Learn Game Art & Design Online
- $320/credit (120 total credits)
- Learn while using industry-standard 3D and 2D graphics software
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Create a portfolio of front-end game art assets to show employers
- Get job-ready for game and simulation development
Game Art Degree Online Program Overview
Bring virtual worlds to life with an online game design and art degree.
Whether it's imagining rich virtual game worlds or designing creatures from another planet, you'll be on the right path to the fast-paced, exciting world of video game art and design with SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in Game Art and Development.
As an online game design degree that zeroes in on game art, this program will help you build a portfolio of compelling front-end game designs. You'll use industry-standard 3D and 2D graphic software to learn and apply game design and game art principles such as:
- 3D modeling & 3D mesh topology
- Lighting, shading and texturing
- Illustration & digital painting
- Rigging
Creativity, critical thinking and technical skills all come together in this highly sought-after undergraduate program. The convenience of SNHU’s online offering means you can remain located in the areas of the country where the markets are booming – the West Coast or Florida, for instance – and emerge with the skills you need to enter an industry that's both fast-paced and always changing.
You'll learn how to:
- Design professional quality digital game and interactive media elements
- Recommend strategies that shape the design of digital games and interactive media
- Apply industry tools used to create digital games and other interactive media
- Evaluate and respond to problems through creative thinking and collaboration
- Optimize the design of interactive media elements within various digital platforms
Level Up in Game Programming: Passionate about the science behind gaming? Our game programming degree online will teach you how to create interactive game experiences through rule design, play mechanics and more.
Career Outlook
According to Newzoo, the global video game industry is projected to grow to more than $180.1 billion by 2021.2 In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 4% through 2028 – on pace with the national average for all occupations.3
SNHU offers a critical advantage in a highly competitive field, as our program uniquely hones in on today's industry standards and essential skill-building to excel in game design and game art.
Whether it's for games or movies, ed-tech or the military, here are just a few careers you might land with an online game art degree:
- Environment artist. Create the virtual worlds and landscapes the game's characters will inhabit.
- 3D modeler. Build detailed 3D models of objects and characters.
- Character animator. Use models to animate objects and characters.
- Concept artist. Envision and plan the look and feel of virtual worlds and characters.
- User interface (UI) artist. Design and draw the menus, heads-up display and other navigational components of a game or virtual environment.
Almost anything you need to build or create in the 21st century begins with a model, animation or both, because these tools can help pinpoint design flaws, identify areas of improvement and ultimately reduce costs.
"When I first started the game art program, I worked at a small game company," Rumbaugh said. "Applying the knowledge I learned from SNHU really pushed the limits of what I thought I was capable of."
Learning the ins-and-outs of industry tools, she made the decision to "jump right in and do it." That attitude ultimately helped her become her own boss.
"Building up these skills was what gave me the courage to start my business and reach out to new companies," she said.
As far as future goals? She's aiming even higher. "I’m hoping that I will eventually be able to work on my first console game as a contract artist," she said.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Game Art and Development Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online Game Art Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.* Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so SNHU can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
Our curriculum was designed to help you become proficient with design tools like Adobe Software Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design) and 3DS Max. Armed with these tools, you'll build an eye-catching portfolio that includes original character and creature designs. You'll also gain demonstrated experience designing interactive 3D environments.
Courses mirror the standard workflow pipeline used in the industry for the production of art assets. You'll apply these skills to multiple video game platforms, including web, console, PC and mobile, so you'll be ready to hit the ground running in a fast-paced industry.
Additionally, our expert faculty of gaming vets will impart their broad experience within the gaming industry.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education courses: All online bachelor's degree students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Save time and tuition: Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 9 math credits – the equivalent of 3 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment with our Pathways to Math Success assessments.
- Earn credits for what you already know: Did you know certain work and life experience – like industry-recognized certifications, law enforcement training and math knowledge – could save you time and money at SNHU? Learn how you could get credit for work or life experience.
Student Spotlight: John Lanier
For John Lanier '20, that meant building character designs for just about any type of game you can think of – from surrealist horror to go-cart style racing games.
"In my time at SNHU, I created player and non-player character concepts that evolved from quick thumbnail designs to these final versions," Lanier said. "Modeling was done in 3D Studio Max and Mudbox, with textures created in Photoshop – all programs introduced and taught within the program."
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BA in Game Art & Development |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BA in Game Art and Development Online | ||
| GRA 201 | Intro to Digital Sculpting | In this course students will be introduced into Digital sculpting with zbrush. Also understand how digital sculpting fits into a pipeline in a game production environment. Techniques covered in this course will be software navigation, sculpting with multiple brushes, masking, poly painting, and materials. The course will cover some practices used to prep a model for the next stage in creating a game model. Some techniques will show how zbrush can work seamlessly with other 3D modeling software. The class will also have assignments that include observational and concept drawing. |
| GRA 202 | 3-D Modeling and Animation | In this course students will be introduced to 3DS max. It will give them an overview of what max does specifically for games. This course will be focused on modeling. Students will learn the basics of modeling low poly and high poly models. How they are unwrapped and used in conjunction with textures. It will also show a wide range of techniques used in the industry for modeling for mobile, PC and current generation consoles. |
| GRA 211 | Interactive Animation | This course focuses on programming capabilities to enhance graphic animations and user interfaces to provide spectacular interactive results. Those benefiting from this course include students in game development, advertising, marketing, education, web development, art and other fields that can benefit from interactive animated graphics helping to convey concepts. The course is intended for those with no programming experience as well as those with some programming background. The use and creation of animations will be covered at a level of interest to both those new as well as experienced. The results can be displayed by a browser from the internet or as standalone results displayable on a range of operating systems. This is a hands on computer based course in which the students create a number of individual projects based on their interests and capabilities, focusing on creativity and programming aspects of interactive animation. The course utilizes emerging technologies in interactive animation. |
| GRA 212 | 3-D Character Animation | This course will introduce students to character animation by learning the 12 principles of animation. We will also be going over the pipeline for skinning and rigging a character. |
| GRA 220 | Introduction to Digital Imaging | Using Photoshop and Illustrator software, this course is an introduction to professional computer graphics creation and to the software and hardware typically used in the graphic design, video, photography and interactive Web/multimedia industries. Emphasis will be placed on the professional use of image-capturing devices, such as scanners, digital still cameras and video cameras. Image editing and color management systems will be discussed and demonstrated. The important differences between vector and bitmap graphics will be defined, as will the significant differences in preparing images for print, broadcast and Web distribution. Students will be encouraged to experiment with their own and pre-existing images using sophisticated digital editing techniques such as layering, channel masking, filtering, cloning and montaging. Special attention will be paid to copyright awareness in the age of digital image. |
| GRA 311 | Environment Design | In the first half of this course students will be introduced to a pipeline for the creation of environments inside of a game studio. Students will be shown how to use reference drawings and images to help build props and environment pieces. Students will also be shown how these assets can be used, not only as standalone assets but to create other bigger picture assets when used as a modular set piece. Then the students will digitally sculpt environment assets from references provided to them. When the sculpting phase is finished the students will learn how to build a game model from their digital sculpt. Students will then create the textures that will be used for a final render. In the second half of this course students will be able to go through this same pipeline but instead of using provided artwork, they will create something from their own imagination. |
| GRA 401 | Character Design | This course will involve a combination of concept, texturing, digital sculpting and 3d modeling to create characters that would appear on both mobile and current generation consoles. Students will learn a proven pipeline used in the gaming industry to bring a concept to creation and ready for game implementation. The course will begin showing students how this pipeline works in combination of different types of software following a given concept. They will have the understanding of how specific software works along the path of the pipeline to create a character. Students will then be asked to create their own concept following the techniques used in class to present a finished game character for their final project. |
| GRA 402 | Creature Design | In this course students will be shown how creatures are created from an idea to a fully fleshed out game model. They will work through weekly assignments to see the connection of real world animals and fantasy creatures. Students will follow step by step instruction with supplied concepts to build a fantasy creature through real world animal anatomy and the creative process. In the second half of this course students will learn how to go through this same process of using reference of actual creatures/animals from the real world as a spring board to create their own fantasy creature. |
| GRA 440 | 3-D Art and Design | In this course students will explore how their individual creative strengths and digital skill sets fit into a professional work flow of commercial game production. Students will choose one or multiple aspects of game art creation: Character design, Environment design, or Animation. All creative work produced in this course will be executed in the context of strict deadlines that simulate industry expectation. Students will concentrate on game development source control and integration of art assets into a production pipeline. Each student develops a digital portfolio and website that showcase their ability to create professional creative art work. Students will learn the process of objective self-evaluation and peer criticism and preparing their portfolios to match professional job board postings. |
| GRA 492 | Game Art and Development Capstone | This capstone course is the culminating experience for the B.A. in Game Art and Development program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Game Art & Development Required Hardware & Software
The following software programs will be required for use in the game art and development program. Note that system requirements may change without notice. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they meet the minimum system requirements for these programs.
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite
This package includes Maya, 3ds Max, MotionBuilder and Mudbox. Students can download these products for free under an educational agreement through Autodesk.
System Requirements
- Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit operating system
- CPU: Intel i5/i7/Xeon technology or AMD equivalent
- Graphics hardware: Refer to Autodesk's recommendations for Maya and Mudbox
- RAM: A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is required, but 32GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessary with each annual release of new versions of Autodesk applications.
- Disk space: 19 GB free disk space
Note that some Autodesk products included in the Entertainment Creation Suite may be available for Apple® Mac OS® X operating systems. Students may elect to run non-native software (most notably 3ds Max) on Windows® through Apple's Boot Camp® or Parallels Desktop® systems. Students who wish to obtain Windows® 10 may do so through SNHU's OnTheHub store.
Adobe Creative Cloud
This package includes Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat and more. Students can download these products for a reduced monthly cost through SNHU's OnTheHub store.
System Requirements
The requirements below are listed for Photoshop and Illustrator. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.
PC:
- Operating system: Windows 10 operating system
- CPU: Intel® Core 2 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor
- RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
- Disk space: 2.6 GB free disk space
- 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended*
- OpenGL 2.0-capable system
Mac:
- Operating System: Mac OS® 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS version 10.12 (Sierra), or Mac OS X version 10.11 (El Capitan)
- CPU: Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
- RAM: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
- Disk space: 4 GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system)
- 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended*
- OpenGL 2.0-capable system
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) |
$675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to be a game artist?
There isn't one defined path to becoming a game artist. Some earn a game art degree, while others pursue a graphic design degree. Others may major in computer graphics or animation.
No matter what degree you choose, the program should help you:
- Master the tools you need to create standout character, creature and environment designs
- Collaborate to create projects that can capture the eyes and imagination of employers
- Develop the confidence and connections you need to get ahead in the industry
Fortunately, our bachelor's in game art can help you do all 3.
Here's the best part: you won't have to wait for graduation to show what you're capable of.
We offer a number of interactive experiences to help prepare you for future success. One such example is the annual Art Exhibition Contest. You'll get the opportunity to have your work reviewed by experts in the field. If your work is selected, you'll also receive a scholarship prize (not to mention bragging rights).
What is a game art degree?
A game art degree is what it sounds like: a program that helps you specialize in making artwork for video games.
With a game art degree, you'll learn how to create the parts of a game people see. You could design the leading heroine in a first-person shooter or the final boss in an action adventure. You might create the coins players collect to advance to the next level of a mobile puzzle game, or a fantastic steam-punk world in an RPG.
By exploring areas like digital sculpting, 3-D modeling and animation, and environment design, you'll learn how to create industry-ready work. And, with any luck, you'll knock the socks off gamers, too.
Can you get a game art degree online?
Of course. Whether you're looking to start your career, or pivot to a new one, learning online can help unlock your future potential.
Our game art degree can be completed 100% online, giving you the flexibility you need to advance your career without putting your life on hold.
That's what motivated SNHU game art graduate John Lanier to take the leap. "I’d been meaning to complete my bachelor’s since leaving the military," he said. "But I had a hard time finding a program tailored to game development [that was] also flexible and affordable."
When he found SNHU, John suddenly had a platform to step back into the world of higher education. But with so many years out of the game, it wasn't without hesitation.
"I was worried about the time commitment, workload and seemingly large number of different classes that lay before me," he said. "I’ve also been out of school for a very long time, so the fear of getting back into a classroom was very real."
Still, John went for it. He enrolled, worked hard, established his voice as an artist and came out the other side a proud graduate.
"My proudest accomplishment is now seeing my bachelor’s degree on the wall," he said.
How much money do game artists make?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specifically report game design or art salary data, multimedia artists and animators reportedly earned a median annual wage of $75,270 in 2019.3
It should be noted, however, that salaries can vary greatly by geographic location, experience level and work environment.
Plus, with highly specialized roles within the gaming industry, each of which requires different subsets of skills and responsibilities, wage estimations are often difficult to predict.
How hard is it to become a game artist?
The gaming industry is attractive to many people. It can be highly collaborative, creative and rewarding. That said, it's also very competitive and difficult to break into. This is especially true for those in underrepresented groups, such as women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A 2017 survey by International Game Developer Association found that 21% of respondents in the gaming industry were women, 5% identified as homosexual and 3% identified as transgender.4
But at SNHU, we're committed to helping our diverse student body succeed. Whether it's empowering women leaders in our gaming and STEM programs or giving underrepresented students the opportunity to network at events like Game Jams, PAX East or the Grace Hopper Celebration, we provide opportunities to not only succeed – but to excel.
As one former game design student, Grace Tay '17, put it: "We need to get to a point where, if a woman is leading in a video game, it's normal. The only way we're going to do that is if women see themselves in these positions. So my advice is: Don't let statistics discourage you, use them as fuel. If you are passionate about this field, and you apply yourself, you can do it."
What can I do with a game art degree?
A game art degree can help prepare you for a handful of different roles in the gaming industry. You could become the concept artist who creates the characters, environments, vehicles and creatures that define the overall look and feel of a game. As a modeler or animator, you could be responsible for building 3D models along with the animated assets to put them motion.
You can also apply these skills outside of the gaming world. Just ask John Lanier '20, a game art graduate who now works with a large manufacturer of aviation aircraft.
"The BA in Game Art and Development degree at SNHU has given me the tools to expand and evolve what I can do for my company," Lanier said. From designing beauty renders and concept art to modeling assets, he applies what he's learned every day.
"I’m now trying to create an interactive spec tool with the Unreal Game Engine that customers can use to select materials and veneers for an aircraft interior," Lanier said.
He's also noticed a trend – he's not the only person with a background in video games. "There are two of us now with GA&D degrees that work here… it’s kind of a jack-of-all-trades degree."
What's the difference between game artists, animators, designers, producers and programmers?
As complex as the process of making a game can be, it's important to note the responsibilities of each team member involved. Here's a quick breakdown of some key jobs in the gaming world:
Game artist. Game artists are specifically responsible for the front end designs in games. This may include 2D or 3D models of characters, creatures, vehicles or virtual environments.
"In the online BA in Game Art and Development degree program, we'll teach students how to create art designs and assets for game design concepts," said Max Callahan, associate dean at SNHU.
A game art degree is designed to help you fill any number of roles as a game artist – including concept designer, modeler, texture artist, rigger and animator.
Animator. An animator is someone who takes a static drawing or 3D model and brings it to life. As mentioned before, animation is a sub-specialization of game art.
Like many roles in gaming, this is a highly collaborative job. In many cases, your designs will come from a 3D modeler. You'll then likely work with designers under the direction of an art director to figure out exactly how a character, creature or object should move.
You'll almost act as a stage coach – helping understand a character's motivations and giving personality to the way they move. Plus, your skills will be transferable to a number of other industries – such as film, television, marketing and more.
Game designer. What does a game designer do? These are the pros who have a deep understanding of their industry and what gamers want.
As a game designer, you'll spend a lot of time analyzing and talking about competitors' games. It can be helpful to start out as a QA tester or production assistant, as a good portion of your job will be dedicated to noticing design flaws to help improve gameplay mechanics.
Game designers may also hone in on a particular area of a game. You could be a level designer – where you essentially create blueprints of level maps. As a content designer, you could help create the narrative of a game, including character names, dialogue, quests and stories.
Game producer. Every team needs a person to keep projects on task – in the gaming world, that's the producer.
These are the folks who schedule out the work, communicate with stakeholders, manage budgets and check in with teams to make sure everything's running smoothly. It's all about communication and organization.
Those in the entry level are often given the title of associate producer. Upon reaching a more senior level, you'll likely become a product owner.
Game programmer. We've talked about the artists of the gaming world – now let's talk about the scientists.
Programmers are highly technical. They'll use programming languages like C++, C# and Java to define the mechanics and logic of a game. They'll build their work on a game engine like Unreal for various platforms.
Specialized game programming roles include tools programmer, simulations programmer and software applications developer.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Related Articles
References
*According to a survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.
2 Newzoo Adjusts Global Games Forecast to $148.8 Billion; Slower Growth in Console Spending Starts Sooner than Expected. Newzoo, on the internet at https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/newzoo-adjusts-global-games-forecast-to-148-8-billion-slower-growth-in-console-spending-starts-sooner-than-expected/ (viewed May 12, 2020)
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (viewed May 12, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm (viewed May 12, 2020)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
4 Game companies are failing on diversity, according to new report. Polygon, on the internet at https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/8/16855940/videogame-diversity-report-igda (viewed May 27, 2020)