BS Game Design at Iowa State University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science in Game Design offers dynamic and multidisciplinary education in game design and development. The program is based on the principle that successful games are crafted through a blend of imaginative storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and artistic vision. The blend of skills in these areas culminates in engaging interactive digital and analog experiences that have the power to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Faculty: College of Design | Duration: 118 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ames, IA, United States

What you will study

Curriculum totals 118 credits. Required and core courses listed in the curriculum include COMS 1270 Introduction to Computer Programming; GAME 2020 Game Design Fundamentals; GAME 2030 Introduction to Game Engines; GAME 2100 Game Career Development; GAME 2110 Game Play and Analysis; GAME 3010 Game Design Workshop.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to Iowa State University and its college, not to the individual major (Iowa State does not make admission decisions by major). First-year applicants are admitted on the Regent Admission Index (RAI = ACT composite x 3 + cumulative GPA x 30 + years of high school core courses x 5); an RAI of at least 245 with the minimum high school course requirements (4 years English, 3 years mathematics including algebra, geometry and advanced algebra, 3 years science, 2 years social studies) receives automatic admission, and applicants below 245 may be considered through individual review. Iowa State is test-optional for first-year applicants.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms for first-year applicants include Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027. International undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may be submitted up to one year before the intended start date; applying at least six to eight weeks in advance is strongly recommended.

International undergraduate applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $65 by credit card through the online application system; fee waivers are not offered. SAT/ACT are not required for applicants educated abroad or for transfer students. First-year applicants: Iowa State is test-optional for ACT, SAT or CLT scores; admission is based on the Regent Admission Index. Apply with the institutional application or the Common App.

Apply through the official page: https://apps.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/online/

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