Game Studies & Design (B.S.)
ODU’s Game Design, Development, and Criticism degree is an interdisciplinary major that allows students to specialize in game programming or game design while also learning game scholarship. Our program features a fundamentally entrepreneurial and multiperspectival approach to game studies and gaming, one that is designed to not only teach students the core principles of game development, design, and scholarship, but also to help them understand how to adapt these principles in response to changes in technology, the market, or culture. In doing so, this degree aims to prepare students for careers in both the mainstream and independent gaming industry, in the growing academic field of game studies, or in any number of other related fields.
Game Studies & Design (B.S.)
Description
What is Game Studies & Design (B.S.) at ODU like?
ODU’s Game Design, Development, and Criticism degree is an interdisciplinary major that allows students to specialize in game programming or game design while also learning game scholarship. Our program features a fundamentally entrepreneurial and multiperspectival approach to game studies and gaming, one that is designed to not only teach students the core principles of game development, design, and scholarship, but also to help them understand how to adapt these principles in response to changes in technology, the market, or culture. In doing so, this degree aims to prepare students for careers in both the mainstream and independent gaming industry, in the growing academic field of game studies, or in any number of other related fields.
Program Highlights
What makes Game Studies & Design (B.S.) at ODU unique?
-
Choose from two tracks: Development & Criticism, which focuses on game programming concepts or Design & Criticism, which emphasizes game writing and design
-
ODU features six student organizations dedicated to game design and gameplay
-
ODU boasts a well-established, entrepreneurial culture, which is key to successful game-based ventures
-
ODU is located strategically at the mid-point between Washington, D.C., and Raliegh, N.C., two centers of the gaming industry
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Game Studies & Design
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
Bachelor of Science
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Video Game Designers
$91,080
MEDIAN SALARY
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Multimedia Artists and Animators
$76,560
MEDIAN SALARY
Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Producers
$90,770
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio
$90,770
MEDIAN SALARY
Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Game Studies & Design (B.S.) at ODU?
GAME 201T:
Introduction to Game Studies
An introduction to the core concepts and methodologies that inform game design, development, and criticism. This course will provide students with a critical overview of each of these content areas and will demonstrate how their specific concerns intersect in the design, production, and reception of contemporary games. It will also teach students hands-on methodologies through which to translate these concepts into creative and critical praxis.
GAME 240:
Game Criticism
This course is designed to introduce students to the major theoretical approaches and debates that comprise game studies as an academic discipline. It will teach students how to research, evaluate, analyze, and construct persuasive arguments about games and game-related artifacts.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Game Studies & Design (B.S.) at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Game Studies & Design (B.S.) should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
-
Visit Campus Tour your future campus -
University Life Experience our community -
College Website See what we have to offer -
Department Website Explore our academics
Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Name:
Kevin Moberly
Location:
4010 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-5324
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
Get an inside look into your major of interest when you speak to professors and current students at our monthly First Friday events.
Explore our beautiful campus and its community! Join us for our Spring Open House events in February and March.