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Are you passionate about creating and designing video games? With the rise of online education, a degree in game development has become more accessible than ever. But with so many options, how do you know which Online degree game development best fits you? Don’t worry.
We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when searching for the best online degree program in game development for you.
From career goals to accreditation and resources, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find the perfect program and set yourself up for success in the exciting world of game development.
Important things before choosing online degree game development
Consider Your Career Goals
The first step in finding the best online degree program for you is considering your career goals in game development. Different degree programs align with different careers in the industry.
For example, an associate degree may prepare you for an entry-level position in a game development studio. In contrast, a master’s degree may be more suited to those looking to work in research and development or management.
Some careers in game development
- Game designer
- Game developer
- Game Animator
- Game Artist
- Game Tester
- Game Sound Designer
- Game Programmer
- Game Writer
- Game QA Tester
- Game Monetization Manager
- Game Localization Manager
- Game Marketing Manager
- Game Level Designer
- Game Manager
- Game Product Manager
- Game Project Manager
- Game Software Engineer
- Game Technical Director and Game Lead.
Evaluating whether a degree program aligns with your career goals is important. You can do this by researching the curriculum, talking to current students and graduates, and reaching out to professionals with similar career goals.
Look at the Curriculum
The curriculum of a degree program is the backbone of the learning experience, and it’s important to find a program that covers the key areas of study essential for success in the game development field. These may include game design, programming, 2D and 3D art, animation, sound design, and game testing courses.
Additionally, look for programs that offer elective courses that align with your specific interests, such as virtual reality development, mobile game development, or serious games.
Research the curriculum, and find information about the course, syllabus, and how the course will be taught. Ask questions like, how are the project assignments designed? Are they challenging? Are they aligned with industry standards? And so on.
Accreditation and Reputation
Accreditation is a process that evaluates the quality of a degree program and ensures that it meets certain standards. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) are the most widely recognized accrediting bodies for game development degree programs.
In addition to accreditation, it’s also important to research the reputation of the school and its degree program. Look for information about the school’s history and mission, the success of its graduates, and any awards or recognition it has received.
Some good resources for researching a school’s reputation include online reviews, rankings, and testimonials from current students and graduates.
Faculty and Mentors
The faculty and mentors of a degree program play a critical role in the learning experience, and it’s important to find a program with experienced and qualified educators. This can include professors with advanced degrees and years of experience in the field and industry professionals who can provide valuable insights and real-world experience.
Look for programs that offer opportunities for mentorship, such as one-on-one meetings with faculty members, or that have an advisory board of industry professionals actively involved in the program.
Researching the faculty and mentors’ qualifications and experience is also important. You can check the bios on the school website or check if they have any notable achievements or publications in the field.
Learning Environment and Resources
Online degree programs can vary greatly in their learning environment and resources, so it’s important to find a program that fits your needs and preferences. Some important factors to consider the following:
Flexibility
Some programs offer a self-paced or asynchronous format. In contrast, others are more structured with set class times and deadlines. Determine which format will work best for your schedule and lifestyle.
Technology
Game development is highly technical, and it’s important to find a program that provides students with the necessary software, hardware, and other resources.
Support
Look for programs that offer various support services, such as tutoring, technical assistance, and career services.
Cost and Financial Aid
Cost is one of the most important factors when choosing a degree program. So it’s important to research the cost of different programs and compare the overall value of each. Look for any available scholarships, grants, or financial aid options that may help lower the program’s cost.
Average Fees For Online Degree Game Development In USA
The cost of an online degree in game development in the United States can vary widely depending on the institution and program. Some universities may offer online degrees for under $10,000, while others may charge $50,000 or more.
Public universities tend to be less expensive than private ones, but this can vary depending on the state in which the university is located. Additionally, online programs may have different tuition rates than on-campus programs.
It’s also important to note that the cost of an online degree program isn’t limited to just tuition fees. Additional expenses, such as fees for technology or online resources, may also apply.
Some Features Of Online Degree Game Development
Online degree programs in game development typically cover a wide range of topics, including programming, game design, and industry-standard tools and software. Here are a few features that you might expect to find in an online game development degree program:
Programming: You will learn the basics of programming languages such as C++, C#, and JavaScript, as well as how to use game engines like Unity and Unreal.
Game design: Students will learn the principles of game design, including level design, character design, and game mechanics. They will also learn to use design software like Adobe Photoshop and Maya.
Project-based learning: Many online game development programs use a project-based learning approach, where students work on their game projects throughout the program. This allows them to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve learned to real-world game development scenarios.
Interactive curriculum: Online game development programs often use interactive elements, such as video lectures and quizzes, to keep students engaged and facilitate learning.
Mentorship or coaching: Many programs will provide mentorship or coaching from experienced game developers to help students navigate the game development industry and provide guidance on their projects.
Online Community: The program would have the support of an online community where students can collaborate and share their work, get feedback and help each other.
Flexibility: online degrees often have the flexibility of time and location, where students can progress at their own pace and access the material at any time.
Please remember that the specific features of a game development degree program can vary depending on the school and program you to choose.
Conclusion
Finally, earning a degree in game development is a great way to turn your passion into a career. But with so many online programs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you.
Take your time, research, and, most importantly, trust yourself. Your hard work and dedication will pay off, and you will find the perfect program to help you achieve your dream career in the game development industry.