Game Studies and Design (Interdisciplinary Studies)
- Bachelor of Science
- College of Arts & Letters
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree completion
- For students with some college credits
- Complete at least 30 credits online from ODU
Full degree
- A start-to-finish curriculum for students to earn a degree online from ODU
- 120 credit hours, including an internship
Why ODU for game studies?
Prepare for industry careers in game-based entertainment, education, and training.
In this bachelor's program, you will learn the core theory and methods of game design and development. You will also learn how to adapt these principles in response to changes in technology, culture or the market.
You can choose to major in game programming concepts or game writing and design. Our faculty put a premium on experiential learning, and your coursework will include hands-on, real-world experience.
Our game studies program has a close relationship with the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC), a multidisciplinary applied and enterprise research facility.
When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a major in game studies and design - design and criticism or game studies and design - development and criticism.
Want to learn more? Contact us!
Focus Your Studies
You will choose to major in Game Development and Criticism or Game Design and Criticism.
Game Development and Criticism is a good match for students interested in computer science, computer engineering, information technology and cybersecurity.
Game Design and Criticism will appeal to students interested in art, music, theater, graphic design or creative writing.
![Kevin Moberly demonstrates a video fishing game designed by former ODU game design students. (Photo by Sam McDonald)](/sites/default/files/styles/partial_width_4x3/public/2024-05/game-studies-salmon-moberly.jpg?h=b6717701&itok=4nXnM-Wx)
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Required Courses
To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This bachelor’s program requires 120 total credit hours. Your exact course of study will depend partly on your choice of major.
Talk with our enrollment team to determine if you have credits that will transfer or to start an application.
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Online Learning Environment
Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. Instructors may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program requires a practicum or internship. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.
Cost & Aid
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Calculating Cost
- In-state Virginia Residents
- $408 per credit hour*
- Out-of-State Students
- $439 per credit hour
Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.
These tuition rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met. -
What is an Interdiscipinary degree?
An interdisciplinary studies degree is made up of two or more areas of study. This means that you'll take courses from different areas in the university to learn how they intersect on a particular topic.
An interdisciplinary program is a great fit if you want flexibility while working toward a specific goal or you want a broad foundation of knowledge to build on.
Careers in Game Design and Studies
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When you graduate, you will be prepared for careers in:
- mainstream and independent gaming industry
- serious gaming, such as training and education
- modeling and simulation
- the growing academic field of game studies
- and other related fields
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Possible job titles include:
- Game Designer, Developer, Programmer or Tester
- Game, Technical or FX Artist
- Game Journalist or Writer
- Level Designer
- Game Producer
- Character or Environmental Designer
- Mobile App Developer
- Gameplay Engineer
Meet Your Team
Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.
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Shawana Ward
Enrollment Coordinator
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phone:
- 1-800-968-2638
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email:
- artsandlettersonline@odu.edu
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Kayla Baker
Enrollment Coordinator
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phone:
- 1-800-968-2638
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email:
- artsandlettersonline@odu.edu
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Ready to get started?
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How to Apply
Finish your degree with us. We offer the upper division (300 and 400 level) courses for this degree program. Work with an enrollment coordinator to review your credits from other higher education institutions. Then you can apply toward a degree from ODU.
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Get guaranteed admission at Old Dominion University
We've partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. By applying, you will be assured admission at ODU for the completion of your degree.