Looking for game design schools in Oklahoma? This article highlights the top programs that can kickstart your career in game development. Learn about the best schools, their unique offerings, and what you can expect from each program.
- Oklahoma Christian University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gaming and Animation with a well-rounded curriculum focused on game development skills and hands-on capstone projects.
- Oklahoma City University provides a comprehensive Game Design & Animation program with proficiency in industry-standard software and a unique scholarship offering of up to $24,000 over four years for game design majors.
- The University of Tulsa integrates computer science and graphic design in their game design program, emphasizing game programming and software engineering to prepare students for the gaming industry.
Oklahoma Christian University Game Design Program
Oklahoma Christian University provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gaming and Animation, preparing students with the necessary skills to excel in game development and design. This program includes:
- A minimum of 122 credit hours for graduation
- 72 credit hours dedicated specifically to gaming and animation courses
- A comprehensive curriculum that blends core, major, and elective courses to foster a deep understanding of game design
This bachelor’s degree program ensures that students receive a well-rounded education and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the gaming and animation industry.
The program’s coursework spans various subjects, such as the History of Photography and Motion Pictures, Game History and Development, along with multimedia development software like Adobe Photoshop and C++. The program culminates in a Gaming and Animation Capstone course, where students demonstrate their proficiency in detailed animation and graphics, showcasing their ability to use industry-standard tools and techniques.
Graduates from the Oklahoma Christian University game design program are anticipated to show a strong grasp of visual problem-solving skills and to justify their work critically. This rigorous training prepares students to tackle the challenges of the gaming industry, ensuring they are well-equipped to enter the workforce as skilled and confident professionals.
Oklahoma City University Game Design & Animation
Oklahoma City University’s Game Design & Animation program lays a robust foundation for students in game development and design. The curriculum includes essential courses such as Digital Imaging I, Fundamentals of Drawing, and Introduction to Game Technology. Students also delve into specialized topics like 3D Modeling I, Animation Principles, and Team Game Production I, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Graduates of this program will be proficient in various aspects of game design, including 3D animation, game audio, interactive narrative, virtual reality, and critical analysis of games and technology. The program teaches students to use industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Houdini, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, and Adobe After Effects, providing them with the technical skills needed to excel in the gaming industry.
A distinctive feature of the Oklahoma City University Game Design & Animation program is the annual $6,000 scholarship offered to all majoring students. This generous scholarship can be awarded for up to four years, totaling $24,000, significantly reducing the financial burden on students and making this high-quality education more accessible.
University of Tulsa Game Design and Development
The University of Tulsa’s Tandy School of Computer Science offers a unique and interdisciplinary game design program that integrates computer science, simulation, and gaming. This program is designed to prepare students for significant contributions to the gaming industry by providing a robust curriculum that combines technical and creative disciplines.
Students in this program benefit from an interdisciplinary learning approach that integrates computer science with graphic design and software engineering. This holistic education ensures that graduates have a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of game development, from the technical intricacies of game programming to the artistic elements of graphic design.
The University of Tulsa places a strong emphasis on game programming and software engineering, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in these critical areas. By providing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, this program prepares students to tackle the challenges of the gaming industry and contribute to innovative game development projects.
Key Skills and Proficiencies
Game design students in Oklahoma cultivate a broad spectrum of indispensable skills pivotal to succeeding in the industry. Some of these skills include:
- Creativity: enabling designers to develop engaging concepts, characters, and storylines that captivate players
- Effective communication: vital for conveying ideas and visions clearly to team members and audiences
- Time management: essential for meeting deadlines, a critical aspect of the game design process
Possessing design skills is crucial for a successful career as a video game designer in game design.
Problem-solving abilities play a significant role in game design, helping designers handle technical glitches and keep projects on track. A passion for video games is equally important, as it enables designers to understand the gaming community’s needs and preferences, ensuring that the games they create are both enjoyable and successful.
Beyond these foundational skills, students also learn industry-level techniques such as:
- Texturing
- UV mapping
- Animating
- Rigging 3D models
- Game level design
- 2D animation techniques
- Audio production
- Interactive design
- Programming languages
- Mathematics skills
- Game asset creation
- Modern real-time game engines
- General game development techniques
These skills ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the competitive world of game design.
Innovative Learning Environments
Oklahoma game design schools are dedicated to fostering advanced learning environments indispensable for aspiring video game designers. These programs offer access to cutting-edge hardware and software, including:
- VICON Motion Capture Lab
- Oculus VR
- MagicLeap AR
- Wacom Tablets
Such advanced tools and technologies are crucial for students to explore and develop their skills in virtual and augmented reality, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest industry trends.
These state-of-the-art facilities not only enhance the learning experience but also prepare students for the modern workplace by familiarizing them with the tools and technologies they will encounter in their careers. By investing in such innovative learning environments, Oklahoma’s game design schools ensure that their students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving field of game design.
Career Opportunities in Game Design
A broad range of career opportunities await graduates from game design programs in Oklahoma. They can pursue roles such as:
- Game artists
- 3D animators
- Character artists
- Storyboard artists
Each of these roles plays a crucial part in the game development process. Game developers, on the other hand, focus on writing code to create video games and testing them for faults, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for players.
Mobile app designers are another exciting career path, as they create stories and visual elements for mobile games, a rapidly growing segment of the gaming industry. Special effects artists play a vital role in incorporating realistic effects and graphics into video games, enhancing the overall player experience. Other career opportunities include game testers, who look for errors in games and provide feedback on playability, and game audio engineers, who use sound equipment to create sounds and music for games,.
The diverse career paths available to game design graduates include:
- Game designer
- Game developer
- Game programmer
- Game artist
- Game tester
- Game producer
- Game writer
- Game audio designer
These career paths highlight the versatility and demand for skilled professionals in the gaming industry. With a strong foundation in game development, design, and programming, graduates are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers in various segments of the industry.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Students engaged in Oklahoma’s game design programs avail the mentorship and expertise of seasoned faculty members. These educators bring a wealth of professional insights and practical knowledge to the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for students. At Oklahoma City University, for example, Justin Shaw specializes in 2D & 3D animation, game design, and digital and traditional sculpting, offering students valuable industry insights.
Justin Shaw’s experience in designing and animating commercials for companies like 3M and the Federal Aviation Administration provides students with practical examples of how their skills can be applied in the real world. Similarly, at the University of Tulsa, Akram Taghavi-Burris coordinates the computer simulation and gaming program, mentoring students in designing educational games. Under her guidance, students are working on a city-building game to teach middle schoolers about carbon emissions and CCUS methods.
The mentorship provided by these experienced faculty members is invaluable, helping students navigate the complexities of game design and development. By offering guidance and support, these educators ensure that students are well-prepared to enter the gaming industry with confidence and competence.
Student Projects and Collaboration
Collaboration and real-world projects, which foster teamwork and practical experience, are vital components of game design programs. Creating a video game involves multiple teams and departments working together, making collaboration skills crucial for success. Collaborative activities in gamified learning connect students and expose them to varied perspectives, enhancing their ability to work effectively in diverse teams,.
Students in Oklahoma’s game design programs have the opportunity to create three complete games during their training: a 3D arcade game, a first-person adventure, and a custom game. These projects provide hands-on experience with the full game production pipeline, from concept to completion, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the game development process.
Real-world academic enrichment opportunities, such as those offered by the University of Tulsa’s Office of Integrative and Experiential Learning (OIEL), further enhance the learning experience. By participating in these projects, students gain practical skills and experience that prepare them for successful careers in the gaming industry.
Why Choose a Game Design Degree in Oklahoma?
With its expanding tech industry and lively educational opportunities, Oklahoma presents an ideal setting for pursuing a game design degree. The state’s tech centers offer industry-relevant training in:
- IT
- cybersecurity
- advanced manufacturing
- health sciences
This commitment to technological advancement fosters economic growth by attracting businesses seeking a skilled workforce.
Oklahoma’s tech centers serve as community pillars, providing high-quality training opportunities for high school students, adults, and businesses. Students gain practical experience and certifications that enhance their competitiveness in the job market, making Oklahoma a prime location for game design studies.
The local gaming culture in Oklahoma is supported by an active community of gamers and game developers, creating a supportive environment for students and professionals alike. This vibrant community, combined with the state’s educational and technological resources, makes Oklahoma an excellent choice for aspiring game designers.