Common questions about game design majors, minors and certificates asked by our readers:
One of the most popular double majors for game design students is computer science. Many schools, such as Rochester Institute of Technology and Northeastern University allow students to combine the two majors into a bachelor’s degree. Other schools, such as DigiPen Institute of Technology, offer a BS in Computer Science and Game Design that requires just as many courses and work as the double major.
Some of the top double majors for game designers are computer science, software engineering or software development and game design, game development or game programming; animation or computer animation and game design, and visual effects and game design. Because some game designers would like to open their own studios one day, double majors that include business or entrepreneurship are also growing in popularity. Examples of schools that offer the computer science and game design double majors include Rochester Institute of Technology and Northeastern University. Schools that offer the animation and game double major include Bradley University, Oklahoma Christian University, Moore College of Art and Design, and University of Advancing Technology.
Popular minors for game designers include animation, computer science, software engineering or software development, and visual effects. Savannah College of Art and Design lists the following minors that complement the school’s Interactive Design and Game Development program: concept art for games, character technical direction, storyboarding, and technical direction. Because some game designers would like to open their own studios one day, business and entrepreneurship are growing in popularity as well.
Some of the top majors for aspiring game designers are game design, game design and development, interactive entertainment, computer science, software engineering, and software development.
Aspiring game artists typically major in game art, fine art, studio art, computer art, illustration, drawing, painting, animation, visual effects, digital art and design, and graphic design. Degrees in game art and development, animation and game art, and more are also available.
Popular majors for aspiring game programmers include game programming, game programming and development, game design and development, computer science, computer programming, software engineering, software development, mathematical programming, mathematics and computer science, and computational mathematics.
Some of the most popular majors for aspiring game developers include game development, game design and development, game programming, game programming and development, game art and development, computer science, computer programming, software engineering, and software development.
While a minor in game design might help you land an entry-level position, most employers prefer to hire designers with at least a bachelor’s degree in game design or related field.
The number of credit hours required to complete a game designer minor varies greatly by school. Some schools require as few as 12 credit hours, while others may require as many as 21.
Most game design certificate programs require no less than 15 credit hours of study taken over two semesters or one year.
There are so many schools offering game design certificates, you’ll lose count. Just a few popular options include Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation, New York Film Academy, California State University Los Angeles, Arizona State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Washington, Murray State University, University at Buffalo, American University Washington, Sacred Heart University, Angelo State University, Lamar University, Wichita State University, and Game Institute/ed2go.