About this Program

ODU’s Game Design, Development, and Criticism degree is an interdisciplinary major that allows students to specialize in game programming or game design while also learning game scholarship. Our program features a fundamentally entrepreneurial and multiperspectival approach to game studies and gaming, one that is designed to not only teach students the core principles of game development, design, and scholarship, but also to help them understand how to adapt these principles in response to changes in technology, the market, or culture. In doing so, this degree aims to prepare students for careers in both the mainstream and independent gaming industry, in the growing academic field of game studies, or in any number of other related fields.

Program Highlights

  • Choose from two tracks: Development & Criticism, which focuses on game programming concepts or Design & Criticism, which emphasizes game writing and design

  • ODU features six student organizations dedicated to game design and gameplay

  • ODU boasts a well-established, entrepreneurial culture, which is key to successful game-based ventures

  • ODU is located strategically at the mid-point between Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, N.C., two centers of the gaming industry

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio

$90,770 Median Salary

Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.

Video Game Designers

$91,080 Median Salary

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

Producers

$90,770 Median Salary

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.

Multimedia Artists and Animators

$76,560 Median Salary

Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Game Studies & Design (B.S.) at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Game Studies & Design (B.S.) should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Associate Professor

2119 B MONARCH HALL
NORFOLK, 23529