Gain confidence in navigating industry-used software. In this program you'll learn to deconstruct games, tackle design problems, and create fully playable games.
Financing and flexible payment options available. Learn more
Uncover what makes a video game compelling and build foundations in designing game systems.
Using AAA case studies, learn to build immersive game levels and interfaces, combine different gameplay systems to create more engaging experiences, and discover what it takes to launch a successful game. The goal of this program is to take you from a game enthusiast to a trained professional, confident in using industry-standard software. No matter what you want to create, we'll give you the skills to create your own digital worlds.
The SMU x Flatiron School difference:
Career services is included with each capstone and bootcamp program. Designed by and for tech professionals, you'll experience a full technical interview process from start to finish, getting direct and personalized feedback each step of the way. Visit the career services page to learn more about the full process.
Prerequisites: No prior experience necessary. This bootcamp guides you from novice to confident game creator.
Industry-focused online course to equip you for success in game design
Game Design Essentials: Essentials of Game Design - 12 weeks
Before building a game, it's essential to understand game design theory. This course focuses on how to design compelling games, why certain designs work, and what steps are necessary for success. You'll explore how different platforms influence game design and how these differences must be adapted across genres. Expect to play a TON of games to learn how to analyze and deconstruct them. You'll also learn paper design and concept development, writing level design specifications and ensuring technical requirements are met.
What you'll learn:
Weekly Breakdown:
Game Design Foundations I: Core Game Design Principles and Prototyping - 12 weeks
This course emphasizes the importance of moving beyond design theories and quickly turning game ideas into playable prototypes. You'll learn to bring your concepts to life, focusing on execution rather than just ideation. Using the knowledge gained so far, you'll validate and express your ideas, then apply advanced skills in level and game systems design to create a compelling, playable game prototype in Unreal.
What you'll learn:
Weekly Breakdown:
Game Design Foundation II: Professional Game Design and Implementation - 12 weeks
This course focuses on designing and creating AAA combat and action games for PC and consoles using the Unreal Engine. Building on prior knowledge of game design and Unreal, you'll learn to take a game from concept to a fully playable level. With a custom toolkit and all necessary assets, you'll be able to design game systems, create engaging levels, and implement them in Unreal, regardless of your background in art or programming. The goal is to develop a polished game to showcase in your portfolio.
What you'll learn:
Weekly Breakdown:
Game Design Capstone - 12 weeks
This final course is dedicated to getting you job-ready! With your instructor’s guidance, you’ll polish your best work for your portfolio and learn how to develop your competitive edge, market yourself, and make the best possible impression in front of employers. You'll also receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from your career coach.
What you'll learn:
In addition to your capstone project, here's the weekly breakdown:
Flexible small group classes are the best way to learn from top industry instructors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Upfront
$15,000
Pay as You Go
$16,000
12 monthly payments of $1,334
Financed Tuition
$16,500
Our programs are not currently set up to accept military benefits, such as the GI Bill, as a form of payment directly from the student at this time. However, if your military benefits can be arranged to pay the school directly, this may be an option in rare cases.
No, you do not need a college degree to enroll in our programs. A high school diploma or GED is the only educational requirement. Our programs are designed to be accessible to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds.
No, we do not accept FAFSA or traditional financial aid for our programs. However, we do offer loans for full-time students, as well as interest-free installment plans and upfront payment options for everyone else. Please contact us for more details about these flexible payment options.
The Guildhall at SMU offers a world-renowned Master's degree in Interactive Technology, specializing in game design, art, programming, or production. This intensive, full-time program spans 18 months, and classes take place at SMU's main campus at the Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research & Innovation. For more information about the Guildhall at SMU, visit guildhall.smu.edu.
Yes! Upon the completion of each program in the pathway, you will receive a Credly digital badge from SMU and a certificate from Flatiron School. Digital badges can be used in email signatures or digital resumes, and certificates can be displayed on portfolio websites and social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thousands of our community members use their program certificates and badges to demonstrate skills to potential employers — including our hiring partners — along with their LinkedIn networks. Our curriculum is powered by Flatiron School, whose programs are well-regarded by many top employers, who contribute to our curriculum, hire our community, and partner with us to train their own teams.
Whether you want to build games, design products, prevent the next cyber attack, or create the next internet-breaking AI, we provide the training to bring your ideas to life.
Let's build your future together.