BS in Game Design and Development (STEM), Rochester Institute of Technology

48 Months

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About this course

RIT’s Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development is a highly ranked program that prepares students for careers in the game industry through a comprehensive curriculum. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with two blocks of cooperative education, providing full-time, paid industry experience. Students get access to MAGIC Spell Studios for creating and commercializing their own games, and they benefit from industry connections like Creative Industry Day, which links students with companies, organizations, and creative agencies. The curriculum focuses on game programming within a core computing education to ensure students are well-versed in design, interactive media, animation, modeling, and science, all essential for a successful career in game, simulation, modeling, training, and visualization industries. Furthermore, students have opportunities for accelerated degrees, including combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and the STEM-OPT visa eligibility allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is highly ranked and recognized nationally and internationally, with rankings such as 6th in undergraduate game design degrees from The Princeton Review and top positions from Animation Career Review and U.S. News & World Report. The curriculum combines academic excellence with industry-relevant experience, facilitated through co-ops, internships, and state-of-the-art facilities like MAGIC Spell Studios. Graduates benefit from a high outcomes rate of 82% and an impressive average first-year salary of $83.6K, making it an attractive choice for students aspiring to enter the competitive game industry. The program’s industry connections, accelerated degree options, and eligibility for STEM-OPT further enhance its attractiveness.

Specialisation

The program primarily emphasizes game programming within a core computing framework, aiming to equip students with broad knowledge in game design, interactive media, user interaction, animation, modeling, math, science, and design. Electives offer further specialization in areas such as game design, production, engines and systems, graphics programming and animation, mobile, web, and audio. This tailored approach allows students to build a robust portfolio aligned with their individual career goals in the varied fields of game development, simulation, and interactive media.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

52.64L

Living cost

Degree requirements

The program requires 121 semester credit hours, including core courses in game development, animation, programming, and interactive media, along with general education, electives, and advanced electives. Students must complete a mixture of lecture, lab, and project-based courses, including cooperative education blocks, capstone projects, and research opportunities. The curriculum spans five years, with a structured sequence of courses that build progressively in complexity and specialization, culminating in a robust portfolio and industry-ready skills.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the Rochester Institute of Technology admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates from this program can pursue roles such as game designer, game developer, front-end engineer, UI/UX designer, software engineer, mobile developer, and quality assurance engineer. The program opens doors across various industries including aerospace, defense, healthcare, internet and software, media, and entertainment. The cooperative education experience significantly enhances employability by connecting students with top companies early on, helping them secure internships and permanent roles in the competitive field of game development and interactive media.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for international students?

International students should demonstrate a strong academic background, including 4 years of English, 3 years of social studies or history, 4 years of mathematics (including algebra, geometry, trig, pre-calculus, and preferably calculus), and 2-3 years of science like chemistry or physics. Computing electives are also preferred.

What kind of industry experience will I gain?

Students complete two blocks of cooperative education, which are full-time, paid industry placements that start after the second year, usually during summer, but sometimes during the academic year. These placements occur with top companies across industries, providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities.