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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.
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.
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 Raleigh, N.C., two centers of the gaming industry
Game Studies & Design
Undergraduate
On-Campus
Bachelor of Science
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.
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.
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.
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.
MEDIAN SALARY
Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.
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.
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.
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Game Studies & Design (B.S.) should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
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.
$ 374
$ 1,039
$ 250
$ 407
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Kevin Moberly
4010 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
757-683-5324
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-3685
757-683-3255
admissions@odu.edu
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-3701
757-683-3651
intladm@odu.edu
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