Game Design and Programming
Does your student love playing video games and want to turn their hobby into a career? Do they often think about how their favorite games could be improved? Or, better yet, have they developed a prototype for a new game? If so, a career in game design could be a great fit!
Game designers develop a story, create visually stunning graphics, write code, find and fix bugs, and launch the game so people can play it.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
At Stride Career Prep,* we integrate project-based learning into the curriculum, so that classwork mirrors what students will be doing in the workplace. With project-based learning, they work on solutions to real-life problems, often with a team.
For example, one of the assignments in the Game Design and Programming pathway is to design and build an interactive game to help a nonprofit raise awareness of the lack of access to safe, clean water. The game must be entertaining and incorporate the best in design and application integrations, including functionality, to generate ad revenue for the nonprofit. Students also have a chance to test and play other students' games.
Get certified.
Our curriculum prepares students to take the exams for the necessary credentials to embark on a career as a game designer right after graduation—without the hassle or expense of additional training or degrees. The tuition-free program includes exam prep for certifications such as Certiport Game Design, Java, and Python, which they can use to pursue a career in game design, programming, or software development.†
Get connected.
Our Game Design and Programming Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes students take as part of the Game Design and Programming pathway, and the industry-recognized certification exams they can prepare to take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Find a school near you that offers the game design and programming pathway.
Stride Career Prep programs with the Game Design and Programming pathway are available at tuition-free Stride K12-powered, public online schools in the following states:
Don’t see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in Game Design and Programming. There are also tuition-free options in related pathways: Programming and Networking!
Occupational Spotlight
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and test code in languages such as C++, Java, and Python that allow computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers test newly created applications and programs to ensure that they produce the expected results. There can be overlap with the duties of software developers.
2020 Median Starting
Salary1
$56,033
Projected New Jobs, 2019-20292
-20,100
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019-20292
-9% (Decline)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree preferred; some employers may accept commensurate experience, demonstrated through a portfolio of programming content including apps, and/or give job candidates a coding challenge to complete
Software Developer
Software developers manage all aspects of developing a software program. They interface with customers to understand the goal of the software project and all required functionality. They also identify requirements related to security, capacity, and speed. They document all requirements and workflows and serve as the liaison between the customer and the computer programmers who actually code the software. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring the software meets the customers’ needs.
2020 Median Starting Starting Salary1
$68,633
Projected New Jobs, 2019-20292
316,000
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019-20292
22% (much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree preferred; some employers may accept commensurate experience, demonstrated through a portfolio of programming content including apps, and/or give job candidates a coding challenge to complete
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to get a job as a game designer?
Companies in the game design field are often more interested in a portfolio than in any degree. They want to see that you’ve already designed games with high-quality graphics and animations. That’s why developing a portfolio is so important, and why we help students start their portfolio through our unique project-based curriculum.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
Hear how Stride Career Prep can work for your teen.
Thinking this might be a good fit for your student and interested in learning more from current Stride Career Prep students, families, and teachers? Submit questions to people who've experienced the program firsthand and get direct answers!
1Burning Glass Labor Insights, accessed October 16, 2020. Data is median salary for job postings with that job title, with typical minimum education requirements for that job title (as shown in chart on this page) and 0-2 years of experience, from October 1, 2019, to September 20, 2020.
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 1, 2020.
*Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. At some schools, career exploration is offered in middle school.
**Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
†Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
