Above: Game Environment Art by USV Student, Steven Ta

DEPARTMENT OF

Game Design & Development

Bachelor of Arts in Game Art  |  Bachelor of Science in Game Engineering

Break into the video game industry with theoretical, technical and business knowledge gained at one of The Princeton Review’s Top 25 Schools for Game Design.

As the video game industry continuously grows, employers are zeroed in on game design and development degree program students who understand both the creative and technical sides of the industry. Nowhere is University of Silicon Valley's unique ability to combine specializations better demonstrated than in our school's Game Design & Development Department. It's one reason we've ranked No. 13 in the nation by The Princeton Review. This department offers two university degrees in distinct areas of game design and development. The Bachelor of Art in Game Art is for those primarily interested in the creative side of game development and the Bachelor of Science in Game Engineering for those interested in focusing on technical development of games. All of our game design and development program students get hands-on experience working collaboratively in classes that simulate an actual game development team.

> Request More Information About Game Design & Development Degree

The only thing more fun than playing games is making them. All it takes is some time, a willingness to learn and a passion to create. 

-Ricardo Kayanan, Department Director

Hands-on projects and access to faculty with deep industry experience provide our students with an array of valuable skills, whether they are interested in becoming a game designer, artist, writer or programmer.

-Evan Skolnick, GDD Instructor

USV’s level of staff is one of the highest in the Bay Area. My game design classes were taught by some of the best in the industry, and it felt like instructors knew exactly how to guide us for our careers.

- USV Alum, Bugi Kaigwa, Character Rigger, 2K Games

Top Ranked in North America

Since 2016, The Princeton Review has included USV on its annual ranking list for the best undergraduate programs for students to study—and launch a career in—game design.
Best Game Design

Degree Programs

PROGRAM SHEETS

Bachelor of Arts in
Game Art

With two focus areas—art and writing—the Game Art degree program is your launchpad for a career in the creative side of game design. Focusing on environments, characters, story and more, you'll learn how to create the elements that breathe life into the gameplay experience.

> Learn More About This Degree Program

Bachelor of Science in
Game Engineering

The B.S. in Game Engineering degree program introduces University of Silicon Valley students to development and design processes that prepare them for employment in a number of computing fields. You’ll learn each building block of video game development, as well as the tools and concepts employers are looking for.

> Learn More About This Degree Program

Companies Where our Game Design & Development Alumni Work

Electronic Arts White
2K Games
Activision Blizzard
Zynga
Atari

Program Learning Outcomes for degrees in Game Design & Development

University of Silicon Valley graduates in Game Art and Game Engineering will be able to:

PLO1: Construct project plans integrating principles of project planning and game theory, incorporating concepts, techniques and scheduling
PLO2: Apply technology, software and engineering concepts to the interpretation and analysis of data
PLO3: Demonstrate creation of a project through collaboration with multi-disciplinary project team
PLO4: Author game content for multiple platforms using 2 and 3-dimensional asset techniques and principles
PLO5: Create an online portfolio that demonstrate principles, techniques and skills applicable in the industry
PLO6: Demonstrate application of gameplay, narrative, and/or visual aesthetics within game development

When you’re ready to apply or just want more information about getting started, visit our Admissions section. Or give us a call at 800.264.7955. We'll be happy to help you find details on college application requirements, school tuition and navigating the financial aid process.

If you are currently in university housing, you need to submit one of the two forms to either indicate your intent to renew for the next term, or to vacate at the end of this trimester.