Game Design Colleges in Georgia
Colleges that offer game design majors can provide students with the knowledge and skills for careers in computer programming and game creation. Students enrolled in gaming and design colleges and programs can study everything from computer programming and art to 3-D animation. There are several schools in Georgia that offer game design certificate programs and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can gain practical experience through internships, projects and theses to prepare them for game design jobs in Georgia or throughout the country. In addition, some programs are available online. The following seven public and private, not-for-profit schools provide course options for students looking to enter the game industry.
Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus
Situated in Atlanta, the Georgia Tech main campus offers a 3-credit course in game design as part of its PhD program in digital media for aspiring video game developers in Atlanta. The special topics in game design class is an elective that can be taken multiple times. The Georgia Tech game design program also offers other courses related to games and interactive narratives for computer games.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University in Statesboro offers a program in game design that The Princeton Review recently ranked as one of the top 50 of its kind throughout North America. The Game Programming Certificate is one of several certificate options available for students pursuing the 126-credit hour Bachelor of Science (BS) program in computer science. The certificate requires students to complete three of the four following courses: animation, computer graphics, game programming and human computer interaction.
Gwinnett Technical College
Situated in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett Technical College offers a 63-credit Associate of Applied Science in Game Development program. Students have the opportunity to learn about the programming and design components of computerized game creation. Requirements include courses in English and algebra, in addition to technical courses covering operating systems, Web animation and game physics, among others.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw offers a bachelor's program in computer game design and development. This 120-credit hour program covers everything from 2-D and 3-D design to artificial intelligence and data structures. Graduates may come away with skills in design and computer problem solving that can lead to digital media careers in the entertainment and educational realms.
Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah offers a full range of interactive design and game development program options. The 180-credit hour Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs consist of courses in art history, typography, 3-D design and programming. The BA requires more general education requirements, while the BFA includes additional core classes. The school also has a 40-credit minor in interactive design and game development, as well as a 25-credit graduate certificate program in interactive design.
Graduate students can enroll in the 45-credit hour Master of Arts (MA) program or the 90-credit Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. The MA requires a final project, while the MFA involves game design studios, an internship and a thesis. All undergraduate and graduate programs are also available online.
West Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College in Waco has a certificate program for game development specialists. The program comprises five courses that cover three levels of game development, as well as 3-D animation and mathematics. Students investigate the fundamentals of computer game design and prepare for entry-level positions in this field.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Located in Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College prepares students for careers in game development through its certificate, diploma and associate's degree programs. Students interested in entry-level positions can learn game development basics through the 16-credit certificate program, which covers topics like 2-D and 3-D animation, math, graphics and programming. Individuals looking for more in-depth knowledge can consider the diploma program in game development. This 53-credit program includes general elective courses, as well as classes covering C++ programming, program design, 3-D animation and 3-D graphics.
The associate's degree program coursework includes 15 credit hours of English, math and art electives, followed by 44-55 credits of a nuts and bolts core curriculum that covers everything from program and game design to 3-D graphics and animation.
Game Design Schools in Georgia At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Game Design Programs Offered | Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus | 4-year, public; large city | Doctor of Philosophy in Digital Media | $12,682 in-state; $33,794 out-of-state (graduate)* |
| Georgia Southern University | 4-year, public; distant town | Game Programming Certificate | $6,463 in-state; $17,518 out-of-state (undergraduate)* |
| Gwinnett Technical College | 2-year, public; large suburb | Associate of Applied Science in Game Development , Game Developer Certificate | $3,236 in-state; $5,636 out-of-state (undergraduate)* |
| Kennesaw State University | 4-year, public; large suburb | Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development | $6,456 in-state; $17,710 out-of-state (undergraduate)* |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 4-year, private not-for-profit; midsize city | Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development, Master of Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development, Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development | $38,075 (undergraduate), $38,475 (graduate)* |
| West Georgia Technical College | 2-year, public; fringe rural | Game Development Specialist Certificate | $3,052 in-state; $5,452 out-of-state (undergraduate)* |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | 2-year, public; small suburb | Game Development Specialist Technical Certificate, Gaming Development Diploma, Associate of Applied Science in Gaming Development | $3,152 in-state; $5,552 out-of-state (undergraduate)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
