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Bachelor of Fine Arts - Game Design

Academy of Art University

San Francisco campus — San Francisco, California, United States

Study Level
Undergraduate · 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
February 2027
Tuition Fee
USD 41,976
Application Fee
USD 50
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

The Game Development BFA gives a well-rounded education in the arts with an emphasis on understanding and applying techniques including 3D modeling, animation and lighting in video game production. Students graduate with a solid grasp of the fundamental game art principles, including knowledge of game engine technology and pre-production and production environments. Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria: Visual Communication Integrate environments, characters, or props for a cohesive game experience Visually demonstrate skills that meet game industry standards Technology Demonstrate proficiency with technology related to contemporary game production Presentation Skills Clearly and professionally present work and ideas Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Visually communicate research and ideas throughout the design process Research and generate workable solutions under a deadline Professional Readiness Produce a professional portfolio which meets industry standards Work cooperatively and effectively in a professional production environment Identify strengths and develop a portfolio tailored to showcase them Specialty Skills: Game and Level Design Design, organize, and build game prototypes in established game engines Create design documentation and detailed paper maps for a professional preproduction package Effectively use visual and code-based scripting to implement game and level mechanics Specialty Skills: Animation Effectively apply the principles of animation to environments, characters, or effects Convey motion (biped and quadruped) and interaction of moving objects Incorporate original animations into established game engines Demonstrate an understanding of staging and composition through legible animations Specialty Skills: 3D Modeling for Games Model with appropriate use of form, proportion, & function Create and apply textures consistent with the overall look of the project Specialty Skills: Concept Art Effectively utilize line, edge, value and design in all concept work Effectively apply the rules of perspective Demonstrate flexibility in illustrative style and the ability to accommodate style to project needs *Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
4-Year Bachelor's Degree
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
USD 41,976
Application fee
USD 50
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
February 2027, February 2028, February 2029
Application deadline
Confirm with Eagle Link
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

San Francisco campus

San Francisco, California, United States

79 New Montgomery St.

San Francisco campus campus, photo 1 San Francisco campus campus, photo 2 San Francisco campus campus, photo 3 San Francisco campus campus, photo 4 San Francisco campus campus, photo 5 San Francisco campus campus, photo 6

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Verify before applying

OPT and STEM OPT eligibility depend on maintaining F-1 status and on the program. A program counts as STEM only when its CIP code is on the official STEM list — not because its name sounds technical.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

Since 1929, artists and designers have called Academy of Art University their home. Founded in San Francisco and family owned, it is one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the nation. Academy of Art University is first and foremost a professional school - a specialized place that helps students master their craft as they prepare for professional roles as artists and designers. The hands-on, no-nonsense curriculum is taught by some of the finest minds working in today’s creative and innovative industries. They will help students develop their talent and acquire skills...

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Program information last verified 8 October 2026.