Are you looking for the best game design schools in Kansas? This guide highlights top institutions offering standout programs in game design, preparing you for a successful career in the gaming industry.
- Wichita State University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Applied Arts in Media Arts program, emphasizing applied learning and providing state-of-the-art facilities like Shocker Studios for hands-on experience.
- Washburn University offers an interdisciplinary Game Design Minor that complements various majors and requires 15 credit hours of coursework, providing flexibility and substantial foundational knowledge in game design.
- Johnson County Community College provides an Associate of Applied Science degree in Game Development with tracks in Game Design and Game Programming, emphasizing hands-on experience and integrating technical skills with business acumen.
Wichita State University: A Hub for Media Arts and Game Design
Wichita State University (WSU) offers a unique Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Media Arts that seamlessly blends creativity with practical skills for careers in video game development, film, and the recording industries. This program is designed to provide game design students with an in-depth understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of video game design.
Shocker Studios, a state-of-the-art facility with the latest technology, sits at the core of this program. It includes:
- Recording studios
- Virtual reality studio
- Film studios
- Motion capture studio
- Computer labs
- Design studios
This unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the gaming industry.
Applied Learning Opportunities
WSU heavily emphasizes applied learning, ensuring that every degree includes a guaranteed hands-on or research experience. For game design students, this means engaging in practical courses such as Media Arts Practicum I, II, and III, which are designed to provide real-world experience and build essential skills.
Shocker Studios stands as the pinnacle of WSU’s applied learning, a professional production space that supports the Media Arts degree. Additionally, WSU has an extensive employer network that provides students with ample opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and partnerships, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.
Admission Requirements
Students must first be admitted to the university itself and then to the College of Fine Arts. This dual admission process ensures that students meet the university’s academic standards and are prepared for the rigorous demands of the Media Arts program.
The BAA in Media Arts requires the completion of 120 credit hours, which include general education courses, media arts core courses, and a specific concentration in game design. Students must also pass a mid-program review after completing 59 credit hours of coursework, ensuring they are on track to meet the program’s high standards.
Career Prospects for Graduates
WSU’s Media Arts program graduates are thoroughly prepared for a variety of roles in game design, animation, and digital media production. The applied learning opportunities provided by the program equip students with the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce confidently.
Kansas offers strong industry connections, which often lead to internships and job placements for students. These connections help graduates build impressive resumes, establish professional networks, and land their dream jobs in the competitive gaming industry.
Washburn University’s Interdisciplinary Game Design Minor
Washburn University offers an interdisciplinary Game Design Minor that complements various majors, providing a robust foundation in game design. The minor is a good fit for students majoring in:
- art
- computer information science
- mass media’s film and video concentration
- mathematics
However, it is also open to students of all majors.
This minor’s interdisciplinary nature lets students pull from multiple disciplines, gaining different perspectives and skills that are crucial in the game design industry. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their primary field of study with game design expertise.
Required Courses and Credits
Completing 15 credit hours is required for the Game Design minor at Washburn University, which consist of five designated courses. These courses include AR 222: Video Game Design, AR 326: 2 & 3-D Digital Animation, and MM 393: Special Topics/Mass Media (Visual Storytelling), among others.
Additionally, students must take at least two of these courses at the 300+ level, ensuring they gain advanced knowledge and skills in game design. This structure provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for various roles in the gaming industry.
Additional Course Options
Washburn’s Game Design Minor program offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. The minor director can approve additional courses that incorporate games or game material, providing a customized learning experience.
Contact Information for Program Inquiries
Students seeking more information about the Game Design minor at Washburn University can contact Dr. Gaspar Porta, the program director. Dr. Porta can assist students in creating a study plan and determining the best courses for their goals. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
Johnson County Community College’s Game Development Associate Degree
An Associate of Applied Science degree is offered by Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Game Development with two distinct tracks: Game Design and Game Programming. This program provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for entry-level positions in the gaming industry.
Students at JCCC have the option to pursue their studies either online or in-person, providing flexibility to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. The program emphasizes both the creative and technical aspects of game development, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Curriculum Focus
Essential areas such as game prototyping are covered in the JCCC curriculum, game world creation, and user-centered design. Students also explore emerging trends in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and storytelling, keeping them at the forefront of the gaming industry.
Courses like ‘Artificial Intelligence for Games’ and ‘Agile Game Development’ provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in modern game development. Additionally, the program covers game ethics and the presentation of ‘game bibles,’ ensuring students are well-versed in all aspects of game creation.
Hands-On Experience
Providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard hardware and software is a point of pride for JCCC. At the end of the Game Design course, students will be able to showcase three complete games they have built: a 3D arcade game, a first-person adventure, and a custom game of their own design. This demonstrates their proficiency and creativity in game development, preparing them to become a skilled game designer.
The state-of-the-art facilities, including the Gaming and Animation Lab, support this practical learning approach. Courses like ‘Game Design I’ and ‘Game Programming I’ offer hands-on experiences with 3D engines and game logic, preparing students for real-world challenges in game development and computer science.
Collaboration and Business Skills
JCCC’s interdisciplinary approach integrates technical skills with business acumen, giving students an entrepreneurial edge in the gaming industry. The program includes courses like ‘The Business of Games,’ which introduces students to the business and process aspects of game development.
Students in the gaming program:
- Learn the fundamentals of game design, including storytelling, character development, and game mechanics
- Gain technical skills in programming, 3D modeling, and animation
- Work in teams to create original games during the ‘Game Capstone’ course, fostering collaboration and project management skills
- Develop business savvy to prepare for various roles in the gaming industry
This blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and business skills ensures graduates are well-prepared for success in the gaming industry.
University of Advancing Technology: Innovating in Game Design
The innovative Game Design program at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is renowned for its excellence. Since its inception in 2000, it has been recognized as one of the top gaming programs globally. The program emphasizes critical skills such as:
- Systems design
- Game balancing
- Play-testing
- Interactive storytelling
These design skills prepare students to be at the cutting edge of the gaming industry.
Strong connections to degrees in Game Art and Animation are a hallmark of the UAT program, and Game Programming, offering students the chance to specialize in their areas of interest. This focus on innovation and collaboration makes UAT a leader in game design education.
Degree Features and Specializations
UAT’s Game Design program offers specializations in Game Art and Animation, and Game Programming, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. In the Game Art & Animation program, students learn to combine artistic principles with top software tools to create immersive digital worlds, exploring the realm of digital arts.
The Game Programming degree focuses on mastering coding principles, video game programming disciplines, and artificial intelligence, ensuring students are well-equipped for technical roles in the gaming industry. Team-based projects with artists and programmers further enhance collaborative skills.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Industry experts included in UAT’s faculty mentor students through real-world challenges, encouraging innovation and the development of new learning methods. This mentorship fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration, essential for success in the gaming industry.
Students in UAT’s Game Design program benefit from:
- Using industry-standard toolsets and resources
- Ensuring they are well-prepared for professional roles upon graduation
- Collaboration with faculty across various game studies programs, which enriches the learning experience.
Synchronic Learning Model
UAT’s Synchronic Learning Model emphasizes real-world applications through community projects, internships, and cross-collaboration among various game studies degrees. This model promotes job readiness by involving students in projects that solve real problems, create proof of concept, and complete internships, community projects, and apprenticeships.
Why Choose a Game Design School in Kansas?
Several advantages are on offer when choosing a game design school in Kansas, including affordability, accessibility, and a growing tech scene. Kansas state universities provide diverse programs tailored to game design and development, making it an ideal destination for aspiring game designers.
Additionally, the strong industry connections in Kansas can be highly beneficial for game design students, offering opportunities for internships, collaborations, and job placements. This combination of factors makes Kansas a compelling choice for those looking to build a career in game design.
Affordability and Accessibility
Known for their cost-effectiveness are the Kansas game design programs, making them accessible to a broader range of students. The relatively low tuition fees compared to other states, combined with the availability of scholarships and financial aid specifically for game design students, ensure that financial constraints do not hinder aspiring game designers from pursuing their dreams.
Growing Tech Scene
The gaming industry’s expansion has been significantly contributed to by the growing tech scene in Kansas, encouraging:
- innovation
- collaboration between tech companies and game design schools
- practical training
- real-world applications
This environment fosters practical training and real-world applications, giving students a strong foundation and a competitive edge in the job market.
With the gaming industry projected to grow by 8% from 2016 to 2026 and the market expected to reach $200 billion by 2024, Kansas is well-positioned to be a part of this booming sector. The rise of tech startups in the state further enhances opportunities for game design students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects.