colleges with game design programs in california

An online master's in game development degree provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue or advance your career in game development and design. Busy students seeking to advance in their field or enter a new and exciting career can earn the degree they need through convenient and affordable online degree programs.

Finding a master's in game development in California helps Californians find the most affordable programs at colleges and universities they and their employers know and trust.

An online master's in game development prepares students for a variety of careers in the game development field, including game developers (as software developer), multimedia artist and animator, project manager, computer and information systems manager, and art director. Students in these programs engage with courses in advanced topics, such as game usability and testing, game programming and scripting, environment and character design, project management, and game marketing.

Master's in game development programs sometimes come with concentrations in areas including game development direction, character design, environment design, interface design, and game marketing. Sometimes game development programs are themselves offered as concentration paths of other programs, such as computer programming, software development, or animation. These programs typically take two years to complete and require 30-45 credits, though sometimes accelerated degree paths are available. Students usually must complete a final portfolio, and sometimes have to complete a professional experience component.

Ationally, game software developers earn a median annual salary of over $105,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In California, software developers earn an average annual salary of over $137,000.

Game developers are not required to hold any kind of professional licensure. However, it's important to stay current and familiar with emerging trends and technologies in the field, and higher-paying positions often incorporate managerial roles. Game and software developers can earn a variety of professional certifications to keep their resumes and skills current. Some popular and important certifications include Microsoft MTA and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner.

Designers Career Prospects in California
Job Growth by 2026	3.4%
Job Growth by 2021	13%
Average Wage (Mean):	$96,925
Entry Annual Wage:	$59,959
Median Annual Wage:	$82,411
Experienced Annual Wage:	$125,363
Sources: the State of California Employment Development Department's 2019 First Quarter Employment Projections and the State of California Employment Development Department's 2020 First Quarter Employment and Wage Information

Find your online master's in game development in CA

Study confidently at a quality institution in California where you know you will receive training relevant to California laws and regulations, and with attention to current affairs in California.

Finding an online degree at a regionally accredited college or university will help ensure not only the acceptance of your degree by hiring professionals, but it will enable you to pursue an advanced degree should you someday want to take your education to the next level.

Here's our list of online master's degrees in game developement offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities in California Sort to find the best, most affordable, and best value online colleges for game development degrees.

California Online Master's in Game Development Frequently Asked Questions+

Why Should I Get a Master's in Game Development in California?

Earning a master's in game development in California allows Californian students to learn from local institutions and take advantage of in-state tuition discounts.

How Long are California Master's in Game Development Programs?

California master's in game development programs are typically two years long.

What is the Average California Salary for Software Developers?

The average salary in California for software developers is $137,000 per year.

What are the Job-growth Prospects for Master's in Game Development Graduates?

The job-growth rate for California arts and design professionals is 7.3%.

What Kind of California Licensing do Master's in Game Development Graduates Need?

Master's in game development graduates are not required to hold any kind of licensure, but may want to pursue professional certifications.

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA

Academy of Art University's school logo

Key Facts	Answers
Total Enrollment	9,812 (43% fully online)
Public or Private	For-profit
Number of Online Programs	132
Accreditation	Regional: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition	$23,412 per year
Net Cost by Income
Family Annual Income: $0 – $30,000	Net Cost: $29,390 per year
Family Annual Income: $30,001 – $48,000	Net Cost: $34,125 per year
Family Annual Income: $48,001 – $75,000	Net Cost: $38,617 per year
Family Annual Income: $75,001 – $110,000	Net Cost: $36,626 per year
Family Annual Income: over $110,00	Net Cost: $39,042 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics

Degree	Credits Needed	Completion Time¹
MA - Game Development: 3D Modeling for Games	36	2-3 years
MA - Game Development: Animation for Games	36	2-3 years
MA - Game Development: Concept Art for Games	36	2-3 years
MA - Game Development: Game Design	36	2-3 years
MA - Game Development: UI & UX for Games	36	2-3 years
MA - Game Development	36	2-3 years
MFA - Game Development: 3D Modeling for Games	63	3-4 years
MFA - Game Development: Animation for Games	63	3-4 years
MFA - Game Development: Concept Art for Games	63	3-4 years
MFA - Game Development: Game Design	63	3-4 years
MFA - Game Development: UI & UX for Games	63	3-4 years
MFA - Game Development	63	3-4 years

See AAU's full list of online degrees!

Published: June 30, 2020.

Updated: September 1, 2020.