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Game Design

Game design is so much more than gaming. It's a blend of art, technology and communication that has become one of the nation's most popular college majors. This exciting field will take you to the forefront of digital design. Our new program, the only bachelor's degree of its kind in Iowa, combines the cognitive and research skills of careful logistical thinking with an abundance of creativity. It strongly prioritizes clear communication with effective research, writing, and design skills and will prepare students for the rigors of working in the game design industry and beyond. 

Students who major in Game Design and Interactive Analytics will be able to:

1. Understand fundamental elements of design, play, and narrative
2. Demonstrate logistical thinking
3. Design and implement representational systems of data and/or information
4. Render and disseminate information in procedural and ludic representations

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time/Part Time, In-Person

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Why Grand View?

  • Strongly prioritizes clear communication with effective research, writing and design skills
  • Prepares students for the rigors of working in the game design industry
  • Grand View's location in Des Moines offers a plethora of internship and career opportunities
  • Small classes mean lots of individual instruction to help you develop your skills and knowledge

Student Testimonials

Brock McDonough

Brock McDonough, a 2022 Grand View graduate, is putting the skills he learned in the Game Design program to work in a unique and important way. As a nuclear analyst, he uses the applications he learned at Grand View to create 3D models of radiation scans. “The game design program was so much more than just games – the knowledge I gained was priceless and I learned fundamentals that have been so important in my life,” he says. Brock’s next step is to take his work and educational experiences and move into the gaming industry.

Rachel Schwaller

“Rachel has been an exceptional professor and mentor during my 4 years at Grand View. She influences me to take risks and has helped me process and talk about what I want to say as an artist. In the fall, Rachel offered her time to personally meet with me on several occasions to talk through ideas and to help me prepare for graduate school. I appreciate and value the honest feedback and helpful advice she provides. I look up to her not only because of all the hard work and energy she puts into her practice as an artist but the passion she brings when she is teaching. I want to thank her for believing in me, helping me through my failures, and for always listening.” - McKenna Quandt

Degree Combinations

Program Details

A major in Game Design and Interactive Analytics combines the cognitive and research skills of careful logistical thinking with the aesthetic and stylistic abilities required for the expression of creativity. While this degree is representative of liberal arts, and an ideal program to pursue multiple fields of graduate education, it also prepares students for the rigors of working in the game design industry. It strongly prioritizes clear communication with effective research, writing, and design skills.

Course Requirements (42 credits plus 12-14 prerequisite credits)

Prerequisites for courses for the major:

ARTS 104
 Principles of Design II: Digital Media
 3 credits
ENGL 101 or
ENGL 252
 First Year Composition or
Academic Writing
 3 credits
ENGL 111
 Interpretation of Literature
 3 credits
MATH 095 or
MATH 096 or
Math Placement 
 Intermediate Algebra or
Introductory and Intermediate Algebra

3 credits or
5 credits

These courses will not be counted in computing the GPA for the major.

Requirements for the major:

ARTS 199
 Sophomore/Transfer Portfolio Review
 0 credits
GAME 101
 Introduction to Games
 3 credits
GAME 200
 Programming for Games
 3 credits
ARTS 335
 Motion Graphics
 3 credits
ARTS 375
 2D/3D Digital Design
 3 credits
ARTS 425
 Animation
 3 credits
ARTS 430 Special Topics 3 credits
ARTS 435
 VR/AR Design
 3 credits
ARTS/ENGL 330
 Visual Culture and Rhetoric 3 credits
ENGL 202 or
ENGL 204 or
ENGL 206
 Intro to Creative Writing: Poetry or
Intro to Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction or
Intro to Creative Writing: Fiction 
 3 credits
ENGL 302
 Advanced Creative Writing
 3 credits
GAME 205
 Game Studio I
 3 credits
GAME 305
 Game Studio II
 3 credits
GAME 470
 Game Design Capstone
 3 credits
GAME 471
 Game Design Capstone
 3 credits
ARTS 499
 Senior Art and Design Exhibition
 0 credits

These courses will be counted in computing the 2.2 GPA required for this major. Students majoring in Game Design and Interactive Analytics must achieve a grade of C minus (C-) or above in all the required courses for the major in order to graduate. Students are strongly encouraged to register for ARTS 399, BSAD 399, or CPSC 399 Internship. All entering transfer students must submit a portfolio or writing sample for review. Additional coursework may be required for entry into the program.

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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Beyond Video Games

Other than digital games, there are numerous career possibilities for game design in nondigital environments. Iowa companies hiring Game Designers include software publishers, mobile phone service providers, web design firms, app design firms, colleges and universities, graphic design firms, animation studios, and an abundance of non-profit organizations.

Career Options

  • Game Designer
  • App Designer
  • User Experience Designer
  • Writer
  • Web Designer
  • Interactive Media Designer
  • Storyteller
  • Producer
  • Animator
  • 3-D Illustrator
  • Researcher

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