Game Development Degree Online BS in Video Game Programming

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.³ Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

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.

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.

While there are many pathways you can take to become a game developer, earning a degree could be a good place to start. Many opt to study game programming or a related field, like computer science or software engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical entry-level education for a software developer is a bachelor's.²

The right degree will not only help you build skills, a portfolio and even networking connections in the field, it could help you gain the confidence you need to stand out in a highly competitive industry.

This can be especially valuable to populations that are underrepresented in tech industries. The BLS reported that, while women made up 57% of professional occupations in 2018, they contributed to only 26% of professional computing occupations.² That number was even lower for software developers, where women represent a scant 18.7% of all occupations.³

For STEM leaders at SNHU, changing those numbers isn't just part of a broader university mission – it's personal.

"I think for everyone starting out in a field, you naturally suffer from imposter syndrome," said Angela Foss, associate vice president of innovation at SNHU. "You could be the most confident woman, but there’s that fear that you don’t belong there. For women, especially if you’re outnumbered, you’re afraid that if you say something, you’re all of a sudden representing all women."

As someone with years of gaming experience, Foss knows firsthand what it's like to be the only woman in the room. "I was always nervous the guys were going to shred my code and say, 'See? We shouldn’t hire these girls.' That’s a challenge, because you’re always dealing with natural feelings around thoughts like: 'Can I be here? Can I be technical? Are they going to judge me because I’m a woman?' It’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to be who you are – and that goes beyond gender."

At SNHU, our goal is to even the playing field by providing an accessible, affordable education for all. We take it a step further, too – by offering students opportunities to network at events like the Grace Hopper Celebration and the ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing. Because we know the value of the face-to-face interactions that can help you get your foot in the door.

The path to becoming a game developer often starts with earning a degree in programming or a related field, like computer science or software engineering. You'll need to learn technical skills, including programming languages like C++ and C#, which help you build the mechanics behind a functional video game.

A game programming degree will also explore more advanced topics like Artificial Intelligence for games, game engines, multiplayer video game development and game engine development.

The ability to work as part of a team is another essential skill to become a successful game programmer. Much like a movie set, many video games require a large collaborative team. This typically means programmers or developers will specialize in a specific area – such as audio, AI or simulation.

But having these skills is not enough – you'll need to apply them. Make something that will impress industry insiders and employers, then network. Attending industry conventions, for example, is great way to make connections. Come armed with a strong portfolio, and you could be one step closer to finding work in your field.

"We tell our students they should always be working on projects outside of what they are working on in class, as well as participating in game jams and hack-a-thons every semester," said Ed Brillant, a game artist and instructor at SNHU. "This work can become published titles for students before graduation, helping them build an amazing portfolio and resume."

"Most definitely have something in your portfolio that is above and beyond everything else," he said. "You should be able to specialize in one area and be able to confidently navigate other areas in your field. You don't want to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Work hard and always create new art, projects and games."

The time it takes to break into the field of game programming depends on a variety of factors.

If you decide to earn your bachelor's, that will generally take about 4 years to complete. There are, however, several other factors that can help position you to earn your degree faster.

At SNHU, our programs are designed for optimal transferability. In fact, we accept up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's. That means, if you have enough previous college experience under your belt, you could already be 3/4 of the way to completing your program – saving you time and tuition.

This all depends on your personal goals and priorities. If you're interested in the technical side of gaming, a game development degree from the right university could help you gain invaluable skills, experiences and connections.

At SNHU, our game programming and development program is taught and updated by experts who know firsthand how to play the field. We offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation and, with 24/7 access to coursework online, our programs are flexible, too.

We also understand the power of networking and experiential learning. That's why we offer online students a number of hands-on experiences outside of the classroom, including:

• PAX East. Held in Boston every spring, the PAX East gaming festival offers networking opportunities for video game developers, media companies, colleges and other gaming professionals. The event features panel discussions, game demos, tabletop tournaments, speeches and more, and often serves as a forum for companies to debut or showcase new titles.
• Game Jam. Based on our Manchester campus, but open to online students, the rules for game jams are simple: Teams, usually 2 to 5 people, form to build a playable game in a predetermined set of time. In addition to a 24-hour jam in the fall, SNHU's Game Design Club holds a 48-hour event each spring. Teams are typically given a theme and often awards or recognition for games with the best storyline, graphics, mechanics or other categories.
• Grace Hopper Celebration. Billed as the largest gathering of women technologists, this annual event includes an impressive roster of keynote speakers, workshops led by trailblazers in technology and a massive career fair with some of the country’s top employers. This event aligns with SNHU's mission to even the playing field for women in tech – which is why we send some of our best and brightest women in STEM to attend each year.

Creating a game requires a mix of creativity and technical aptitude in areas like coding and software engineering. Collaboration is also key. Artists, developers, producers and designers are all essential to the process. Depending on the scope of each game, those roles can become even more specialized.

Think about all the elements that go into a successful game: 3D environment and character design, story, audio – and this is just what the user can detect. Programmers control the back-end of these often vast worlds, ensuring that game play and mechanics are up to snuff before they reach their audience. Everything, from the physics of your character's movements, to the point system that helps you reach the game objectives, needs to be carefully considered and executed.

The only way to really master the process is to learn by doing – and that starts with assembling your dream team.

While every environment is unique, the difference between working for a large video game company versus a smaller, independent video game company can be vast.

AAA video game companies (in other words, mid-sized or major game publishers), are typically much larger than their indie counterparts. Oftentimes, these teams consist of hundreds of people, many of whom take the reins on a very specialized area of game development.

These companies tend to have access to larger budgets, with major "blockbuster" titles costing millions to make. Beyond paying employees, these costs will usually be allocated to marketing and research, ensuring that these big investments pay off.

Indie game companies may lack the spending power of giant publishers, but more than make up for it with an "all hands on deck" sense of camaraderie. These tight knit teams may consist of about 30 people or less – all of whom must be resourceful to get their projects in front of consumers.

Smaller budgets mean less room for "big swing" financial risks. But, on the other hand, smaller companies may have a certain degree of creative freedom that would be impossible under the leadership of a "major player" game studio or publisher.

The short answer is yes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, collaboration is a major factor in game development. While this can most certainly be accomplished remotely, there is something to be said of live, in-person teamwork, particularly when brainstorming a new game idea or troubleshooting challenges along the way.

The ability to work remotely depends, of course, on the team you're working with. If you're pursuing a startup with friends, remote work could be a viable option. If, however, you're working with a larger team, that shares a host of complex responsibilities, working on site could be beneficial.

Your experience level could be a major factor, too. Veterans in the field with years of firsthand experience under their belt may be better equipped to work from home, as they've built a proven record of success.

Ultimately, establishing yourself in the field is the best way to ensure a working style – and setting – that best matches your professional goals.

¹ 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)

² 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.

³ According to a survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.