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