Searching for game design schools in Montana? This guide covers top programs at the University of Montana and Montana State University. Learn about their unique offerings and how they can help kickstart your career in game design.
- The University of Montana offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts focused on Game Design and Interactive Media, providing comprehensive education in game design, storytelling, 3D animation, and creative coding, with access to state-of-the-art labs and studios.
- Montana State University’s Computer Science program with a game development focus integrates software engineering principles with interactive media, offering advanced courses in software engineering, computer graphics, AI, and interactive media design while supporting career readiness through industry connections.
- Both universities emphasize experiential learning through internships and real-world projects, enabling students to gain practical experience and industry insights, further supported by scholarships and financial aid to ease the financial burden of game design education.
University of Montana – Game Design and Interactive Media Program
A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts, with a focus on Game Design and Interactive Media, is offered at the University of Montana. This four-year program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in game design, blending elements of design, storytelling, illustration, 3D animation, creative coding, and art history. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for aspiring game designers, including programming languages, game asset creation, and modern real-time game engines.
Students are required to complete 75 credit hours specific to the degree, ensuring they receive specialized training in both the technical and creative aspects of game development. Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate their ability to produce engaging and innovative games by creating three complete games: a 3D arcade game, a first-person adventure, and a custom game.
Facilities and Resources
The University of Montana’s School of Visual Arts and Media provides state-of-the-art labs and studios, including film production studios, where game design students can work on their projects and collaborate with peers and faculty. These facilities are equipped with the latest technology, offering students access to advanced tools and resources necessary for developing their skills in game design, illustration, and 3D animation.
These robust facilities allow students to experiment with different platforms and technologies, enhancing their capabilities and setting the stage for their future careers in the game design industry. The presence of experienced faculty members further enriches the learning environment, providing guidance and support as students navigate their creative and technical projects.
eSports and Extracurricular Activities
For students interested in competitive gaming and extracurricular activities, the University of Montana’s Griz Esports program stands out. Directed by Assistant Professor Michael Cassens, the Griz Esports program is the largest competitive Esports team in Montana, offering students hands-on education and resume-building experiences.
Through participation in national eSports competitions and web gaming, students gain valuable competitive experience and recognition, enhancing their gameplay skills and career prospects. Additionally, the university offers various extracurricular activities, providing a well-rounded college experience that supports student success and aligns with their career goals in the arts and gaming industry.
Montana State University – Computer Science with Game Development Focus
The Computer Science program at Montana State University, which emphasizes game development, provides a unique approach to this field. This program integrates software engineering principles with interactive media, providing students with a solid foundation in both technical and creative aspects of game design. The curriculum covers a range of foundational and advanced courses, building the necessary skills for various computing-related fields, including game design.
Faculty members at MSU are experts in areas such as empirical software engineering, software architecture, and cybersecurity, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship. This blend of expertise prepares students to tackle the challenges of the game development industry and equips them with the skills needed to produce innovative and engaging games.
Technical Skills and Coursework
The game development track at Montana State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers key areas such as:
- Software engineering
- Computer graphics
- Artificial intelligence
- Interactive media design
Courses like CSCI 204 introduce students to multimedia game development using the Unity Physics Game Engine, providing foundational knowledge in C# for feature implementation.
Advanced courses in game development include:
- CSCI 443: User interface design and UX design thinking
- CSCI 441: 3D graphics programming
- CSCI 446: Artificial intelligence, focusing on game playing and reinforcement learning
These courses equip students with the skills needed to create visually appealing and user-friendly games, as well as develop intelligent game characters in the realm of interactive art.
Career Opportunities and Industry Connections
Montana State University supports student success by providing career opportunities through internships and industry partnerships. The university maintains connections with tech companies and the gaming industry, offering students access to networking events and job fairs that facilitate connections with professionals in the field.
These opportunities enable students to gain practical experience and build professional networks, which are essential for launching a successful career in game development. With strong industry ties and a focus on career readiness, MSU helps graduates achieve their career goals and succeed in the competitive game design market.
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Montana
In Montana, experiential learning plays a central role in game design education. Both the University of Montana and Montana State University offer numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects. For instance, CSCI 498 at MSU allows students to gain guided experience through internships arranged with agencies, businesses, or organizations, which is crucial for industry connections.
At the University of Montana, game design students can intern with design firms in Missoula, gaining real-world experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for the professional world. These internships provide practical experience and expose students to the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their careers.
Student Projects and Success Stories
The effectiveness of experiential learning in Montana’s game design programs is underscored by successful student projects and achievements. One notable project involved a group of University of Montana students who developed a virtual reality hunting simulation designed to teach hunting safety and skills. This innovative project not only challenged the students’ technical skills but also demonstrated their ability to create engaging and educational content.
Aiden Sweet, a game design student from Washington, contributed significantly to this VR project, showcasing the collaborative and creative spirit fostered within the program. The virtual reality hunting tool includes levels that teach various hunting techniques, such as shooting and butchering, providing a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
While financing a game design education may pose a challenge, students in Montana have numerous scholarships and financial aid options at their disposal. The University of Montana offers $5,000 scholarships for students enrolled in the Game Design and Interactive Media concentration, helping to alleviate the financial burden and support student success.
Additionally, both the University of Montana and Montana State University provide various financial aid packages, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. These options ensure that students have access to the resources they need to pursue their educational and career goals without undue financial stress.
Career Paths with a Game Design Degree
A game design degree opens a wide array of career paths for graduates, each presenting unique opportunities and challenges. Some of the most common roles in the field of video game design include:
- Video game designer
- Mobile app designer
- Game audio engineer
- Special effects artist
- Multimedia specialist
Each of these positions requires a blend of creative and technical skills, and game designers are often responsible for creating storylines, characters, and graphics, collaborating with development teams to produce games.
Mobile app designers, on the other hand, focus on creating stories and visual elements for mobile app design, often working for large tech companies or as freelancers. Game audio engineers play a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience by creating sounds and music that set the scene and enhance the storyline.
Salary Expectations and Job Market
There is a robust job market for game design professionals, characterized by a high demand for skilled individuals across various roles. Game designers typically earn an average annual salary of approximately $68,000, while game developers can expect to earn around $78,800 per year. Mobile app designers have a median annual salary of about $66,000, reflecting the growing popularity of mobile gaming.
Other roles, such as game testers and character designers, also offer competitive salaries, with median annual earnings of $56,000 and $51,000, respectively. The diverse range of career paths and competitive salaries make game design an attractive field for those passionate about creating interactive and engaging experiences.
How to Choose the Right Game Design School in Montana
Several factors warrant careful consideration when choosing the right game design school in Montana. Firstly, evaluate the faculty credentials and their industry experience, as experienced instructors can provide valuable insights and mentorship. Secondly, consider the school’s emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world applications, which are crucial for developing practical skills and industry readiness.
Additionally, examine the range and specialization of courses offered within the game design program, ensuring that they align with your career goals and interests. Finally, check if the school offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, which can enhance your learning experience and broaden your skillset.