Choosing a Video Game Design School

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What Should You Look for in a Video Game Design School?

Choosing a video game design school is a matter of priorities. Do you value a convenient location and class schedule? Is cost a major factor? Are you looking for the school with the best reputation? Only you can decide which elements make up your ideal video game design school.

Here are a few important questions to help narrow your video game design school search.

What are you interested in studying at a video game design school?

Are you most interested in computer science, or are you interested in the psychological aspects of game design? Perhaps you're most interested in graphics and animation or idea and story development. Different video game design schools may emphasize different aspects of the game design process. Talk to admissions representatives, and learn more about the curriculum at schools that interest you. Choose a video game design school with a program that reflects your interests.

Does the faculty have industry experience?

Knowing who you'll be learning from can be an important factor in your decision. Do the teachers at a school have industry experience? Have they produced work that you admire? Teachers with professional experience can be a great resource. Not only do they know the ins and outs of the game design industry, but they may be able to help you establish contacts and find jobs and internships.

What kind of facilities and technology will you use?

One of the biggest advantages of attending a video game design school is having access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Ask admissions reps about what their school offers. Ask if you can tour the facilities. While teaching yourself to code and create graphics on your own might sound appealing, having the opportunity to learn video game design using industry standard equipment can be a great advantage and should definitely factor into your choice of a video game design school.

Are you willing to relocate to attend video game design school?

Do you want to stay close to home, or would you be willing to move to attend your dream school? If you'd rather not move, then you can restrict your school search to community colleges and universities in your area. On the other hand, if you are willing to move, you may want to consider schools that are well-known or close to game design companies where you'd like to find internships or jobs.

How quickly do you want to complete your degree?

Video game design schools offer a wide array of degrees from certificates and diplomas to graduate level programs. Depending on your career goals, you may decide that you want to focus only on essential game design skills and complete your studies as quickly as possible. If this is the case, then you should look into certificate, diploma and associate's programs. These programs are usually one or two years in length and will allow you to enter the workforce as quickly as possible.

For those who are looking for a liberal arts education that will include complementary disciplines to video game design, a 4-year bachelor's degree program is a good choice. You will not only get a broader education, but you will be more competitive in the job market. If you think you might want to advance into managerial positions in the game design field, you should consider pursuing a graduate degree.

What is the school's reputation?

Be sure to check for accreditation when you are considering different video game design schools. Accredited schools have proven that they meet high educational standards. While non-accredited schools may also offer a high quality education, attending an accredited school gives you the flexibility to transfer your credits to other accredited schools or pursue a graduate degree at an accredited school, if you choose. Students who attend accredited schools may also have better access to financial aid programs.

However, accreditation is only one sign that you will be getting a quality education. Before you choose a video game design school, find out what its reputation is in the industry. Choose a school in your price range that has gained respect among industry employers.

Game Design Home | Getting Started | Industry Info | Find Game Design Schools