Program Overview
What our Online B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Game Design Offers You
Use your love of gaming to build an in-demand skillset that you can use to enter the fast-paced game design industry. With a Bachelor of Science in Digital Technology and Design with a Concentration in Game Design online degree from Arkansas State University, you will delve into all the features and functionality of the making of games—from concept to release—even creating your own 2D and 3D board or card game.
$269
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 Hours
Transfer Credits
120
Credit Hours
$269
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 Hours
Transfer Credits
120
Credit Hours
This A-State online program teaches you to identify and implement effective design principles across a variety of digital assets as well as understand the role of culture on people's attitudes and behavior. Expert instructors are ready to guide you with a hands-on approach. Plus, you can participate in game jams, a series of virtual events where you team up with other students to create video games in friendly competitions.
Throughout your coursework, you will learn the foundations of game design, development and application as well as 2D animation and graphics and basic 3D animation design for use in interactive digital environments. You will culminate your bachelor's education with the creation of a professional portfolio website—ideal for presenting to prospective employers the transferable game design skills you learned during your college program.
As a graduate, you will be prepared for a successful career in the gaming industry, equipped for roles such as:
- Video Game Designer
- Multimedia Designer or Animator
- Artist or Illustrator
You may be closer to graduation than you think!
A-State-approved credit for prior learning recognizes your previous accomplishments, reducing your tuition costs and time to graduation.
Tuition
Pay for Your Online B.S. Degree by the Course
Our B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Game Design online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to all U.S. residents. Administrative fees are included in the tuition.
Transfer your credits for lower tuition
Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.
Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student's A-State record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.
| Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
| $229.00 | $40.00 | $269.00 | $687.00 | $120.00 | $807.00 |
Calendar
Dates and Deadlines to Keep in Mind
Designed to be flexible for your schedule, the B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Game Design online program features multiple start dates and accelerated courses.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
| Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | 7 wk | 03/06/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 02/20/2022 | 02/24/2022 | 03/02/2023 | 03/03/2023 | 04/15/2023 |
| Summer 2023 | 7 wk | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 04/24/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/05/2023 | 06/09/2023 |
| 7 wk | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 06/12/2023 | 06/16/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 07/28/2023 | |
| Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
| 7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 |
Admissions
Review the Details for Admission to A-State
A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Game Design online program must meet the following admission requirements.
There are several paths to admittance at A-State:
- If you have 13 or more transferrable college credit hours, you would be admitted if you have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.0 on previous college coursework
If you have 0-12 transferrable college credit hours and have been out of high school for five years or more, you would be admitted if you:
- Have a high school diploma or state-approved equivalent
- Have completed 12 or fewer earned college hours
- Have never enrolled as a student at A-State
Note: If you're admitted as a non-traditional first-time freshman, you may be required to successfully complete a predesignated curriculum of 12 hours (Certificate or Non-Degree). Upon successful completion, you will be transitioned to a degree seeking program.
- If you have 0-12 transferrable college credit hours and have been in high school within the last 5 years, you would be admitted if you have one of the following:
- 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average (or GED test score equivalent), OR
- 19 minimum ACT super score or minimum 990 combined SAT super score, OR
- Class rank in the top 20% of your graduating class
Submitting your application takes three easy steps: filling out the application, submitting your documents and paying the application fee.
- When completing the online application, select 100% online student and then complete all the steps on the online application.
- Pay $30.00 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit all official college transcripts.
- Submit official high school transcripts (if applicable).
- Submit official ACT/ SAT test scores (if applicable).
Note: If you have 0-12 transferrable college hours, test scores will still need to be submitted for reporting purposes to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE); however, they are not needed for an admission decision. Accuplacer test scores are an acceptable alternative to ACT/SAT scores.
If you have any questions along the way, call us at 866-621-8096 866-621-8096, and we'll be happy to help answer questions.
Additional Information
Students who have attended any other institution of higher education must meet the following requirements.
For students who have:
- Fewer than 12 college hours: Submit official final high school transcript and official test scores.
- 13 - 23 college hours: Have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average on cumulative transcripts and official test scores.
- 24 or more college hours: Have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average on cumulative transcripts.
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
Topics You Will Study in Your Online B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Game Design Program
Students in the B.S. in Digital Technology & Design – Game Design online program must complete a total of 120 credit hours of coursework. The program includes 38 credit hours of general education courses, 25 credit hours of major courses, 12 credit hours of concentration courses and 45 credit hours of elective courses. Students can finish faster by transferring previously earned credit hours. Transfer credit hours will be evaluated during the admission process.
ISBA 1503: Microcomputer Applications
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Students will learn basic computer skills that can be used immediately, throughout college and beyond. Emphasis is on learning basic office applications in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation graphics.
ISBA 2033: Programming Fundamentals
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to Windows programming using Microsoft Visual Studio or a similar integrated development environment. Students learn to write programs using an object oriented programming language and incorporating sequence, selection, and repetition structures. Prerequisite: ISBA 1503
ENG 3023: Creative Writing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the instruction and practice in the writing of poetry, fiction and drama. May be repeated with change of literary category.
GRFX 1113: Design Literacy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Introduction to design literacy, color theory, typography, composition, and digital design software.
GRFX 2783: Human Centered Design
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course features app design concepts, prototyping app interfaces and user testing.
GRFX 4603: Graphic Design Internship
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The internship features supervised work in a professional graphic design setting. May be repeated for credit.
GRFX 4773: Design Build
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
User Experience Design focusing on the complete workflow of iOS app development. This course requires three or more hours per week outside of class. Restricted to B.S. in Digital Technology & Design majors. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in GRFX 3733 and GRFX 3783.
GRFX 4793: Digital Technology and Design Portfolio
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course focuses on the creative workflow of iOS app development.
PSY 3613: Cultural Psychology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on issues of how human culture impacts the individual’s behavior, attitudes and mental health.
ART 2523: Introduction to Game Design
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Foundational principles and theories of Game Design, development and analysis. Students create their own board games and concepts. This course requires three or more hours per week outside of class.
ART 3523: 2D Animation and Graphics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
2D Animation and Graphics interactive, and Game Design; including vector art, lighting, sprites and other methodologies. This course requires three or more hours per week outside of class.
GRFX 3713: 3D Digital and Game Design
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course features foundational instruction in the art of creating digital 3D content for applications in animation, interactive and game design and in the production of physical objects utilizing 3D printing and laser cutting technology.
ART 4523: Advanced Game Design and Development
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Advanced study including research and experimentation, culminating in a fully realized game or game concept. This course requires three or more hours per week outside of class. May be repeated for credit.
You must complete 43 credit hours of electives to satisfy the 120 credit hours required for this program. Courses must be chosen with the assistance of an advisor and per your degree plan. Electives can come from any courses offered as long as prerequisites are met.
Students must take the following courses.
First-year course - Students must take the following Making Connections online course. If you transfer in more than 12 credit hours, you will not be required to take the Making Connections course. You may replace that 3-hour course with a 3-hour elective course.
UC 1013: Making Connections
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Required course for all first semester freshmen. Course content is centered around the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful ASU student, including academic performance, problem solving, critical thinking, self-management and group building skills, university policies and other relevant issues.
Departmental Option Course Requirement:
This 3-hour course for the degree plan is chosen by the department, not the individual student.
COMS 1203: Oral Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the theory and practice of communication in interpersonal, small groups and public speaking contexts, emphasizing proficiency in message organization, delivery, and critical thinking.
Communication Requirement:
Students must complete 6 credit hours of the following courses.
ENG 1003: Composition I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study and practice of fundamentals of written communication, including principles of grammar, punctuation, spelling, organization, and careful analytical reading. Prerequisite, with grade of C or better, for ENG 1013.
ENG 1013: Composition II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Continues the practice of ENG 1003 to develop further the skills learned in that course. Based on reading and discussion of various types of writing, the students’ essays will provide practice in different kinds of rhetorical development, including research and documentation.
Mathematics Requirement:
Students must complete 3 credit hours of either College Algebra or any higher-level mathematics course for which College Algebra is a prerequisite.
MATH 1023: College Algebra
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, and miscellaneous topics. No credit given if taken following MATH 1054.
MATH 1043: Quantitative Reasoning
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative reasoning as the approach to understanding relationships using mathematical and algebraic methodologies. Contemporary topics will be used to identify, analyze, generalize, and communicate quantitative relationships.
Arts and Humanities Requirement:
Students must complete 6 credit hours of Arts and Humanities courses.
ENG 2003: Introduction to World Literature I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of literary works from several historical periods ranging from early civilizations through the Renaissance.
ENG 2013: Introduction to World Literature II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of literary works from several historical periods ranging from the Renaissance to the present.
MUS 2503: Fine Arts – Music
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to music for the listener who has had no formal musical training or experience. A study of musical styles and composers and their cultural and historical contexts.
Social Sciences Requirement:
Students must complete 9 credit hours of Social Sciences courses. At least one course must be selected from POSC 2103, SOC 2213 or HIST 2773.
POSC 2103: Introduction to US Government
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The constitution, government, and politics of the United States.
SOC 2213: Principles of Sociology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Human society and social behavior.
PSY 2013: Introduction to Psychology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of the important scientific, principles of individual human behavior from biological, cognitive, social, and behavioral perspectives.
Life Science Requirement:
Students must complete 4 credit hours of Life Science courses, including one course and one lab.
BIO 1003: Biological Science
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The major characteristics and processes of life emphasizing the human organism. Promotes understanding of diversity and unity among living organisms with focus on ecological interactions and responsibilities of people within their social and natural environment. Lecture three hours per week. Special course fees may apply. Must be taken with BIO 1001.
BIO 1001: Biological Science Lab
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Laboratory, must be taken with BIO 1003. There will be a fee when purchasing the LabKit. Please visit the tuition and fees page for pricing.
Physical Sciences Requirement:
Students must complete 4 credit hours of Physical Science courses, including one course and one lab.
CHEM 1043: Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry I
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to selected fundamental concepts including dimensional analysis, mole concept, atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, intermolecular interactions, gases, mixtures, kinetics, equilibrium and acid base chemistry. Fall, Summer.
CHEM 1041: Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry Lab
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 1
Special course fees apply. Prerequisite or co-requisite of CHEM 1043. Fall, Summer.
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