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A degree in video games development and design is probably the best video games education you can get for entry into wide range of positions in the industry, but related degrees may also be useful.

A love of games is an advantage, but game development also requires serious technical skills acquired through video game education.  Only highly qualified people find jobs in this competitive environment.

So now is a good time to get your video games education.  To do this, take a degree in computer game developing, video games designing, 3d games development or similar program from a video game university or college.

Video games education

Degrees in video games development, games design, game art, game production or similar programs relating to video games education are the usual entry point into positions such as game and interactive software tester, game maintenance administrator, documentation writer, and support specialist. In your video games development degree you will usually be able to select a specialty, such as 3-D modeling and animation, digital illustration, 3D animation, broadcast graphic design, advergaming and storyboard art.

Recommended schools and programs for video games education

Full Sail University - a media arts college that was founded in 1979. Programs available:

• M.S. in Entertainment Business
• M.S. in Entertainment Business with electives in Sports Management
• M.S. in Internet Marketing
• M.S. in Education Media Design & Technology
• Master of Fine Arts in Media Design

International Academy of Design & Technology Online - Programs available:

• Bachelor of  Digital Media Production
• Bachelor of Game Production
• Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Game Production

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online - founded in 1921. Programs available:

• Bachelor of Game Art and Design

University of Phoenix Online - Programs available:

• B.S. in Multimedia and Visual Communications

Westwood College - Programs available:

• Associate of Graphic Design and Multimedia
• Bachelor of Game Art
• Bachelor of Game Software Development 
• Bachelor of Web Design and Multimedia
• Bachelor of Animation

Jobs in video gaming

Video gaming is a flourishing business. Typical jobs would include:

• Game-play tester
• Interactive software tester
• Developing computer games
• 2-D conceptual artist
• 3-D character builder
• 3-D object modeler
• Interactivity designer
• Background artist 
• Documentation writer

The video game and entertainment industry has seen a steady increase over the past 6 to 7 years averaging 14% growth per year, and is expected to continue this strong growth for years to come. With 2005 revenues in excess of $7 billion (source: Entertainment Software Association), the entertainment industry provides plenty of room for upward mobility if you are interested in video game developing.

Find other resources for video games education

Click here to find other schools for video games education

Click here for a review of a guide to getting a job in Beta Game Testing