Technology has become an important part of everyday life in so many different ways, and the work that goes behind these structures is incredibly widespread. Candidates for Game Design programs should be prepared to commit to a demanding and competitive yet ever-stimulating and exciting field. 
There is no doubt that one of the great successes of today’s global society is the spectacular technological advancements enjoyed by many. Technology has become an essential part of everyday life in so many different ways, and the work that goes behind these structures is often interdisciplinary and pulls from many aspects of the overarching field. Students who are interested in the specific subfield of Game Design have many options for schooling, and even more in the professional workforce once graduated. Many Game Design and Game Art undergraduate programs are designed with an all-encompassing understanding of the technological fields, and so prospective students should expect to receive a diverse and professional education.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies Game Development work under Software Development, whose employment opportunities are expected to increase by an impressive and much-higher-than-average 21 percent from 2016-2026. Candidates for Game Design programs should be prepared to commit to a demanding field. Curriculums will typically begin with foundational technological teachings before branching off into the more specialized game-focused topics, like 3D modeling or user experience. Online programs are offered in plenty, with either fully-online schedules available or hybrid formats, as accreditation for 100 percent online Game Design programs are granted competitively. Whatever one’s ambitions are in the diverse field of Game Design, there’s a program that fits.
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Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the Top 10 Cheap Game Design Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs for 2020!
10. Franklin University – Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design from Franklin University prepares students for work in gaming to mobile apps to sites, with a variety of career opportunities in the technical, artistic, and management fields. The program is considered a degree-completion program, meaning that students can finish their undergraduate degree by transferring in previously earned credits before beginning those of the IMD degree available online. Coursework in the major includes Web Design Fundamentals, Graphic Design Fundamentals, and Interactive Design Fundamentals. From there, students go onto electives in any of those areas and also Flash Animation and Media Design. The curriculum emphasizes the usefulness of education combined in project management and design and technology skills.
Net Price: $24,779
9. Cogswell College – San Jose, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design Art
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The Bachelor of Arts in Game Design Art from Cogswell University trains students in game design mechanics, gameplay principles, interactivity, and the creation and refining of game content. From these foundational layers of knowledge, students go onto more specialized courses, covering topics like 3D animation software and game engines. The program is centered around designing, creating, and bringing to life. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Game Design and Development with an overview of their ambitions in the field. From there, it’ll be discussed whether the student should continue into the Game Design Art program, or the department’s other concentration, Game Writing.
Net Price: $23,601
8. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design – Denver, CO
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art
Website
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design designed their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art for those looking to think up and then create an impactful virtual experience, drawing from skills of technology, creative thinking, and imagination. The program covers an array of topics in the field, such as 3D modeling, lighting and texture, visual storytelling, character rigging, and animation, level design, and even business ethics and copyrights. The entire degree can be earned online, with courses that merge the artistic and technical paths necessary for success. The university’s online learning system is structured in requirements and layout, but flexible on timing.
Net Price: $22,349
7. University of Baltimore – Baltimore, MD
Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design
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The Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design from the University of Baltimore trains students in applied game design theory, the fundamentals of computer programming, 3D modeling, usability design, multiplayer game design, and more. Graduates often go onto careers in information technology, computer science, or even business and visual design. Once admitted, students select one of two specializations: Technical Art or Coding and Development. Technical Art will focus more on modeling and animation and the integration of them into game engines, whereas Coding and Development are for students who have more scripting and logic-driven goals in the field.
Net Price: $20,862
6. Lewis University – Romeoville, IL
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
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Lewis University provides, either, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and from there, students can select the specialization of Game and Simulation Programming. This concentration within the Computer Science major prepares students to write high-performance video games and simulations. Core courses of the CS major will cover generalized and relevant topics of the field such as Object-Oriented Programming, Operating Systems, and Computer Organization. From there, students continue onto their specialization, where courses like Robotics and Machine Learning are offered. Graduates have gone onto work in Video Game Development but also an array of related technological fields, as Network Architects or Mobile Applications Developers.
Net Price: $19,967
5. University of Advancing Technology – Tempe, AZ
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design
Website
The online Bachelor of Arts in Game Design from the University of Advancing Technology is proudly offered from a university that is consistently ranked as a top game design institution. The curriculum is meant to reflect the expanding and innovative field, with specialization areas that discover and explore all aspects of game design. Aside from specialization opportunities for those who know their goals in the field, course topics include game documentation, mechanics, scripting, asset creation, systems and level design, user experience, and much more. There’s also an emphasis on critical thinking, with topics around the study of gameplay, player interaction, and community dynamics.
Net Price: $19,750
4. Lindenwood University – Saint Charles, MO
Bachelor of Arts in Game Design
Website
Lindenwood University’s Bachelor of Arts in Game Design prepares students with a foundational understanding of all aspects of the field before training them further in advanced game design and production courses. This combination of knowledge and skill will allow them to move from conception to application of game design, covering topics like aesthetics, immersion, usability, and game economics. All students will participate in project and portfolio courses as well, so upon entrance into the field, they have the professional experience to showcase. The degree is offered through a hybrid format or entirely online. Aside from the generalized Game Design degree, there’s an emphasis in Game Art for those who would like to take the approach of drawing, concept design, classical myth, and animation.
Net Price: $17,305
3. Davenport University – Grand Rapids, MI
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
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Davenport University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and from there, students can select a concentration, such as Gaming and Simulation. The Gaming and Simulation specialization expands upon the more generalized courses of Computer Science to prepare students in design, 2D and 3D development and modeling, application specifications, prototyping, implementation, and more. Other courses that fulfill the Computer Science requirements include Professional Ethics, Linear Algebra, and Data Structures and Algorithms, which prepare graduates to enter the workforce with multifaceted talents and skills necessary.
Net Price: $16,788
2. Baker College – Flint, MI
Bachelor’s in Game Software Development
Website
Baker College offers an entirely online Bachelor’s degree in Game Software Development. The program equips students with the skills necessary to develop, design, and test games in a wide variety of formats, including computers to major video game consoles. The curriculum is designed with the support of industry experts, so students can benefit from the most relevant and vital knowledge needed to thrive in their fast-paced careers. Courses include Principles of Computer Science, Application Security Practices, Unreal Game Programming, Artificial Intelligence, and much more. Students will also fulfill the required hands-on work experiences, having the chance to develop further and refine their skills while being trained in the actual field.
Net Price: $12,983
1. Middle Georgia State University – Macon, GA
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Website
Middle Georgia State University awards a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree, where students can further specialize in Integrated Digital Media and Game Design. The program is centered around innovation, flexibility, and convenience, with an emphasis on skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication skills. The combination of these professionally-demanded traits as well as the extensive knowledge in Information Technology makes excellent graduate candidates in an array of fields. The Integrated Digital Media and Game Design concentration make up for five courses in the degree, including 3D Modeling, Interactive Digital Media, Game Design and Development, and even Web Multimedia Delivery.
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