by The video game industry is worth over $200 billion, and the demand for new programmers is also increasing. The video game programmer degree can help you break into this growing industry with a set of skills and foundation to work on anything from PC games to mobile apps.
Suppose you are considering a degree in video game programming. In that case, you may need an associate’s degree to get your foot in the door.
It is not difficult to gain some basic skills and experience with various free software packages; however, a college degree will make it much easier for you to find employment.
Associate’s degree in computer programming
An Associate’s degree in computer programming is not enough. When you leave college, you will need to switch careers to work as a game programmer.
Video game programs and associated graduate degrees open doors to top companies with lots of experience and expertise. A graduate in the gaming degree may land a job within six months or less.
Master’s Degree In Game Design And Development
It is The Most Recognized And Prestigious Degree In The Nation. If you are serious about a career in video games, video game design and development is what you should be studying. Most prestigious universities offer a Master’s Degree in Video Game Design And Development.
What Can You Do With A Video Game Programmer Degree?
Video game programmer degree programs will teach you skills such as:
Programming fundamentals like data structures and algorithms for video games
Understanding how to write code and using software engineering practices.
Fundamental computer science that’s applicable across many different industries
Most programs will cover topics like:
C++ and Java programming languages.
Game design fundamentals, such as the basics of Storytelling in games or how to create a compelling player experience.
Mathematics for video games (including geometry and trigonometry that are used extensively across the industry)
Artificial intelligence algorithm implementation
University Of Advancing Technology
(UAT) promotes programmers, teams, and projects with students in other levels of game development, including game design, gaming arts, animation, virtual reality, game production, and management for real-world collaboration.
UAT is home to the largest incubator laboratory in the country, where more than 120 UAT students participate in the development of games at any time. The UAT Game Studio is a game production pipeline that promotes games and connections to the gaming industry.
The Bachelor of Science in Game Design
It consists of high-quality game design and production courses, improving students’ ability to work in a fast-paced game studio environment.
The course is designed specifically to teach game simulation, physics engine development, artificial intelligence for games, game design, and mathematics programming for games to students.
The course also provides students with knowledge of the production process and the building blocks of narrative design.
Bachelor of Computer Science Game Design
Students may pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science with a focus on game systems, a Bachelor of Game Design, a Bachelor of Game Programming, an MS in Game Programming, or an MFA in Game Design.
This degree allows students to understand modern computer systems and master software development and programming.
A minor in video game design prepare students for a career in the fast pace entertainment and video game industry.
Unlike a minor video game program where students write code or program for a game engine, this minor uses design concepts from various game genres. It uses game design software tools to create functional demo video games throughout the minor program.
In contrast, a video game design minor focuses on applying design concepts and software design tools. Students in the minor evaluate, write and debug code and construct game engines during the minor course.
Students first learn to write basic programs to create a good foundation before applying their programming skills to game design. They will also learn the basic math and programming skills required for video games before taking advanced courses in that major.
The training requirements for video game artists for gaming jobs may include a specialized 2-4 year degree in gaming arts. However, a traditional degree from an art school is acceptable in many cases.
See the list below of some of the top colleges and universities offering video game programmer degrees. The list is based on the ranking provided by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Magazine, and other authoritative sources.
Top 9 Best Video Game Programmer Degree Universities
9- Drexel University (Online) – Online Master’s Degree In Computer Science With A Concentration In-Game Programming
Drexel University Online offers an online master’s degree in computer science with a concentration in video game programming. This program is offered entirely online. It takes 3yrs to complete the degree, and the tuition is $68,378.
Drexel University Online (Online) – Computer Science With A Concentration In Video Game Programming: Graduate Certificate (Online) – Information Technology: Master of Computer Science (MCS): Concentration In Video Game Programming (Master’s Degree)
8. Columbia College Chicago – Sound Art And Design Degree Course
Columbia College Chicago offers a sound art and design course. This program is offered completely online. It takes 2 years to complete the degree, and the tuition is $38,800.
Columbia College Chicago (Online) – Sound Art And Design Course
7. University of Utah – Video Game Graphics and Simulation Degree Program
The University of Utah offers an online video game graphics and simulation degree program. This program is offered 100% online. It takes 3yrs to complete the degree, and the tuition is $76,162.
University of Utah (Online) – Computer Science With A Game Development Specialization: Master of Science (M.S.) (Online)
6. Rochester Institute of Technology – Game Design Master’s Degree Program
The Rochester Institute of Technology offers a master’s degree program in game design. This program is offered completely online. It takes 2 years to complete the degree, and the tuition is $62,832.
Rochester Institute of Technology (Online) – Master of Science in Game Design and Development
5. DigiPen Institute of Technology – Bachelor’s Degree In Video Game Programmer And Designer
Digipen institute of technology offers a bachelor’s degree in video game programming and design. This program is offered only online. It takes 4 years to complete the degree, and the tuition is $108,256.
DigiPen Institute of Technology (Online) – Bachelor’s Degree In Video Game Programmer And Designer (Bachelor’s Degree)
4. The Art Institute of California – Programmer: Digital Arts Certificate
The Art Institute of California offers an online digital arts certificate. This program is offered online. It takes 1 year to complete the degree, and the tuition is $21,174.
The Art Institute of California (Online) – Programming: Digital Arts Online Certificate (Certificate)
3. New York University – Game Design And Development Degree Program
New York University offers a game design and development degree program. This program is offered online. It takes 1 year to complete the degree, and the tuition is $70,008.
New York University (Online) – Game Design And Development Online Degree Program – Game Streaming Technology: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Information Science: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
2. University of Southern California – Master’s Degree In Gaming And Simulation
University of Southern California offers a master’s degree program in gaming and simulation. This program is offered online. It takes 3yrs to complete the degree, and the tuition is $72,744.
1. Carnegie Mellon University – Entertainment Software And Technology Degree Program.
Carnegie Mellon University gives you the opportunity to major in entertainment software and technology. This program is offered online, and it takes 4 years to complete the degree. The tuition is $76,672.
Carnegie Mellon University (Online) – Entertainment Software And Technology: Master Of Science (M.S.) In Information Networking And Telecommunications
Students who wish to study the technical side of game development can choose the Viterbi School of Engineering degree. The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) offers a Master of Game Studio at the U of U.
The Video Game Design program is aimed at art-oriented and technical-oriented students. Students wishing to study game design and production can choose from the School of Cinematic Arts.
The MS in computer science with an emphasis on game design offers courses in computer science and game development, focusing on game development infrastructure, game recognition, and immersion in serious games. Students of the bachelor program of Full Sail University will also take physics lessons.
Students who do not take this factor into account when obtaining a degree in a subject cannot qualify for employment. Companies prefer candidates with a relevant master’s degree because they can demonstrate expertise at the bachelor’s level.
Exceptions to this rule relate to web development positions (also called associate degrees) and specialized web development positions requiring a bachelor’s degree.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right video game programmer degree is one of the most important parts of your education. Making sure you choose a degree that will suit your preferences and future goals, whether working in a particular industry or going for a certain type of job in the field – is the first step to finding an ideal school and program.
Sources
https://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/computer-science-degree-for-video-game-career/
https://games.usc.edu/main/degree-programs/
https://education.seattlepi.com/courses-needed-game-programmer-2134.html
https://www.degreequery.com/degree-need-video-game-programmer/
https://www.computerscience.org/careers/video-game-designer/
https://www.uat.edu/game-programming-degree
https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-game-programming-and-development
https://work.chron.com/requirements-game-programmer-13788.html
https://www.itcareerfinder.com/it-careers/video-game-designer.html
