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Game Development Degree Online BS in Video Game Programming

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Register By: April 29 Classes Start: May 01

Earn a Game Development Degree Online

  • $320/credit (120 credits)
  • Learn computer programming languages C++, C# and Java
  • Use Unreal Engine to construct games for various platforms
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Apply 3D modeling and texturing with game art software
  • No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

Online Game Development Degree Program Overview

Become a master game developer and programmer with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Game Programming and Development online from Southern New Hampshire University.

SNHU's game development degree goes beyond traditional software development training to give you the technical expertise you need in a competitive field.

You'll be prepared beyond gaming, too. Industries everywhere are creating meaningful experiences with game development tools and technologies. Autonomous vehicle simulations, for example, provide faster and more cost-effective alternatives to developing and testing physical vehicle prototypes. Similarly, virtual reality simulations can be used in any number of settings, from rehearsing complex procedures in med school to synthetic training environments (STEs) for military training.

That's just scratching the surface. In between is a host of other opportunities for those who can master the tools behind these incredible virtual environments.

Explore the Art of Gaming

Looking for a degree that emphasizes game art over programming? Our game art degree will give you the skills you need to bring your front-end character designs and virtual environments to life.

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What You'll Learn

  • Programming languages
  • Game design
  • Production and testing techniques
  • Game development standards
  • Game programming trends

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How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Career Outlook

With numbers rivaling the film industry and dwarfing the music industry, a professional game development degree could be your gold coin to a rewarding, dynamic career. Your game programming skills could also score you a career in a number of industries that use gaming technology.

The online BS in Game Programming and Development helps you position yourself for jobs like:

Game Developer

Create the back-end coding for video games, making characters and game play come alive. 

Tools Programmer

Work on internal software that helps programmers, artists and game designers create games more efficiently.

Simulations Programmer

Develop models to help predict and prepare for real-world scenarios in areas like the military or medical field.

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Job Growth

According to Newzoo, the global video game industry is projected to grow to more than $218.7 billion by 2024.1 The software development field, in particular, will see job growth of up to 25% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – far faster than the national average for all occupations.2

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Game Programming & Development Degree

See Your Vision Come to Life

Max CallahanMax Callahan, associate dean at SNHU

"The game programming and development program prepares students to partner with game artists to realize the creative and narrative vision of game designers in the industry, from the concept to design and then production to marketing."

Courses & Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to help you tackle game genres and platforms, interface design, game theory and game development production pipelines. You'll also learn how virtual game environments create experiences through rule design, play mechanics and social interaction.

"The game development curriculum at SNHU touches on everything from interface design to cybernetics, and from algebra to gameplay mechanics, so that students learn about the math, engineering and coding that combine to make today’s 2D and 3D games possible on a variety of platforms," Callahan said.

And with experienced instructors and subject matter experts at the helm, the program is constantly improved to keep up with a fast-evolving industry.

"Game programming and development courses were developed to reflect, and are regularly updated to keep pace with, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the technology utilized in game development and related industries," Callahan said. "Instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom that provide students with current production processes and methodologies."

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

Degree-Specific Courses

You'll have room to play with hands-on courses like Design of Virtual Game Environments and Gameplay Systems Development, where you'll master the tools pros use. You’ll learn how to create interactive 3D applications with Unreal, one of the leading game engines in the industry.

General Education

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. 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.

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education 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.

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also 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. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

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