Video Game Design Schools
The schools below offer degrees and courses in Game Design, 3D Animation, Video Game Development and more.
The following are a list of schools and colleges that offer courses in video game design and game development. Some offer game design degrees others offer classes you can take to become a Video Game Designer. If you attend and graduate one of these Video Game Design schools you'll have the skills necessary to land a job in the video game or animation industry. You may qualify for an entry position as a Game Designer, Game Developer, Mobile Game Developer, 3D modeler, layout artist, Matte painter, visual effects artists, Web Game Developer and more.
Video Game Design Schools
DeVry University
DeVry University's bachelor's degree program in Game and Simulation Programming (GSP) prepares graduates to make an impact in the private and public video game and simulation software industry. Master the coding languages, visual design principles, and software methods used in the development of video games, crime scene reconstruction, corporate training software, and more. DeVry University partners with industry-leading companies like Vivendi/Universal to offer students experiential learning opportunities and networking contacts to potential employers around the world. With the gaming industry charting revenues in excess of $21 billion1, and the U.S. Army alone investing millions in simulation training, exciting new jobs in gaming and simulation programming are created every day.
Programs:
- Bachelor's - Web Game Programming
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Game and Simulation Programming
Campus Locations:
- More than 90 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
- Online
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- App Developer
- Mobile Game Developer
- Web Game Developer
Learn more about programs at DeVry University.
ITT Technical Institutes
The Digital Entertainment and Game Design program in the School of Drafting and Design at the ITT Technical Institutes can help graduates prepare for career opportunities in a variety of entry-level positions involving the technology associated with the design and development of digital games and multimedia applications. Courses in this program offer a foundation in digital game design through the study of subjects such as gaming technology, game design process, animation, level design and general education coursework.
Graduates of this program may pursue entry-level career opportunities in a number of different digital entertainment and game design companies. Job functions may include working in a team to design, develop, test and produce video games, or create animations and 3D scenes for use in video games.
Programs:
- Digital Entertainment and Game Design
- Computer Drafting and Design
- Software Applications Development
Campus Locations:
- Over 100 locations nationwide in over 30 states.
- ONLINE
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Game Designer
- 3D Modelers
Learn more about programs at ITT Technical Institutes.
Full Sail University
If you're looking to launch or further your career in music, concerts, film, video games, design, animation, or web development, as well as those that address the need for modern-day professionals in entertainment business, internet marketing, and the evolving world of education, you've come to the right place. Full Sail offers Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's Degrees for creative minds at both our award-winning campus in Florida and online. Regardless of which program you choose, one of Full Sail's fundamental goals is to encourage the union of art and technology. Pick a campus degree or online degree program and come inside and learn more about our university for creative minds.
Programs:
- Computer Animation
- Game Art
- Game Design
- Game Development
- Recording Engineering
- Film
- Creative Writing for Entertainment
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- Winter Park, FL
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Recording Engineering
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Full Sail University.
Westwood College
A career in animation is custom made for you. With your bachelor's degree in animation from Westwood College, you'll have the skills to work in the exciting field while doing what you love to do. And your courses are as interesting as your career will be—with classes that incorporate audio/video technology, laws of motion and drawing with general education. Business classes provide you with important skills in critical thinking, logic, communications and problem solving that will help you address workplace challenges. You'll leave qualified for entry-level positions, like web animator, 3D animator/graphic designer, desktop publisher or flash designer/animator.
Programs:
- Game Software Development
- Animation
- Game Art
- Web Design and Multimedia
- Computer-Aided Design/Architectural Drafting
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Texas
- Virginia
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Mobile Game Dev
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Westwood College
Academy of Art University
The Game Design BFA is designed to give a well-rounded education in the arts with an emphasis on understanding and applying techniques including 3D Modeling, Animation and lighting in Video Game Production. The program will introduce and build on the foundations of traditional drawing, painting, and storytelling to develop conceptual skills, which will be applied to innovative game mechanics and challenging 3D technology. State-of-the-art game engines will be used to prototype games, giving BFA graduates hands-on experience with industry techniques and standards. Communication and organizational skills play key roles as students work on collaborative projects.
The successful graduate will have a solid grasp of all fundamental game art principles including knowledge of game engine technology and pre-production and production environments. They will develop an exceptional portfolio that shows skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as 3D modeling, texturing and advanced texturing techniques, animation, rigging and time management.
Programs:
- Video Game Design
- Prototyping
- Level Design
- Visual Development
- Game Art
- Effects Animation
- Character Design
Campus Locations:
- San Francisco, CA
- Online
Potential Jobs:
- Lead Game Designer
- Lead Animator
- Character Animator
- Character Rigger TD
- Game Designer
- Level Designer
- Concept Artist
- Level Artist
- 3D Modeler Character
Learn more about programs at Academy of Art University.
The Art Institutes
An animation and special effects education that teaches very real skills.
You have all these great ideas in your head. Amazing technology at your fingertips. And a world of possibilities at your feet. Possibilities you can explore in the programs designed to teach animation and special effects at The Art Institutes system of schools.
When you study animation and special effects at our schools, you'll blur the boundaries of business, entertainment and communication as you study everything from character and object design to audio for animation to video production. And you'll learn hands-on, using the same type of animation and special effects equipment and programs the pros use. Once you've finished your study of animation and special effects in school, you can pursue entry-level employment as a 3-D animator, special effects artist, or digital animator. Take a look at the programs below that interest you. And think about the very real possibilities these programs at The Art Institutes system of schools can open up for you.
Programs:
- Animation
- Special Effects
- Game Design and Programming
- Audio, Video, or Film Production
- Web Design & Interactive Media
Campus Locations:
- 49 Campus Locations Across the US.
- Online
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Mobile Game Dev
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at The Art Institutes.
Collins College
Searching for game production colleges? Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a video game? If you're an avid player of computer games, the Bachelor of Science degree in Game Production at Collins College could be for you.
Game producers are the skilled and imaginative professionals who bring a game concept to life. Become a student in our Game Production degree program for an education in game research and planning. Game Production is a comprehensive program emphasizing multiple aspects of game production. Students will have an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and competence in asset development and integration, game play, team collaboration, written and verbal communication, and business operations. In addition, students will be engaged in the integration of theory, process, and digital assets that lead to successful production of games, culminating in a digital portfolio. Students should be able to create, manipulate, and integrate 2D and 3D assets as well as apply game play theory to the analysis and resolution of design challenges and problems. One the best parts of the Game Production degree program is the opportunity to create a professional portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers.
Our Game Production degree program can be completed in as few as 150 weeks.
Programs:
- Game Production
- Film & Video Production
- Digital Video Production
- Audio Production
Campus Locations:
- Phoenix, Arizona
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Game Designer
- 3D Modelers
- Effects Artist
Learn more about programs at Collins College.
Digital Media Arts College
Digital Media Arts College (DMAC) is designed to mold your creativity and test your artistic skills as it readies you for an ever-changing industry where trends come and go and competition is steadily increasing. DMAC offers specialized Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Computer Animation and Graphic Design (and a concentration in Advertising Design) as well as Master of Fine Arts degrees in Visual Effects Animation and Web Design.
Programs:
- Computer Animation
- Game Art Concentration
- Visual Effects Animation
- Advertising Design Concentration
- Graphic Design
Campus Locations:
- Boca Raton, FL
Potential Jobs:
- 3D Animator
- Motion Capture
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Digital Media Arts College .
International Academy of Design & Technology
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Computer Animation is designed to provide students with the advanced conceptual and technical skills needed to enter the field of computer animation, game art and game design.
Utilizing industry-standard hardware and software such as Maya, Motion Builder, Z-Brush, Motion capture, Renderman and AVID, students in our Computer Animation degree program are exposed to a comprehensive course of study that can provide them with opportunities to:
* Gain a strong foundation in the principles of animation, storyboarding, drawing, modeling and animation.
* Specialize in television, feature films, games and other exciting career fields.
* Create projects for competition and portfolio that can help students confidently prepare to enter a competitive job market.
* Train on the same equipment used by major motion picture and game studios.
This career-focused Computer Animation degree program explores professional principles and practices in the computer animation and game industry. Students in our Computer Animation training program will be instructed in the principles of drawing, character development in both 2D and 3D. Students will have an opportunity to develop characters, animations, amazing worlds and special effects like those used in feature films, television and games.
Programs:
- Digital Media Production & Animation
- Film, Video & Animation Post Production
- Game Design & Production
- Computer Forensics
- Audio Production
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Las Vegas
- Nashville
- Orlando
- Sacramento
- San Antonio
- Seattle
- Tampa
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at International Academy of Design & Technology.
Laurus College
This program introduces students to the world of 3D animation. Students will focus on the techniques and methods for creating 3D animation and effects using the industry standard software Maya. Maya software is one of the world's most powerfully integrated 3D modeling, animation, effects, and rendering solutions in the video game design and development industry today. Film and video artists, video game developers, web designers, and print designers turn to Maya software to realize their creative vision.
Using this software, students will explore ways to model, texture, animate, and render creative environments. Students will work in both 2D and 3D, creating characters with realistic motion in everyday life. In this program students work with industry standard software to gain valuable skills in the video game design and development industry. Students in this certificate program will work to create a portfolio that showcases their creativity and their skills.
Programs:
- 3D Animation Program
Campus Locations:
- Atascadero, CA
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Santa Maria, CA
Potential Jobs:
- 3D Animator
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Laurus College.
Visual College of Art and Design Of Vancouver
Visual College of Art and Design of Vancouver (VCAD) began as a branch of the Victoria College of Art and Design, which has taught artists and imaginative people to follow their creative passions for more than 35 years. Building on these creative roots, VCAD has rapidly grown into its own innovative and dynamic Vancouver-based college of creative applied arts, but is now independent of its progenitor. VCAD's Art and Design diploma programs cover the fashion, graphic and web design, interior design, and animation industries.
Programs:
- 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design
Campus Locations:
- Vancouver, BC
Potential Jobs:
- Computer Animation Studios
- Game Development Companies
- Post Production
- Special Effects Studios
- Industrial Design Firms
- Software Producers
- 3D Graphics Companies
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Visual College of Art and Design Of Vancouver.
Platt College
Platt College School of Graphic Design's Bachelors degree program in Visual Communication helps you build the skills you need to start an exciting new career. You choose to specialize in either Web Design or 3D Animation. Both specializations are dynamic and will provide graduates with skills necessary to be effective in careers in these popular and ever expanding industries.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication (BAVC) develops professionals who take concepts and then create visual imagery by employing type, illustration, sound, music, photography, and animation. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication degree program will produce a professional portfolio that will make them viable candidates for employment in the myriad of industries related to visual communication. Past graduates have found successful employment as animators, computer animators, digital media producers, special effects artists, background designers, computer artists, layout artists, and video game artists.
Programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in 3D Animation
Campus Locations:
- Alhambra, CA
- Ontario, CA
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Platt College.
Rasmussen College
Creative. Visionary. Insightful. These are all descriptions of a good candidate for the Digital Design and Animation specialization student. Students will take courses in drawing, design, art theory, and 3-D arts and animation. Plus, students will have the opportunity to create art projects both digitally and by hand. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work as a graphic designer, a video game artist, and illustrator, or in an advertising career.
Programs:
- Digital Design and Animation Bachelor Degree
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- North Dakota
- Florida
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Rasmussen College.
University of Southern California
The video game design minor integrates theoretical concepts and practical skills to prepare students for a career in interactive entertainment, specifically the video game industry. Through integration of two major disciplines (cinema and information technology), students will be exposed to a variety of design concepts related to creating video games including: level design, game-play control, user interface, multiplayer, game mechanics, and storytelling. As opposed to the video game programming minor where students will be writing code and programming game engines, students in the video game design and management minor will apply design concepts to different game genres and use game design software tools to create a working demo of a video game during the course of the minor program.
Programs:
- Video Game Design & Management
- Animation & Digital Arts
Campus Locations:
- Los Angeles, CA
Classes:
- Programming for Interactivity
- Intermediate Game Development
- Game Design Workshop
- Intermediate Game Design Workshop
- Video Game Production
- Designing and Producing Video Games
- Level Design and Development for Video Games
- Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation
- Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques
Learn more about programs at University of Southern California.
