BACHELOR of Arts in Game Design

Shape the future of games and their role in society.

Find out how the BA GD is the right program for you:

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In the University of Arizona’s main campus Bachelor of Arts in Game Design (BA GD), you'll study the vast landscape of game design and its social implications.

Not just about gaming, the BA GD delves into the profound impact of gamification on society. Immerse yourself in the fundamentals of multimedia, storytelling and sound technologies, unlocking new realms of creativity without the need for an extensive knowledge in computer programming. Our interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses that dissect individual dynamics like the psychology of simulations and play, as well as those that scrutinize broader societal patterns, setting you up for success in a wide variety of in-demand positions.

* Average salary for games and behavior bachelor's graduates according to PayScale and Zippia, January 2026.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THE BA GD

Game design for an array of purposes and industries
Game development skills utilizing effective, industry-proven approaches, tools, systems, platforms and devices
User needs and rights, including game target user groups, tools and platforms for promoting games, tools for analytics and metrics, play testing and evaluation, monetization, models, quality assurance, monitoring and social media utilization
Research methods and presentation skills for data and information science
Recognition and analysis of ethical and policy concerns raised by new technologies
Effective communication across cultures and with diverse peoples and groups
How to craft effective, ethical solutions for gamification and game design and development challenges

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"Games are more than just play—they're a window into human behavior. At the College of Information Science, we're not just teaching game design, we're decoding the psychology of gaming and its profound impact on society."
Andrew Kemp-Wilcox, Assistant Professor of Practice

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Fall Semester Early Application Deadline: November 1
Fall Semester Regular Decision Application Deadline: May 1
Fall Semester Transfer Application Deadline: June 1
Spring Semester Transfer Application Deadline: December 1

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PROGRAM COST

IN-STATE, ON-CAMPUS TUITION & FEES (Non-guaranteed, 12+ units): $7,403 per semester
OUT-OF-STATE & INTERNATIONAL, ON-CAMPUS TUITION & FEES (Non-guaranteed, 12+ units: $22,184 per semester

Tuition, fees and other costs subject to change.

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CURRICULUM & COURSES

The BA GD is a four-year undergraduate degree requiring 120 units offered at the University of Arizona's main campus.

Students take a mix of courses from the following categories:

Foundations and general education courses
Core major
Game Design major electives
Engagement course (Digital Engagement)
Minor or dual major courses

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CAREER OUTCOMES

In the U of A BA GD, students are prepared for a wide variety of dynamic jobs across industries. Positions include:

Art director
Concept artist
Consumer insights manager
Game designer / manager
Game tester
Game market research manager
Graphic designer
Marketing specialist
Software quality assurance analyst
User experience designer / manager
Video game designer
Web designer

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Are you ready to shape the future of games and their role in society?

Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design by contacting us at infosci-ugrad@arizona.edu or begin your application today:

Start Your Application

BA in Game Design