Video Game Schools

It is a little bit ironic but I can foresee in the not too distant future that there will be an online video game where you attend classes on how to make video games! We are pretty much there already and I would venture a guess that there might already be something like this in Second Life. They pretty much have everything else!

But for now, if you are seriously interested in pursuing a career in video game making you have lots of options. There are plenty of major schools that have degrees and curriculum specifically designed for video game making. And, because the field has become so broad there are also lots of options from modeling, to world design, artificial intelligence development, art of games and much more.

And these schools are both in the real world and in the online world. I have taken plenty of online classes in higher education and I find the quality to be outstanding - there are even benefits like being able to access things any time you want.

Here are some resources to video game schools that will help you in your quest (Traditional Brick & Mortar Colleges)

Here are some colleges that Offer a Game design, game art, and game animation Curriculum. There are plenty of schools both online and on campus that offer great curriculum in game design and programming. Take a look at some of these to get a sense of what a curriculum is all about and what it entails.

• The Art Institutes - various programs including art and animation
• The Art Institute of California - game art and design
• Collins College - BA in game design
• Digital media Arts College - Computer animation , Graphic Design, Special Effects Animation
• DeVry Institute - game and simulation programming
• ITT Tech - Digital Entertainment and Game Design (they have over 85 campuses nationwide) and some online programs
• Westwood College Online - game software development and game art design programs
• The University of Advancing Technology - BA in Game Design
• 3D Training Institute Online - 3d Animation software training

Video Game Schools Online

DeVry University - Game and Simulation Programming Online Bachelor's Degree - Their program is designed to be completed in 3 years and here is a quote from their website:

"As you earn your gaming degree, you'll master coding languages such as C++ and C#, artificial intelligence, industry-standard software packages, game engine development, multiplayer game programming, visual design fundamentals, and much more, preparing you to program, develop and design video games and complex simulations, from crime scene reconstruction to corporate training software."

FullSail Online - This university is serious about creativity in a lot of different visual art disciplines. Just one look at their website will give you a hint of that. They are predominantly a brick and mortar institute but they do currently have three online programs available including a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business. Listing of courses and tuition costs are easily found on the website.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division - They focus on the artistic sides of games and not on the programming. If you have a slant toward the art of games you might be interested in this school and program. The Art Institure of Pittsburgh has been around for a long time. And if you want to get an idea of what kinds of classes you would need to take in order to get a degree they have a great course listing here

Westwood College Online - They have a Game Art and Design Bachelors of Science Degree Program - THis looks like a pretty good program. Here is a quote from their webpage about the program:

"Our Game Art & Design Program helps students gain knowledge of art and animation techniques for employment in the game and interactive software industry. The curriculum includes courses such as Color Theory, 3-D Modeling and Animation, and Cinematography. In addition, a combination of management and general education courses enhance students' skills in critical thinking, logic, communication, and problem solving. Westwood College Online provides a flexible, challenging educational option for students who want to be a part of the dynamic gaming and game design industry."

University of Advancing Technology - This university appears to have the most comprehensive set of degree programs when it comes to getting an online education in the realm of video game design. They have Associate and Bachelors in Game Art & Animation, Game Design, and Game Programming. They are right up front about tuition costs and they have full curriculum that you can download and see what classes you would be taking. They also have a Masters Degree in Game Production program. I am not too thrilled about their website (Does anybody need to limit screensize to 800 pixels anymore?) But I am very impressed by their credentials and their curriculum.

American Sentinel University - Complete set of online degree programs. Here is a link to the BS in Computer Science Game Programming Specialization Program. They have a nice tuition comparison page that shows cost per credit vs various institutions. They also have an interesting set of podcasts that you can listen to. This page has a podcast about Game Programming.

Academy of Art University Online - Fully accredited online programs in Digital arts, New Media, Animation & digital effects and more. They offer a variety of degrees including Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts. This institute is something to consider if you are really serious about the art side of animation and games. Here is a link to their Animation School Homepage. It has comprehensive listings including classes you would take.

Not Looking for a degree - Just some intense training?

3d Training Institute has some interesting online programs for 3d animation and artwork in Maya and 3DS MAX. They have 12 week project based courses aimed at all skill levels in the realm of 3dArt and graphics.