Program Overview

Game Design, BS

The Game Design, BS program is an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree that combines a hands-on approach to creating games with a rich conceptual understanding of the cultural context of games, play, simulation, virtual environments, and interactive media. This program prepares students to be culturally aware, technologically savvy, critically-thinking global citizens who strive to use their expertise in game design and media arts to bring about positive change in a society increasingly shaped by revolutions in new technologies.

Program Description

Students gather skills needed for design and development of games and related media, including those used in ideating and designing augmented and virtual reality, mobile gaming, esports, and immersive interactive environments and experiences. Sitting at the intersection of advanced technology, cultural relevance, and social impact, this program uses new educational technology, new models of mentorship and peer learning, and hands-on industry-embedded curriculum to produce students with the requisite skills in both technology and the humanities and arts to craft meaningful digital experiences for millions of people worldwide, improving society and societal systems in areas as varied as healthcare and education.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
  • First-year
  • Transfer
  • International
  • Readmission

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer Options

The university is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer. The university has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools, and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global Opportunities

• Global experience: With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, game design students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S., or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career Opportunities

A degree in interdisciplinary game design leads to various career paths, both in gaming and beyond. In the gaming industry, graduates can work in the artistic or programming side of game design, such as becoming a level designer, creating immersive worlds; or a UX designer, shaping how players interact with games. Many graduates also work as producers, managing teams and projects to bring games to life. This mix of creative, technical, and project management skills opens doors outside gaming in diverse fields. Skills and knowledge from game design apply well to film and architecture, animation, marketing and e-commerce, creating engaging experiences through interactive product demos or extended reality. Game design graduates are also valued in data visualization, where they make complex information easier to understand, and in simulations used for training and planning.

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Animator | 1.6% | $99,800
  • Audio-Visual Technician | 3.3% | $54,830
  • IT Project Manager | 8.2% | $108,970
  • Information Technology Manager (IT Manager) | 15.2% | $171,200
  • Production Assistant | 2.7% | $71,770
  • Project Manager | 5.6% | $100,750
  • Software Developer | 15.8% | $133,080
  • Video Game Designer | 7.0% | $98,090
  • Web Designer | 7.0% | $98,090

Additional Information

• GI Bill benefits: This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill benefits.
• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.