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Online Degree in Game Design and Development Bachelor's Program (BS)

Michelle Littlejohn '24 drawing on a tablet with a stylus at a home desk, creating game art in a cozy, well-lit workspace.

Cost per credit $354

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an online degree in game design and development?

Build virtual worlds, create 3D creatures or develop the code that turns game concepts into playable experiences with an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Game Design and Development from Southern New Hampshire University. In this degree program, you'll learn creative, collaborative and technical skills needed to succeed in the exciting, fast-paced industry of video game development.

Choose your own adventure. As part of this program, you'll select a studio-inspired concentration in game design, game art or game programming to help build specialized, career-focused skills.

Skills you’ll learn:

  • Designing and building interactive game systems
  • Prototyping, testing and refining gameplay
  • Using industry tools and software
  • Collaborating across teams and implementing feedback
  • Working within a production pipeline
  • Evaluating, iterating and improving work
What makes this online game design and development program different

Courses & Curriculum Online game development classes that prepare you for your career

From design to art to programming, the online bachelor's degree in game design and development gives you a solid understanding of the game production pipeline. No matter which concentration you choose, you'll learn adaptable methods and tools for a rapidly evolving industry. Through collaborative studio-style courses, you'll gain experience working within cross-functional teams to make actual game prototypes — all while building your portfolio.

Plus, you'll have access to the Game Resource Hub. Developed and maintained by program faculty, this constantly growing library of resources is designed to support your learning, bridge skills gaps and keep you on the cutting edge of industry practices.

Choose from 3 specialized concentrations

In the online degree in game design and development, you'll decide which role you want to play in game development by choosing one of the program's 3 industry-aligned concentrations:

  • Game design. Develop the concept and gameplay structure.
  • Game art. Create visual assets and environments.
  • Game programming. Implement functionality and interaction.

These concentrations reflect career pathways, helping you build a specialized skill set that translates directly to roles you'd see in professional game studios. And by working with students from other concentrations in a sequence of studio-style courses that simulate the professional production pipeline, you'll gain experience in true cross-team collaboration while building actual game prototypes.

Not sure which concentration is right for you? This online degree in game art and development is designed to provide early exposure to all 3 areas, so you can adjust your path if your interests change.

If you're interested in worldbuilding, you might choose the BS in Game Design and Development with a concentration in Game Design. The game design concentration focuses on the conceptual and experiential aspects of game development, including scenes, characters, dialog and storylines. Designers are responsible for defining how a game works, how players interact with it and how the experience unfolds.

In the game design concentration, you'll learn:

  • Game concepts and narrative development
  • Gameplay mechanics
  • Level progression and player interaction
  • Game design documentation

A significant portion of this work involves planning and communication. Designers must document gameplay systems so that artists and programmers can translate those ideas into functional game elements. As a game design student, you'll play a particularly visible role in the collaborative studio courses, where you'll pitch game ideas and lead the conceptual direction of team projects.

Courses may include:

  • History of Digital Games
  • Worldbuilding for Games
  • Interactive Storytelling
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Focus on the visual elements that bring a game world to life in the BS in Game Design and Development with a concentration in Game Art. The game art concentration helps you develop the skills needed to create the artistic assets — like characters, environments and items — used in game production pipelines.

In the game art concentration, you'll learn:

  • Concept art and visual design
  • 3D modeling
  • Texturing
  • Character rigging
  • Animation
  • Environment and level design

As a game art student, you'll use industry-standard 2D and 3D graphics software — like Maya, ZBrush and Substance — to transform concepts into fully realized assets for use in game engines. You'll also learn how to collaborate with designers and programmers to ensure those assets function properly within the game.

Courses may include:

  • 3D Modeling and Unwrapping
  • Texturing for Games
  • Environmental Design
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The BS in Game Design and Development with a concentration in Game Programming is for anyone who wants to turn ideas and assets into interactive experiences. Combining computer science fundamentals, engine architecture and gameplay systems design, the game programming concentration touches on everything needed to build video games.

In the game programming concentration, you'll learn:

  • Programming languages (C++ and C#)
  • Gameplay mechanics
  • System logic
  • Algorithms and AI in game and simulations
  • Game engine development

In the game programming concentration, you'll build the technical skills to develop gameplay systems, interactive mechanics and game experiences using industry-relevant tools and game engines. As the last stop in the game production pipeline, you'll be in charge of the scripting and coding that transforms art assets into fully realized, functional games.

Courses may include:

  • Game Programming I & II
  • Programming for Game Engines
  • Game Engine Development
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Degree Courses

Online game design and development degree courses

Your entire BS in Game Design and Development program consists of 40 courses (120 credits) total. This includes general education courses (42 credits), major courses (24 credits), concentration courses (27 credits) and free elective courses (27 credits).

While major courses introduce you to each of the game development disciplines, your concentration courses provide hands-on, specialized training in design, art or programming — helping you hone specific skills employers in the gaming industry are looking for. And if you decide you want to diversify your skill set, the program's free elective courses give you plenty of room to explore.

Courses may include:

Course ID: GAM 120
This course will introduce students to the foundational skills needed to create engaging interactive experiences. Students will explore core principles of game development, applying industry best practices to bring their creative visions to life. They will develop game experiences using professional development tools, visual scripting, and iterative design processes. Additionally, students will explore career pathways within the game industry, gaining insights into professional roles and current trends in game development. Through problem-solving challenges, they will develop innovation and adaptability, preparing them for success in the dynamic world of game creation.
Course ID: GAM 360
In this course, students will gain experience working collaboratively with other game development team members in an integrated development environment. In their efforts, students will gather the various artistic and programming requirements for a visual interactive simulation to determine the overall scope of both the creative outputs and logistics. They will then create a prototype that they will iterate upon and prepare for final launch.
Course ID: GAM 485
In the Game Studio I course, students will apply various aspects of game design and development in the planning and prototyping of an interactive production. Students will gain experience in the pre-production phases of an overall project where they will focus on planning, project management, documentation, and project scope. Communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams will be an important aspect of this course as students develop a viable and cohesive production plan and design proposals. Students will evaluate data collected through prototyping, research, testing, and feedback, and incorporate this information into a final proposal for an interactive production.
Course ID: GAM 486
In this course, students will use pre-production proposals and documentation to build an interactive production. Students will engage in project planning, scope evaluation, task management, version control, and documentation in order to create a release-quality interactive production. Testing, iterative design, and feedback strategies will be used throughout this process to refine the final production. Students will also gain knowledge of the criteria and standards that interactive productions need to meet in order to be published. Collaboration with cross-functional team members and professional communication skills will be emphasized throughout this course.
Course ID: GDE 150
In this course, students will be introduced to the field of game design. They will examine the systems and mechanics of games and how they relate to the overall gameplay experience. Students will apply this knowledge to create systems and mechanics for new games and to improve existing games. They will also produce appropriate design documentation for their created game systems and mechanics. This course will include an examination of both digital and non-digital games.
Course ID: GDE 325
In this course, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the design and production of game prototypes. In order to develop their prototypes, students will develop a game concept and corresponding designs, while taking into consideration their intended audience and business goals for the game. They will also determine the mechanics that will drive the overall gameplay and produce a functional prototype to conduct gameplay testing.

Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Game Design and Development curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: October 26, 2026 | January 04, 2027

Next term starts:
August 31, 2026

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Faculty Profile

Learn from dedicated faculty with real-world experience

The online bachelor's in game design and development program was created by subject matter experts and is continually evaluated to keep up with the fast-evolving industry. By bringing their experience to the classroom, your instructors will help provide you with current insights, trends and technology in the field of gaming.

Featured Faculty

Max Callahan, associate dean of online STEM and Game Art and Development programs at SNHU.
Max Callahan

Max Callahan has more than 15 years of experience as a classroom and online instructor and subject matter expert. He began his career as an art director and prop master in the independent film industry in Los Angeles before transitioning to 3D modeling, animation and game production. Today, he works as a freelance artist on various animation and game production projects as a character designer, modeler, rigger, animator and motion-capture specialist.

Position
Associate Dean

Joined SNHU
2016

Education

  • Master of Design in Digital Design from Philadelphia University
  • BA in Integrative Arts (Film/Art) from Pennsylvania State University

Read more about Max Callahan and other online faculty at SNHU.

Joseph Whitworth, an adjunct instructor in SNHU's online bachelor's in game programming and development program, wearing a blue SNHU sweatshirt.
Joseph Whitworth

Joseph Whitworth has spent years immersed in the world of game development, teaching and building SNHU's game programming curriculum. He also runs his own game studio and offers consulting services in workflow and project management to independent game companies.

Position
Adjunct Faculty

Joined SNHU
2019

Education

  • MS in Mobile Gaming from Full Sail University
  • BFA in Game Production from Sanford-Brown College

"You'll learn from experienced faculty who are not only educators but also active professionals in the field. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering everything from programming and design to project management and collaboration."

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree
Online Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates
$354
$1,062
$42,480
Online Undergraduate Active Duty Military
$250
$750
$30,000

To learn more about tuition and fees, visit online tuition and financial aid.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$10,620 $15,930 $21,240 $26,550 $31,860
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($354/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $31,860

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($354/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $26,550

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($354/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $21,240

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($354/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,930

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($354/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $10,620

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. For this degree, SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online degree game design and development?

Getting your game design and development degree is a great way to level up in a competitive field. From concept to design and production, you'll learn theory and technical skills to turn creative and narrative vision into full-fledged games. And with a focus in design, art or programming, you'll set yourself up for the kinds of career paths found in leading game studios.

You'll be prepared for jobs outside of gaming, too. Across industries, employers are seeking professionals with skills in storytelling, animation, modeling, VR simulation and gamifying experiences — making your design and development background valuable in areas like healthcare, defense, automotive technology, marketing and beyond.

Occupations

With a BS in Game Design and Development, you'll be well equipped to seek entry-level roles in gaming. Depending on your concentration, you may pursue any number of career paths, including:

Create detailed 3D models of objects and characters for film and video studios, game design organizations or even architecture firms.

Animate objects, rigged characters and creatures for video games, movies, advertisements and TV shows.

Envision the look and feel of virtual worlds by creating art for characters, creatures, vehicles, environments and other creative assets.

Create the back-end coding for video games that makes characters, environments and items interactive.

Develop models to help predict and prepare for real-world scenarios in areas like healthcare and emergency management.

Design and draw the menus, heads-up display and other navigational components of a game or virtual environment.

$99,800
An icon of a piggy bank with a dollar symbol

Median annual pay nationally for special effects artist and animator positions as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

$98,670
An icon of a piggy bank with a dollar symbol

Median annual pay nationally for computer programmers as of May 2024, according to BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Tim Barrett, who graduated in 2022 with an online degree in game programming and development.
I feel that my SNHU education really helped me feel prepared to work in this industry. For example, the skills I learned in Unreal Engine through SNHU's game development program gave me a solid starting point to create some amazing level designs for games.
Tim Barrett ’22

Frequently Asked Questions

Game design, art and programming are all important disciplines within game development. You can think of them as interdependent stages in the full game production pipeline:

  1. Game design is largely conceptual, focusing on worldbuilding, narrative, level progression and overall player experience.
  2. Game art is the creation of visual elements — 2D or 3D characters, environments, items, animations and other assets.
  3. Game programming is the behind-the-scenes coding that transforms design concepts and art assets into functional games that respond to player input.

In short, designers develop the concept, artists create the assets, programmers write the code that turns it all into an interactive game.

If you want to get into game design, earning your degree is a great start. Employers are looking for candidates with specialized skills, good portfolio work and team-based project experience — all things you can get in the online BS in Game Design and Development program at Southern New Hampshire University.

There are lots of different roles in game production, so you'll want to consider your career goals before enrolling in a game design or development program. SNHU's program, for example, gives you a foundation in the 3 core disciplines of game development before you pick your path in design, art or programming.

Traditionally designed curriculums may find it hard to keep up with emerging technologies. That's why Southern New Hampshire University's online BS in Game Design and Development faculty created the Game Resource Hub. Whether you want to quickly learn specific tools, revisit workflows, or get unstuck while working on project, this skills-focused library of resources was designed to give you on-demand support. Plus, the Game Resource Hub is constantly growing, ensuring you have access to current tools and helping you stay aligned with the latest industry practices.

The ever-evolving nature of the game industry also makes adaptability a vital characteristic for game industry professionals. SNHU's online game design and development program is designed to help set you up for success by teaching you knowledge, methods and tools that remain applicable no matter the software or systems.

Not all aspects of game design and development are math heavy, but some are. For example, game programming requires greater knowledge of math, algorithms and logic than game art, which is more focused on creativity and technical design. Overall, students in SNHU's bachelor's in game design and development program are not expected to be advanced mathematicians but should be comfortable with problem-solving and critical thinking.

The game industry is large and highly competitive. Getting your degree, gaining hands-on experience and building an impressive portfolio of work can help you prepare for your job search.

While working for a AAA game studio might be the ultimate dream, know that the skills learned in a game design and development degree program are highly sought in other areas, too:

  • Game design. Skills like writing, systems thinking and creative problem-solving can translate well in marketing, UX design and digital storytelling roles.
  • Game art. Animation, 3D modeling and rigging techniques could be applied in industries like film and television, architecture and manufacturing.
  • Game programming. Coding and math skills are useful in software development, simulation engineering and robotics fields.

No matter what part of the game production pipeline you specialize in, a game design and development degree can teach you transferable skills like design thinking, programming logic, collaboration and iterative process — all of which you can leverage in a variety of careers.

Game development is often divided into 3 core disciplines: game design, game art and game programming. Within each of those career pathways, there is plenty of opportunity to specialize your role:

Game design roles

  • Gameplay designer
  • Level designer
  • Narrative designer
  • Game economy designer
  • UI designer

Game art roles

  • Animator
  • Character artist
  • Environment artist
  • Lighting artist
  • Texture artist

Game programming roles

  • AI programmer
  • Engine programmer
  • Gameplay programmer
  • Physics programmer
  • Tools engineer

And if you're interested in two of the main disciplines, there are even roles that act as bridges between teams. For example, technical artists work with game artists and game programmers to problem-solve when creative vision is affected by software limitations. You may find even more granular job titles in large game studios, where responsibilities are narrow and specific expertise is required.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm (viewed May 5, 2026)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm (viewed May 5, 2026)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.