Video game design and development
Turn your passion for gaming into a career by learning how to design, build and launch interactive experiences while gaining the technical and creative skills employers value in today’s digital economy.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
5-semester degree
2-semester certificate (online)
CAREER COMMUNITY
Computer science, information technology, security and digital media
*Please note: Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options.
Program overview
Combine your creativity and tech know-how.
Stark State’s video game design and development major prepares you to create games and interactive media using industry-relevant tools, programming languages and design techniques.
You’ll develop skills in game design, coding, animation and storytelling while working on real-world projects that mirror industry expectations. The program is ideal if you’re creative, tech-savvy and interested in careers in gaming, simulation or interactive media, or if you plan to transfer to a four-year program.
You’ll build a strong foundation in programming, digital media and game development while learning to use industry-standard software and tools. Coursework focuses on game mechanics, 2D and 3D design, animation, and user experience, giving you hands-on opportunities to create playable projects and a portfolio that showcases your skills.
Also, Stark State offers a video game design certificate that can be completed in just two semesters and completely online. All classes in the certificate can be applied directly to the associate degree.
Program details
Careers and outcomes
FAQs
You can pursue roles such as junior game designer, level designer, game tester/QA, junior animator and story/quest writer.
There are job postings in northeast Ohio area for “game design” type roles. For example, in the Cleveland area there are dozens of postings for “game designer” jobs. In Ohio more broadly, job boards show listings for game design, 3D modeling, and digital design jobs. Related jobs (which may overlap) have strong projected growth, including software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers, web developers, and digital designers.
Because your skill set (game design, use of engines like Unity/Unreal, programming, art, interactive media) is relevant to multiple industries (gaming, simulation/training, edtech, interactive entertainment), you have some versatility, which improves your chances.
Several graduates have released commercial game projects on the Steam platform as independent developers. Others have found work as programmers or web designers for area businesses.
The associate degree requires 63 credits and can be completed in about two years. The current program is designed to allow for graduation in five semesters, including one summer semester. The certificate is just 12 credits and available completely online.
Courses are offered online, on the main campus and in some hybrid formats.
Options may include the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, Fortisure Fellows Scholarship and federal aid through FAFSA.
Yes. The majority of the courses in this degree are approved by the sate of Ohio as TAG-approved.
Yes, and about half of our students are doing this.
Different courses have different requirements; most are 16 weeks in length, concluding with a final exam or project.
Not that is required. A student would need a computer and possibly an external hard drive to transfer content between classes and home.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Larry Ray, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Information Technology
330-494-6170 ext. 4918
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Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.