| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | California |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania |
| 3 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 4 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York |
| 5 | University of California, Santa Cruz | California |
| 6 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts |
| 7 | Full Sail University | Florida |
| 8 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 9 | DigiPen | Washington |
| 10 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 11 | Southern Methodist University | Texas |
| 12 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 13 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 14 | Northeastern University | Massachusetts |
| 15 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | New York |
| 16 | University of California, Irvine | California |
| 17 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 18 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 19 | University of Washington | Washington |
| 20 | Champlain College | Vermont |
| 21 | North Carolina State University | North Carolina |
| 22 | College Temporarily Paused By Publisher | |
| 23 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
| 24 | Indiana University Bloomington | Indiana |
| 25 | Clemson University | South Carolina |
Below are the Top 25 game design schools and colleges offering Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs for 2025. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
University of Southern California (USC) is home to Viterbi School of Engineering (USC Viterbi), which houses the School of Advanced Computing (SAC), along with more than 30 departments, divisions, centers, initiatives, and institutes. This includes the Technology and Applied Computing (TAC) program and the Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science.
Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the TAC provides minors, specializations, and interdisciplinary degrees in more than a dozen disciplines. This includes Technical Game Art, Video Game Production, and Video Game Programming. All can be taken as a minor or specialization.
Also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science provides a Computer Science BS (CSCI) with a major in Computer Science Games. Students in this program will explore the art, design, engineering, and production of games. All classes are immersive and hands-on, with opportunities to work on projects with peers across all degrees.
Other program benefits include courses led by accomplished industry professionals; game development labs that are accessible 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week; a Mixed-Use Lab featuring systems for VR/AR development, advanced engineering systems, large-scale game testing spaces, and 15 HD monitors with attached gaming consoles; two 100+ person theaters with lobbies that allow students to display their work; and a Console Development Laboratory with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo development kits.
Other facilities include the SCA Motion Capture Stage; the Esports Lab; the Ganek Immersive Media Studio; the Game Innovation Lab; the Creative Media and Behavioral Health Center; and the MFA Thesis Lab.
All USC Viterbi students also have access to USC Game Studios—a two-story building that houses more than 100 VR-ready development systems, audio studios, and usability facilities. USC Game Studios is also the main teaching lab for Advanced Game Projects—the cross-disciplinary Capstone course for all game design students.
During this full academic year course, students will work in teams with faculty, peers, and industry professionals to complete a final market-ready project. Students have the opportunity to enter their projects in the USC Games Expo. At the end of each year, this event showcases the best student and recent graduate games.
Graduates of the Games programs at USC are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of the games industry. Program alumni have gone on to develop and sell their own games; launch their own independent studios; or land a position at a major game studio such as Riot Games or Epic Games. Graduates have also been hired at places such as Disney, Apple, CBS Interactive, and ESPN.
The Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a partnership between CMU’s School of Computer Science (CS) and the College of Fine Arts. The partnership houses a Game Design minor, which is available to students across all departments. Popular degree/minor combos include the CS BS/Game Design minor; the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA)/Game Design minor; and the Music and Technology BS/Game Design minor. The CMU ETC also allows students across all departments to enroll in individual courses, without enrolling in a minor.
The Game Design minor requires a minimum of 45 credit hours across computing and game design. Course examples include Intermediate Studio - Creative Coding; Fundamentals of Computing for Creative Practice; Little Games/Big Stories - Indie Roleplaying Game Studio; Introduction to 3D Animation Pipeline; Story and Sound; Digital Realities - Introducing Immersive Technologies for Arts and Culture; Computer Game Programming; Game Design, Prototyping, and Production; Distributed Game Studio - Game Art Pipeline; Dynamic Motion and Game Experience; and Reality Computing Studio.
The CMU Game Design minor culminates with a final project consisting of an original video game created in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as game design and development, film and video, animation, software development, and digital advertising.
CMU graduates are routinely hired by companies and studios such as 2K Games, Epic Systems, Nvidia, Sony, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, ESPN, Apple, Oracle, IBM, VMware, and Meta.
University of Utah (The U) is home to the College of Architecture and Planning, which houses the Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) program. Established more than a decade ago by faculty from the School of Computing and the Division of Film Studies, the EAE is a collection of degree programs known as Utah Division of Games. Undergraduate options include a Games BS (BSG) and a Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an EAE emphasis (CSEAE).
All University of Utah EAE programs are interdisciplinary and immersive with a focus on computational research, art, and social science. The Games BS is designed for students seeking careers in the games for entertainment, visualization, simulation, or edutainment. Students in this program will complete all of the courses for the minor, along with general education, allied area of interest, and elective courses.
Course examples include Ethics in Games; Digital Storytelling; Animation Techniques; Videogames and Storytelling; Discrete Structures; Lit, Film, Videogame; Fantasy; Rapid Visualization; Sound for Film and Digital Media; Storyboarding/Visual Storytelling; Film Production; and Software Practice. The program culminates with a capstone completed across two courses.
University of Utah’s CS BS program with an EAE emphasis is ideal for students seeking careers in video game engineering. The program features the full Computer Science curriculum and courses that explore video game design and development, 3D animation, and computer-generated special effects (CG SFX). Because the CSEAE program is computer science-based, students must complete pre-major courses including Intro to Computer Science; Calculus I; Intro to Object-Orient Programming; and Algorithm/Data Structure.
Examples of CS core courses include Software Practice 1-2; Discrete Structures; and Computer Systems. EAE core course examples include Introduction to Game Design; Traditional Game Development; Asset Pipeline; Digital Content Creation; Interactive Machinima; and Alternative Game Development. Students may also select from area focus electives such as AI/Analytics; Human Centered Computing; and Infrastructure. The program culminates with the Senior Project completed across two courses.
Students in all EAE programs at University of Utah will also graduate with several completed games to be included in their professional portfolios. Program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as Game Designer, Visualization Developer, Game Programmer, Training Simulation Game Designer, Game Simulation Software Engineer, Game Artist, Video Game Engineer, and Game Developer.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has a long history of firsts. In 1983, RIT became the first university in the nation to provide a BS in Biotechnology. In 1990 the school became the first in the U.S. to launch an Imaging Science PhD program. And in 1996, RIT became America’s first university to house a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering.
In 2016, Rochester Institute of Technology also became the first university in the world to publish a video game on the Xbox One gaming platform. Today, RIT houses the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS)—home to the School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM). Within the school is a Game Design and Development BS (GDD BS) and an accelerated BS/MS that takes just five years to complete instead of six.
Across programs, students benefit from up to two paid blocks of cooperative education experiences with places such as Epic Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft, Cartoon Network, and Google; access to game development and research studios; independent study opportunities; lectures, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations by industry professionals; Creative Industry Days; and access to the Digital Games Hub.
Creative Industry Days is a series of networking events with major companies and studios, where students can engage in panel discussions and portfolio reviews. Examples of past participating companies include Walt Disney, Epic Games, Adobe, Ogilvy, DraftKings, Iron Galaxy Studios, Enduring Games, NetherRealm Studios, Zash Global Media & Entertainment, MahiGaming, and CGI Digital.
The Digital Games Hub provides mentoring and resources for students and independent developers to create new games, launch start-ups, and enter the games industry.
RIT IGM GDD students also have the opportunity to develop and commercialize their own games at RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios. With support from the Epic MegaGrants program, this state-of-the-art facility houses a 7,000 square feet sound stage; several media labs; 32’ x 16’ LED wall, with technical support for motion capture, camera tracking, the virtual art department, and real-time in-camera visual effects; a 4K Dolby Atmos theater; post-production sound mixing and color correction suites; a green room; hair/makeup/shower facilities; and production offices.
The GDD degree programs at RIT explore game design and development, modeling, animation, interactive media, science, user interaction, and math. The BS consists of 121 credit hours, and the BS/MS is 145 total credit hours.
Students in the BS have opportunities to specialize in areas such as narrative, engines, audio, or graphics through electives across the entire university. Course examples for the program include Interaction, Immersion, and the Media Interface; Game Design and Development I-II; Introduction to Web Technology for Game Developers; and Data Structures and Algorithms for Games and Simulation I-II.
RIT GDD BS students may also complete approximately 40 credit hours of open, advanced, and general education electives. Examples of advanced electives include Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) for Computing I-II; Games for Change; Level Design 1-2; IGM Production Studio; Artificial Intelligence for Game Environments; Digital Audio Production; Casual Game Development; Theory and Design of Role Play and Interactive Narrative; Game Graphics Programming I-II; and Game Development Processes.
The GDD BS program culminates with a final project and presentation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in industries such as game design and development, animation, film and television, aerospace, internet and software, defense, media and publishing, computer hardware, education, science, and health.
Across all RIT Game Design and Development programs, graduates have been hired at major companies and studios such as Rockstar Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, and Epic Games.
In 2019, University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz or UCSC) was invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU). The school became the youngest university to join and one of only five AAU members. UC Santa Cruz is also the first institution in the University of California System to launch an undergraduate game major. Housed in the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE) and known as Games @ UC Santa Cruz, this intensive program has grown from a single undergraduate program to six programs leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD.
Programs are available at the main UC Santa Cruz campus and the Silicon Valley (SVC) campus. For students seeking a BS, Games @ UC Santa Cruz provides a Computer Science BS in Computer Game Design. Students have access to courses such as Foundations of Video Game Design; Interactive Narrative; Accessible Games; Psychology of Play; Games as Technical Culture; Advanced Programming; Game Design Studio; Creating Digital Audio; Game AI; Algorithmic Music for Games; Game Development Experience; Writing for Game Technologies; Playable Media; Game Data Science; Game Systems; Game Production Studio; Game Technologies; and Business of Games.
Students also have access to Games @ UC Santa Cruz facilities and centers such as the Center for Computational Experience; The Other Lab; the Expressive Intelligence Studio; the Advanced Visualization and Interactive Systems Lab; the Augmented Design Laboratory (ADL); Ludo Lab; the Critical Realities Studio; the Software Introspection Laboratory; and the Social Emotional Technology Lab.
Other Games @ UC Santa Cruz benefits include frequent studio tours; project evaluations by industry professionals; participation in the Annual Games Showcase; interactions with guest speakers from the game design industry; game design internships; study abroad experiences; and networking events.
The culminating experience for the BS program is the Capstone Project. This intensive year-long game project allows students to work in teams to complete a professional computer game.
Graduates of the Games @ UC Santa Cruz BS program are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of game design and development. Program alumni have been hired at companies and studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Amazon, Universal Studios Japan, Google, Ubisoft, TopGolf, NCSoft, Zynga, Tencent, Hi-Rez Studios, Method Studios, Tic Toc Games, WB Games Boston, NetEase Games, Glu, and Toys for Bob.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is home to a research and development hub known as MIT Game Lab. In addition to providing a space for students to collaborate, create games, and work with MIT partners, the lab helps students select a department and plan of study that matches their career goals. Ideal departments include Comparative Media Studies (CMS) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS).
For students seeking careers in emerging industries for game designers, the MIT Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) has a Brain and Cognitive Science BS program. This option is provided in partnership with the EECS Department and students can work with MIT Game Lab to customize a plan of study.
For students interested in launching their own studios or those seeking careers that focus on the business side of game design and development, MIT’s Sloan School of Management houses a Business BS program that allows students to work with the MIT Game Lab to develop a focus area that matches their goals.
Part of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS), the Department of Comparative Media Studies (CMS) provides a BS in CMS. The EECS Department is part of the Schwarzman College of Computing and it is the largest department at MIT. An ideal undergraduate degree option for game designers is the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) BS.
The CMS BS is an interdisciplinary program that explores game design, virtual worlds, interactive writing, and more. Course examples include Game Design Methods; Virtual Reality and Immersive Media Production; Creating Videogames; Interactive Narrative; Game Studies; Visual Design; Design and Development of Games for Learning; Critical Worldbuilding; Games and Culture; Imagination, Computation, and Expression Studio; Designing Interaction; Transmedia Storytelling - Modern Sci-Fi; Digital Media in Japan and Korea; History of Media and Technology; and Education Technology Studio.
The Comparative Media Studies BS at MIT culminates with a capstone project and presentation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development.
The CSE BS program at MIT is highly interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore areas such as human-computer interaction (HCI) and graphics; programming languages; machine learning; algorithms and theory; artificial intelligence (AI); software engineering; and computer systems. The program emphasizes team and independent projects; lab work and research; and professional internships with MIT partner companies.
Elective requirements allow students to take additional courses that focus on games. Courses are available within and outside the department. Examples include Game Design Methods; Interactive Narrative; Games for Social Change; Advanced Game Design Studio; Game Design; Videogame Theory, Computation, and Expression Studio; Design and Development for Games and Learning; Fun and Games - Cross-Cultural Perspectives; Designing Interactions; and Games and Culture.
Graduates of the CS, CSE, CMS, and BCS programs (with MIT Game Lab) are prepared to pursue careers in game design and development, as well as the broad technology industry. Program alumni have been hired at studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Harmonix Music Systems, Bungie Studios, Muzzy Lane (educational game studio), Learning Games Network (LGN), Moonshot Games, and Fire Hose Games, which launched in 2008 by MIT alumni.
Full Sail University has a full suite of game design programs that function like today’s production studios. Undergraduate options include BS degrees in Game Art, Game Design, and Game Development; a BS in Game Business and Esports; a BS in Simulation and Visualization; and an Interactive Technology BS completion program with concentrations in Game Design, Game Development, and Simulation and Visualization. With the exception of the Simulation and Visualization BS, which is available on campus only, all programs can be completed on campus or online.
In addition to gaining production experience in a real-world studio environment on the Full Sail University campus, all games, interactive technology, and simulation and visualization students have opportunities to work off campus at local and national studios through the school’s internship program. Courses for the program are also project-based and immersive providing additional opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
Course examples across programs include Creative Presentation; Motion Capture; Game Animation I-II; Art Creation for Games; Prototyping and the User Experience; Game Mechanics I-II; Advanced Game Characters; Data Visualization and Modeling Engine Development; Systems Design; Prototyping and Content Creation; Scripting for Game Designers I-III; Programming I-II; Game Architecture; 3D Content Creation; Game Systems Integration; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Game Production Tools; Computer Graphics; Software Engineering; Game Balancing; Applied Human-Computer Interaction; Digital Logic; Game Engine Development; and Professional Writing.
All undergraduate programs culminate with the project and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development, animated films, live-action film, simulation, and visualization, among others.
Full Sail University graduates have been hired at studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, Nickelodeon, Disney, Universal Studios, ESPN, Miramax, MTV, and Bunim Murray. Alumni have worked on games such as Fortnite; Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II; Destiny 2; Horizon Forbidden West; Apex Legends; and Overwatch 2.
More than 350 Full Sail graduates were also credited on 30+ projects nominated in over 20 categories at the 2023 Game Awards. Thirty-five Full Sail graduates contributed to nine winning projects in 15 categories including Best Narrative and Best Game Direction for Alan Wake 2; Innovation in Accessibility for Forza Motorsport; Best Score and Music for Final Fantasy XVI; Best Ongoing Game and Best Community Support for Cyberpunk 2077; and Best Audio Design, Hi-Fi Rush.
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) at DePaul University (DePaul) houses the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA); the School of Computing; and the School of Design. All provide paths to study games. The School of Cinematic Arts houses the STEM-designated Computer Science + Animation BS (CS+ANI BS) with a Game Art Technical Director concentration. Students in this program have access to the state-of-the-art DePaul Cinespace Studios.
This 60,000 square feet production facility houses six professional soundstages; animation studios and labs; Arri and RED cameras; green screen cycloramas; stop motion and motion capture stages; post-production video editing and color correction facilities; mixing studios; a scenic shop; and production offices.
Other program highlights include courses taught by accomplished industry professionals who have worked at places such as WMS Games, Nickelodeon, and Disney Feature Animation; opportunities to gain hands-on experience at DePaul’s virtual production stage—the first of its kind in the Midwest—and through the schools Indie Studio; the visiting artist series; the LA Quarter Program at the historic Sunset Las Palmas Studio; Project Bluelight; access to the Animation Lodge; and the annual Premiere Film Festival.
The Computer Science + Animation BS with a Game Art Technical Director concentration combines liberal studies, animation, computer science, and game art. Course examples include Computer Systems I-II; Rendering and Graphics Programming; 3D Modeling and Shading; Optimized C++; 3D Animation for Games and Cinematics; Game Modification Workshop; Motion Capture; Advanced Animation Production; 3D Dynamics; Object-Oriented Game Development; and Game Art Pipeline.
The Game Art Technical Director concentration culminates with the Game Development Capstone I and Game Development Project II courses.
Graduates of the SCA Games programs are prepared to pursue roles at major game companies, film studios, and animation studios. Program alumni have been hired at game design companies such as Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Iron Galaxy Studios, Bioware, and The Mill. They have also been hired at studios such as Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, LAIKA Studios, and Warner Bros. Animation.
The School of Computing at DePaul University houses the Computer Science BS with a concentration in Game Systems and a BS in Game Programming. These STEM-designated programs provide access to the game development studio DePaul Originals; the Deep Games Laboratory; the DePaul Esports Gaming Center; and the DePaul Fundamental Research in Academic Gaming (DeFRAG), which hosts week-long game jams, multiplay nights, and video game Jeopardy. Students also have access to all CDM facilities such as the gameplay, playtest and usability, virtual reality, and game development and research labs.
Other program features include participation in exhibitions; internships with local and national studios; and the biennial Japan Study Abroad Program. This two-week trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya includes visits to game and animation studios; temples, cultural centers, and historic sites; and galleries and museums. In Nagoya, students will collaborate with Japanese game and animation students at Trident College of Computing. This two-day game/animation jam is the culminating experience for the trip.
Courses for all programs are topic-based and hands-on, with a focus on global software development and lab work. Game Programming students will collaborate on interdisciplinary teams with game designers, producers, game designers, and audio designers to create games.
BS course examples include Fundamentals of Game Design; Practical Scripting for Games; 3D Design and Modeling; Game Engine Programming I-II; Object-Oriented Game Development; Rendering and Graphics Programming; Game Modification Workshop; Optimized C++; and Game Development II. The BS program culminates with the Real-Time Networking and Software Projects courses or the Game Development Capstone I and Game Development Project II courses, student’s choice.
The Game Systems concentration combines computer science, mathematics, and programming. Course examples include Discrete Mathematics I-II; Game Engine Programming I-II; Real-Time Networking; Object-Oriented Game Development; Computer Graphics Development I-II; Computer Systems I-II; Technical Writing; Applied 3D Geometry; and Concepts of Programming Languages. The program culminates with the Game Development Capstone I and Game Development Project II courses or the Software Projects course and one major elective, student’s choice.
Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of game programming, development, and design. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Disney Interactive Studios, Microsoft, Amazon, NetherRealm Studios, Abbott Laboratories, GitHub, Phosphor Games, Lockheed Martin, DeepMind, Scientific Games, Carbine Studios, Raytheon Missiles and Defense, and Scientific Games.
The School of Design at DePaul University houses a Game Design BS. Students in this STEM-designated program have access to everything the CDM has to offer as well as the Idea Realization Lab (IRL and IRL2); the interdisciplinary design PUSH Studio; the School of Design Talks Series; the Jarvis Speaker Series; mentored independent studies (MFA); and funded research assistantships (MFA).
PUSH Studio partners with industry professionals and social organizations. The Talks and Speaker Series’ have welcomed guests such as Bungie Founder Alex Seropian; Antionette Caroll—Founder and CEO of the Creative Reaction Lab; Co-CEO of Iron Galaxy Chelsea Blasko; Dale Dougherty—Founder and CEO of Make Media; Young Horses Games; and Scott Starrett—Brand Advisor to the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaign.
The Depaul Game Design BS consists of courses such as Games Literacy; Unreal Engine Workshop; Game Development I-II; Playgaming; Solo Game Development Project; Sound for Games; 3D Design and Modeling; Practical Scripting for Games; 3D Animation; Advanced Game Design; and Data Analysis.
The Game Design BS program at DePaul university culminates with the Game Modification Workshop Game Development Capstone I, and Game Development Project II courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in game design and development, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), animation, and interactive media, among others.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, Phosphor Games, NetherRealm Studios, Owlchemy Labs, Wargaming, and Firaxis. Some graduates have also gone on to launch their own studios, such as Young Horses—creators of Octodad. Developed at DePaul, this adventure game is an Independent Games Festival Student Showcase Winner and a Game Developer (formerly Gamasutra) Top 10 Indie.
DigiPen is a Houdini Certified School that launched the world’s first bachelor’s degree in Video Game Technology and Development. Since then, DigiPen has won 57 Independent Games Festival (IGF) awards. This is more than any other school in the world. DigiPen students have also won more than 300 awards for game projects and academic papers.
Today, DigiPen’s game program has expanded to include six options. For students seeking a BS, the program provides a BS in Computer Science (CS) and Game Design; a BS in CS in Real-Time Interactive Simulation; and an accelerated BS/MS program that can be completed in just five years.
Across programs, students have the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams in a studio environment to create software, several original video games, a final project, and market-ready portfolio.
The Computer Science and Game Design BS explores artificial intelligence (AI); system, level, and technical design; user interface design; programming languages; and game design. Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation covers 2D and 3D simulation; game engine software; programming languages; artificial intelligence (AI); software engineering; graphics rendering; and graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
The accelerated BS/MS program has two tracks: Thesis and Comprehensive Exam. Both options highlight courses such as Physically-Based Simulation; Graphics; Artificial Intelligence; and Image Processing. Students in both tracks will also complete the Advanced Game Project course. The accelerated BS/MS can be completed in just five years.
Graduates of the Games programs at DigiPen are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of games and animation. To date, DigiPen alumni have been credited on over 2,000 commercial video games and they have been hired at more than 1,500 companies. Examples include Electronic Arts (EA), Insomniac Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Ubisoft Shanghai, Epic Games, Microsoft, Google, Activision Blizzard, Intel, Booz Allen Hamilton, Nintendo, DreamWorks Interactive, Amazon, Walt Disney Imagineering, SpaceX, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Zynga, ArenaNet, Take-Two Interactive, and Bungie.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is home to the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. Within the college is the School of Literature, Media, and Communication (SLMC). In partnership with the College of Computing’s School of Interactive Computing the SLMC provides a Computational Media BS (BSCM) and a dual BS Computational Media/MS Digital Media.
Both programs provide access to the GVU Center Game Studio at Georgia Tech; the Institute for People and Technology (IPaT); and international campuses in the world’s largest games industry—China. Internships, workshops, and participation in student organizations are also part of the programs.
The Georgia Tech BSCM launched in 2004 with just one student. Today, the program serves more than 300 students, making it one of Georgia Tech’s fastest growing programs. Students in this program have the option to focus in Media-Games; Intelligence-Games; or People-Games. Across options, course examples include Video Game Design and Programming; Digital Video Special Effects; Game AI; Constructing the Moving Image; Experimental Digital Art; Game Design as a Cultural Practice; Computer Animation; Game Studio; Interactive Narrative; Graphic and Visual Design; Science, Technology, and Performance; and Principles and Applications of Computer Audio.
Dual degree students also have access to 11 specialization areas. Many provide additional coursework in games. Examples include Computer Graphics, with courses such as Video Game Design, Computer Animation, Video Game Design and Programming, and Foundations in Computer Graphics; Artificial Intelligence (formerly Interactive Intelligence), which consists of courses such as Game AI, Computer Vision, AI Storytelling in Virtual Worlds, Advanced Game AI, and Modeling and Design; and Human-Computer Interaction, which includes courses such as Video Game Design, Mixed Reality Experience Design, Game AI, Principles of Design, Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing, and Cognitive Modeling.
Graduates of the Computational Media programs at Georgia Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as game design and development; interactive design and game simulation; film and animation; visual effects; AI and robotics; 3D modeling; the broader simulation and visualization industry; special effects; and software design and development.
Some of the top hiring companies for Georgia Tech alumni include Electronic Arts (EA), Boeing, Apple, Google Interactive, Microsoft, Amazon, NBC Universal, TNT Sports, Delta Airlines, Cox Communications, and Ogilvy.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The school houses Lyle School of Engineering, home to the Computer Science BS (CS BS) program and Game Development track. SMU is also home to SMU Guildhall. Launched in 2003 with just 32 students, this education initiative was the first digital game development program of its kind.
Serving hundreds of students today, SMU Guildhall is still the only graduate program in the country to provide specializations in all four areas of video game development: Art, Design, Production, and Programming.
All SMU Guildhall students benefit from the initiative’s partnerships with hundreds of studios and companies around the world. More than 1,000 SMU Guildhall alumni have worked at more than 350 studios worldwide. Examples include Disney Interactive, Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Unity, Microsoft Game Studios, Samsung, Gameloft, Bungie, Insomniac Games, and Bethesda.
Other SMU Guildhall benefits include team-based learning; workshops; portfolio reviews; lectures; professional development coursework; guest speakers; career fairs; and mentorship programs.
SMU Guildhall also provides a Digital Game Development Certificate (DGDC). CS BS students may apply to the program. Upon successful admission, students can also add Lyle’s Game Development track. The certificate has Art Creation, Level Design, and Software Development specializations. All students are required to complete the same core courses including Special Topics: Social Sciences and Team Game Production I-IV. Consisting of 10 credit hours, the track also includes Team Game Production I as well as Math and Physics I; Software Development for Games I; and Programming for Commercial Game Engines I.
All SMU Guildhall students will develop a minimum of three industry-ready 2D and 3D games. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of game design and development. Program alumni have worked on games such as Grand Theft Auto, Game of Thrones, Call of Duty, Batman, Marvel Avengers, Fortnite, League of Legends, Disney Infinity, Guitar Hero, Assassins Creed, God of War, Elite Force, Diablo, Days Gone, Doom, and Atlas.
SMU graduates have also been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Obsidian Entertainment, Sony, Google, Ubisoft, Bioware, Gearbox, Crystal Dynamics, Oculus VR, Irrational Games, Zenimax Online Studios, and Valve.
University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the UT Game Development and Design (GDAD) program. Launched in 2020, the program is a partnership between the Department of Computer Science (CS) in the College of Natural Sciences; the Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF) in Moody College of Communication; the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET) in the College of Fine Arts’ School of Design and Creative Technologies; and the Texas Immersive Institute (TXI).
Specific paths to study games within the GDAD program include the Department of Computer Science BS CS with a 15-credit hour Game Development concentration and the AET Department’s AET BS with a Game Design path. A Five-Year BS/MS Integrated CS is also available. The RTF Department provides coursework that covers emergent media, cinematic arts, and narrative design. The TXI focuses on coursework in immersive experiences. All four departments provide minors and concentrations that combine studies in programming, design, media, and art.
Across programs, students will learn how to build games and immersive experiences and apply game technology in other fields. All students will also have opportunities to work with industry studios and EGaDS!—UT’s game development student organization—on independent and collaborative projects. These hands-on experiences take place through the AET Studio Industry Partnership; Senior Design Project; University Partnership; College Collaboration; Independent Study courses; and the Game Development Capstone.
Examples of industry partners include Dell Experience Innovation Group; Wonderspaces; Gensler Digital Experience Design; and ILMxLAB. Internship opportunities also provide the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation. The GDAD and CS programs also provide access to an unlimited number of games and games-related courses.
Examples include Introduction to Programming; Level Design; Game Development; Computer Organization and Architecture; Mixed Reality; Game Character Animation; Digital Experience Design Studio; Game System Design; Physical Simulation of Computer Graphics; Future of Gaming; Interactive Environments; Game Scripting; Narrative Design; Challenges in Game Design; Virtual Production; Physical Game Design; Artificial Intelligence (game playing, natural language understanding, theorem proving); VR for Games; Cross Platform Storytelling; Mobile Game Development; Computer Graphics; Game Prototyping; Realtime Pipeline; Challenges in Game Design; and Advanced Creative Coding.
Graduates of the GDAD and CS programs at UT Austin are prepared to pursue advanced roles in the games industry; entertainment (film, TV, animation); computer systems design; the broad technology industry; software engineering and design; simulation and visualization, and more.
UT Austin Game Development and Design graduates enjoy a 93% employment rate within six months of graduation. Approximately 92% of CS graduates secure employment within six months of graduation. Across programs, alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), IBM, Amazon, HP, Apple, Google, Aspyr Media, Inc., Scientific Games, Zynga, Lucid Motors, Diamond Entertainment, Everi Digital, and Cloud Imperium.
Drexel University (Drexel) houses one of the nation’s largest cooperative education programs. Founded in 1919, the program was among the first of its kind. Student in Drexel’s mandatory co-op program can gain up to 18 months of work experience in their chosen field—all before graduation. Co-op experiences can be completed at local and national companies or overseas in places such as Greece, London, Ghana, Hong Kong, and Spain.
A leader in technology, in 1983, Drexel became the first university to require all entering students to have microcomputers, and in 2000 it became the first university to operate fully wireless campus—indoors and out. In addition, the school launched the first mobile Web portal service for students in 2002, and the first university portal app (DrexelOne Mobile) in 2011. DrexelOne was offered across all platforms.
Drexel University is also home to one of the nation’s largest media arts and design colleges—the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), Westphal provides more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs, minors, STEM-designated programs, and accelerated degree programs. Options span the entertainment, visual art, design, performing arts, and media disciplines.
In addition to the co-op program, students in all Westphal Media Arts and Design programs benefit from an immersive studio-based curriculum; courses led by accomplished industry professionals; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios. Examples include the 1200 square feet Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); computer labs outfitted with advanced graphics workstations; the Immersive Research Lab (IRL) for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), immersive media projects; screening rooms; the URBN Center, which features an open floorplan, shared making spaces, and innovative labs and studios; and a theme-park quality motion simulation platform.
Westphal BS programs for game designers include the Game Design and Production BS; the Game Design and Production BS/Digital Media MS; and the Digital Media and Virtual Production BS/Digital Media MS.
All programs are hands-on and studio-based, with small class sizes that allow for individual instruction. Across all programs, students will also develop skills in computer programming; motion capture; computer graphics; scripting and storytelling; real-time visualization (virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive media); and animation.
The College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University has an additional option for designers seeking programs that combine the full computer science curriculum with game design studies—the Computer Science BS (BSCS). This program has an optional track in Game Programming and Development. Topics explore areas such as Creating Virtual Worlds (Numeric and Symbolic Computation); 2D and 3D Games (Game Development and Design); and Game Playing and Logic Programming (Artificial Intelligence).
Like all Westphal programs, College of Computing and Informatics programs provide a hands-on curriculum combined with valuable co-op experiences. Across programs, students have access to all of the labs, studios, and facilities mentioned earlier, as well as the Entrepreneurial Game Studio (EGS), and the Center for Games, Artificial Intelligence, and Media Systems (GAIMS Center). All programs culminate with a full-year capstone project.
Graduates of the Westphal and College of Computing Game Design programs are prepared to pursue advanced roles in PC game design, serious games, console game design, game art, mobile game design, and simulation and job training, among others. More than 80% of Drexel gaming graduates and nearly 90% of dual degree graduates are currently working in an area directly related to game design and development.
Drexel Westphal and CCI alumni have been hired at places such as Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Gameloft, Pixar, Microsoft Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Disney Imagineering, Lockheed, Xbox Game Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Disney Interactive, Razorfish, NCSoft Corporation, Zynga, BioWare, and Comcast Corporation.
Northeastern University (Northeastern) is home to Khoury College of Computer Sciences. Within the college is a Game Design and Music BS with a concentration in Music Technology. Students in this program may add a Game Art or Game Design minor to enhance the degree. Khoury College also provides a Computer Science and Game Development BS that focuses on developing and building games and playable media experiences.
All programs are interdisciplinary, with courses led by industry professionals. Across options, course examples include Game Studio; Building of Game Engines; Player Experience; Game Design and Analysis; Level Design and Game Architecture; Prototyping for Experience Design; Spatial and Temporal Design; Mixed Research Methods for Games; Data-Driven Player Modeling; Psychology of Play; Business Models in the Game Industry; Advanced Topics in Game Design; Game Concept Design; Human-Computer Interaction; Game Artificial Intelligence; Games and Society; and Generative Game Design.
In addition to a wide range of in-demand courses taught by faculty experts, all undergraduate Game Design programs at Northeastern University provide the opportunity to participate in the school’s co-op program. This allows undergraduates to gain up to 18 months of hands-on, professional experience. Full-semester summer co-ops are paid.
Northeastern University partners with more than 20,000 co-op employers nationwide and across more than 65 countries. Examples include Hasbro, Live Nation, Harmonix, Mass DiGi, Splash Damage Games, Jamspot, Demiurge Studios, and Greenbrier Games.
In addition, students in all programs enjoy hands-on learning in collaborative classrooms and studios and access to state-of-the-art production facilities, such as The Games Studio, which allows students to work on projects and be credited on up to four shipped titles
Other program benefits include participation in exhibitions; access to the Media Studios Organization, which houses labs, studios, and making spaces; guest lectures; access to the Center for Design—a space for collaborative and interdisciplinary design research; and participation in workshops.
Khoury College alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Google, Xbox Game Studios, Amazon, Hasbro, Zynga, Cognizant, Boeing, Harmonix, Arc Games, Greenbrier Games, Splash Damage Games, Demiurge Studios, HireIO, Digital Eclipse Entertainment Partners, and Lucid Motors.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is home to the Houdini Certified School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). The school houses the Departments of Communication and Media; Arts; Science and Technology Studies; Economics; Cognitive Science; and Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS). Across departments, HASS students have opportunities to enroll in a dual major and work with peers, accomplished faculty members, and professionals in engineering, business, science, architecture, and more.
The GSAS Department at RPI houses the GSAS BS and the Center of Excellence in Digital Game Development. Funded by the Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR) in New York’s Empire State Development Department, the RPI Center of Excellence hosts trade shows and conferences such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco; the annual student games showcase and research symposium known as GameFest; and Ripcord, a joint blog-and-podcast series that focuses on games.
The Center also hosts lectures and technical workshops; game jams and hackathons; STEAM educational programs; research in games-related fields such as game AI, wargaming, historical simulations, and virtual reality; an intensive, yearlong games incubator known as the Level Upstate Mentorship Program; and training activities for gaming startups.
GSAS BS students have access to everything the Center of Excellence in Digital Game Development has to offer. All programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore experimental game design; software engineering; 3D animation; programming; digital arts; and music and audio for games.
The GSAS BS has six concentrations including Computer Science; Electronic Arts; Writing; Cognitive Science; Music; and Management. Students have the opportunity to build a number of professional games throughout the program and a professional internship. Graduate students will complete research projects and game prototypes. All students may participate in study away programs such as the semester abroad in Singapore at Nanyang Technological University.
Graduates of the GSAS BS at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are prepared to pursue careers in fields such as game design and development, artificial intelligence (AI), visualization, animation, software development, interactive simulation, and fine arts. CGDS graduates are also prepared to conduct research and teach at the university level or pursue leadership roles in the games industry as consultants, directors, producers, and entrepreneurs.
RPI alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney, Hasbro, DreamWorks Animation, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Apple, Boeing, Adobe, Google, IBM, Amazon, Red Hat, LG, Pratt & Whitney, Dell, Meta, HP, Broadcom, Cruise, Tetra Tech, SAS Institute, and Boston Scientific.
The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) at University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine or UCI) began as an academic department in 1968. When it opened, the department was the first of its kind in the UC system. In 2004 the school was named for benefactor and billionaire businessman Donald Leroy Bren.
The only computing-focused school in the UC system, the Donald Bren School houses three departments that enroll more than 2,000 undergraduates and 400+ graduate students each year. Departments include Computer Science, Informatics, and Statistics. Across departments, students can earn degrees in areas such as informatics, computer science, software engineering, and game design.
The Department of Informatics houses UCI’s game design programs. Undergraduate options include the Game Design and Interactive Media (GDIM) BS and the Computer Science (CS) BS. Students in both programs benefit from mentorships; courses taught by globally-recognized industry experts; and partnerships with major studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Cartoon Network, Tencent Games, and Obsidian Entertainment.
Launched as the Computer Game Science major in 2011, the GDIM BS provides hands-on courses that explore areas such game programming, visual design, game design and development, interactive storytelling, data science, and game studies. This 176 credit hour program also explores emerging technologies such as mobile games, tabletop games, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
Course examples for the UCI GDIM BS include Coding in Game Engines; Roleplaying and Improvisational Play; Game Technologies and Interactive Media; Storytelling for Interactive Media; Game Engine Lab; Visual Design Fundamentals; Programming for Games; and Multiplayer Game Systems. Core and open electives allow students to enhance their skillsets and/or develop skills in a related area. Examples include Solo Game Project; Human Computer Interaction; Games Entrepreneurship; Children’s Learning and Media; User interaction Software; Project management; Software Design: Applications; and Professional Studio.
In the final year of the program, students will complete the following courses: Multiplayer Project, Data Analytics for Games and Interactive Media, and Special Topics-Project in Advanced Game Design.
The GDIM BS at UC Irvine culminates with the Capstone Game Project completed across two courses and under the guidance of industry mentors. This team-based project results in a finished game in an area such as entertainment, training, education, or healthcare.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in game design and development, serious games, creative technologies, and interactive entertainment. Potential employers include industry partners such as Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Cartoon Network, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Obsidian Entertainment, and Tencent Games. Some GDIM alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses, while others have gone on to pursue a graduate degree in interactive media, game design, informatics, or computer science.
The Computer Science BS at UC Irvine has nine specializations. Ideal options for game designers include Algorithms (explores areas such as computer games, computer vision, graphics, and artificial intelligence); Visual Computing (graphics, 3D, interactive imaging); Architecture and Embedded Systems (gaming, visualization, high-performance and scientific computing); and General Computer Science (create your own curriculum from upper division CS courses and two project courses).
Course examples across electives, specializations, and projects include Python Programming and Libraries (accelerated); Modeling and World Building; User Interaction Software; Computer Game Development; Formal Languages and Automata; Digital Logic Design; Projects in Advanced 3D Computer Graphics; Programming in C/C++ as a Second Language; and Introduction to Virtual Reality.
The culminating experience for the BS CS program can be a game, simulation, research or other project. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in the games industry (for entertainment); serious games in areas such as education, training, and healthcare; software engineering and aerospace; data science and engineering; and national defense and cybersecurity.
Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which houses the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT). Within the department is a CGT BS with a major in Game Development and Design. This hands-on, ABET-accredited program provides access to state-of-the-art labs such as the Games Innovation Laboratory; Visual Effects Lab; IDEA Laboratory; VR Lab; the Experience Design Laboratory (ExLab); and the CGT Computer Lab.
The CGT BS with a Game Development and Design major is also a STEM-designated program that explores game design, visualization, rendering, animation, and programming. Students will have opportunities to engage in collaborative projects with peers and instructors. Past projects have focused on areas such as games utilization in entertainment; sustainable energy, medicine, and therapy; and information visualization.
The Game Design and Development major requires 54 credit hours, with 39 credit hours focused on games. Course examples include Introduction to Games; Fundamentals of Imaging Technology; Computer Graphics Programming; Game Development I: Core Skills and Technologies; Game Development II: Design and Psychology; User Experience Design Studio; Game Development Practicum; and Contemporary Problems in Applied Computer Graphics I-II.
For the culminating experience, all CGT BS students will complete a professional portfolio across several courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in game design and development, animation, visualization, simulation, software design, and advertising, among others.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Amazon, Riot Games, Lockheed Martin, Zynga, Raytheon, Boeing, PepsiCo, Endeavor Air, Caterpillar, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is home to the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) and the College of Engineering. The College of PVFA houses the Visualization; Dance; Performance and Visual Studies; Theatre; and Music Performance departments/programs. The college also houses student organizations such as the Texas Aggie Game Developers (TAGD); Women in Animation; the TAMU SIGGRAPH Student Chapter; and the VIZ Industry Fair (VIF).
The College of Engineering at TAMU serves more than 22,500 students making it the largest college on campus. The college houses 15 departments including the Department of Computer Science (CSE) and Engineering. All students benefit from the CSE Industrial Affiliates Program (IAP) and the Industry Capstone Program. Examples of participating companies include HP; American Airlines; L3Harris Technologies; JPMorgan Chase; USAA; Lockheed Martin; General Motors; Paycom; Visa; and Two Sigma.
In partnership with the College of PVFA’s Department of Visualization, the CSE Department provides a 16-credit hour Game Design and Development minor. On its own, the PVFA Visualization Department houses the Visualization BS. Students in this program can add the minor.
The Game Design and Development minor combines required courses with five in-demand elective options. Students may choose two. Students in this program also have the opportunity to collaborate on the design and development of game projects and engage in problem-solving with interdisciplinary team members.
Required courses include Programming I and Introduction to Computer Science Concepts and Programming OR Introduction to Program Design and Concepts; Computer Graphics OR Game Design I; and Game Development. Electives include Communication Technology Skills; Interactive Virtual Environments; Communication and Video Games; Multimedia Design and Development; and Computer-Human Interaction.
The Visualization BS at TAMU is a 120 credit hour program that combines fine arts, programming, 3D design, and digital technology. Three emphasis areas are available including Animation; Game Creation; and Interactive Design. The program takes place in a studio environment where students will work on exercises and projects using traditional and electronic media.
Course examples for the program include Engineering Mathematics; Visual Computing; Time and Interaction; Field Studies in Design Innovation; Drawing for Visualization; Production techniques; Visual Studies Studio I-III; and the Internship.
The Visualization BS culminates with the Capstone Studio course, which consists of one lecture hour and five lab hours. Projects integrate scripting and programming; history; drawing and design; digital communication; concept development; art history; and core methodologies.
Graduates of the Visualization programs and Game Design and Development minor at Texas A&M University are prepared to pursue advanced roles in game design and development, UI/UX, animation, VR/AR, filmmaking, technical art, visualization, graphic design, visual effects, simulation, architecture, special effects, education, advertising, web design, marketing, amusement/theme parks, and research.
TAMU Visualization alumni known as "Vizzers" have worked on more than 400 films across 20+ production studios. Both Game Design and Vizzers have been hired at companies and studios such as Disney Animation Studios, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, LucasFilm Animation, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, DreamWorks, Reel FX, Presagis, Bouncing Pixel, and Aspyr Media.
University of Washington (UW) is home to the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). Within the school are several paths to study game design including the ABET-accredited Computer Engineering (CE) and Computer Science (CS) programs leading to a BS or BS/MS. Across programs students may specialize in one of nearly 20 areas. This includes Graphics, Vision, Games, and Animation.
Course examples include Special Topics in Computer Vision; Interaction Programming; Advanced Topics in Digital Animation; Computational Fabrication; Intermediate Programming Concepts and Tools; Software Design and Implementation; Programming Languages; Computer Programming; and Digital Design. Students in the Graphics, Vision, Games, and Animation have the opportunity to complete a game or other related project for the culminating experience.
University of Washington has an additional option for aspiring game designers with at least two years of college experience or working game designers seeking advancement opportunities in the industry. Developed in partnership with the UW Bothell Digital Future Lab, and approved by UW’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the UW Game Design Certificate (GDC) is an intensive eight-month program that culminates with a game prototype that students can pitch to industry executives.
Courses for the program include Fundamentals of Game Design; Game Mechanics and Systems Design; and Game Studio Roles and Development. Throughout the program, students will conceptualize, create, and complete several other game design projects for their professional portfolios. In addition to a certificate, graduates of the program will earn a digital achievement badge along with separate badges for each of the three required courses. Digital badges can be shared on social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
The CS, CE, and certificate programs provide access to four main labs in the Allen School including the Center for Game Science; UW Reality Lab; UW Graphics and Imaging Lab (GRAIL); and the Animation Research Labs (ARL).
The Center for Game Science produces scientific discovery games, learning games, and academic games. Center research spans fields such as computer games, machine learning, computer graphics, self-adapting HCI, inductive logic programming, program synthesis, data science, intelligent tutors, and crowd-sourcing.
The UW Reality Lab was established in 2018. Lab participants have opportunities to work on research projects in areas such as character animation, lighting and rendering, 3D reconstruction, and computer vision. Other UW Reality Lab features include access to courses such as Virtual Reality Production for Storytelling; Computer Vision; Introduction to Computer Graphics; and Machine Learning; the mentorship program; lectures; the Idea Incubator; and ongoing programs such as The Reality Studio and The Reality Lab. The Reality Studio explores production and storytelling techniques for immersive environments through classes and productions.
GRAIL conducts research in areas such as games, animation, generative AI, computer graphics, virtual reality, computer vision, and computational photography. GRAIL participants have opportunities to work with researchers from Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Adobe.
The multidisciplinary Animation Research Labs is a collaboration between CSE, the Department of Architecture, and the Schools of Art, Music, Drama, and the Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS). ARL participants have opportunities to interact with industry experts from Pixar, Xbox Game Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney Animation Studios, and Bungie, among others.
Graduates of the Game Design certificate and Computer Science and Engineering degree programs at UW are prepared to pursue roles across all areas of game design and development, the broad technology industry, entertainment, and more.
Computer Science and Computer Engineering graduates are hired by hundreds of different employers each year. Examples include Epic Games, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Oracle, Apple, Qualcomm, and Meta. GDC program alumni enjoy an 80% job placement rate. Top employers include Boeing, Microsoft, Bungie, Hi-Rex Studios, and Hourglass Escapes.
The Division of Communication and Creative Media (CCM) at Champlain College houses dozens of majors, concentrations, and minor options. All programs highlight experience-based learning through the Creative Studio Experience—CCM’s own in-house creative agency. This learning model mimics the real world, allowing students to create and collaborate across majors to complete portfolio pieces, projects, and class assignments.
CCM programs also feature immersive and interdisciplinary courses; professional portfolio and resume building in the very first semester through the divisions Upside-Down Curriculum; internships with local, regional, and national companies; opportunities to study and work abroad; and the Montreal Filmmaking Summer Program.
Study abroad highlights include internships at the Montreal Game Summit and the Montreal International Game Developers Association. Faculty-led travel courses are also available as well as other study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Scotland, Argentina, New Zealand, China, Brazil, South Africa, Portugal, Australia, France, and England.
The Champlain College Division of Communication and Creative Media also houses the Game Studio (GS). An Unreal Academic Partner, the GS is a collection of seven majors that take place in an environment that functions like today’s professional game design studios. Majors also feature small class sizes; collaborative projects; 100% of courses taught by active game industry professionals; additional opportunities to intern at places such as Xbox Game Studios, the Digital Media Academy, and Wired Magazine; and the Game Senior Show. This annual event highlights the collaborative work of the GS graduating class. Work consists of eight publishable games.
Game Studio majors include Game Design; Game Programming; Interactive Narrative for Games and Digital Media; Game Art; Game Production Management; Game Business and Publishing; and Game Sound Design. The Game Art major leads to a BFA. All other Game Studio majors lead to a BS.
Students in all Champlain Game Studio majors will develop games on interdisciplinary teams for three years in a row. Completed games can be presented to recruiters from major studios such as Activision Blizzard, Warner Bros., and Gameloft. BS students also have opportunities to network with representatives from other major studios such as Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, Sony, Insomniac, Crystal Dynamics, Survios, and ArenaNet.
Game Studio graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development. Game Studio alumni are often hired by AAA companies and independent studios. Examples include Riot Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft Montreal, Insomniac Games, Sega, Zenimax Online, and Bend Studio.
North Carolina State University (NC State) is home to the College of Engineering, which houses the Department of Computer Science (CSC). Within the department is a Computer Science BS (CSC BS) accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. This engineering- and CSC-based program has a Game Development concentration consisting of 21 credit hours of games-focused courses. Of this, nine credit hours are electives, allowing students to create a focus within the concentration.
CSC BS students also have access to The Digital Games Research center (DGRc). Launched in May 2007, the DGRc explores research and education in games and games technologies. In this collaborative environment, students can work on projects with game developers and game studio teams that focus on everything from artificial intelligence (AI) to mobile games. The DGRc has partnerships and licensing agreements with game studios and game engine developers across the U.S.
Other DGRc features include participation in the Games and Visual Narratives Showcase, and the Game Developers Conference (GDC); access to the new Games and Visual Narrative Suite; and the Visual Narrative Initiative (VNI)—a research cluster established in 2015.
Course examples for the program include Game Engine Foundations; Science Fiction; Computer Graphics; Introduction to Computing – Java; Game Studies; Foundations of Interactive Game Design; Software Engineering; Computer Models of Interactive Narrative; Fantasy; Visual Thinking; C and Software Tools; Communication for Engineering and Technology; Building Game AI; Music Composition with Computers; Automata, Grammars, and Computability; and Computational Visual Narrative.
All CSC BS students must complete the team project in Senior Design as the culminating experience for the program. Projects are supported by the Senior Design Center and industrial sponsors. This means, students will gain valuable experience working with industry representatives.
Graduates of the CSC BS programs at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions at game design studios, technology firms, film studios, advertising agencies, and universities, among others. NC State games and other alumni have been hired at places such as Epic Games, NBC Universal, Apple, Microsoft, IDEO, Razorfish, IBM, Spark Plug Games, BBC, Mighty Rabbit Studios, Duke Energy Corporation, BBC, Pentagram, Yahoo!, SAS Institute, GlaxoSmithKline, Nike Creative, and Cisco.
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses an Entertainment Design program that leads to a BS. Launched in 2018, the program emphasizes immersive courses and hands-on experience with focus on programming, design languages, the production process, and user experience. Other program benefits include access to state-of-the art production facilities at the Hillside and South campuses; potential internship opportunities at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Animation Group, Titmouse, Apple, and Mattel; and study abroad experiences at ArtCenter Berlin or partner universities such as Tama Art University in Tokyo, Japan.
Production facilities include professional studios, galleries and other exhibition spaces, workshops, and specialized labs such as Bruce Heavin Media Production Studio; the 908 Shops; and the 31,000 square feet Creative Hub.
The ArtCenter Entertainment Design BS also provides a Game Design track that focuses on teambuilding and collaboration. Consisting of 132 credit hours, the program allows students to select from 30 entertainment-related courses led by professionals from major studios such as Riot Games, Sony, Blizzard Entertainment, and Insomniac Games. Examples include World Building; Design for Multiplayer Games; Transmedia IP Creation; System Design for Games; Mathematics, Economics and Games; User Experience for Games; Storytelling for Games; Unreal Engine for Game Designers; Game Design Challenges; and Games as a Service.
Key courses for the program include Game Development 1-4; Game Concept Development; Level Design 1-2; and Games for Themed Entertainment. During the last two terms, students will complete an individual game project, an advanced game project, the Portfolio and Career Preparation course, and Grad Show Preparation.
Graduates of the Entertainment Design BS program at ArtCenter College of Design are prepared to pursue advanced roles in video game design, animated films, live action films, visual effects, animation for television, visual effects, toy design, and theme park design.
ArtCenter alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Insomniac Games, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Pixar, Riot Games, Naughty Dog, Playstation-Sony Interactive Entertainment, Apple, Disney, Marvel Studios, Google, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Marvel Studios, Paramount, Blur Studio, Netflix, IDEO, Halo Studios, Nike, Rivian, and Meta.
Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) provides multiple paths to study games across several colleges and schools. All options provide access to GameDev@IU. This student-run organization hosts workshops; collaborative game design projects; and game jams. Students can also gain valuable hands-on experience through the Indiana University Bloomington Internship Program. Students have interned everywhere from General Motors to Google.
The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering provides five distinct paths to study game design. Established in 2000 as the School of Informatics and serving more than 4,500 students, Luddy is one of the world’s largest technology and information schools, and among the first of its kind. Within the school are the Departments of Computer Science (est. 1971); Information and Library Science (est. 1951); Intelligent Systems Engineering (est. 2016); and Statistics (est. 2006).
Serving approximately 950 students enrolled in 11 programs at all degree levels, the Department of Computer Science provides a Computer Science BS (CSCIBS) with a Game Development specialization. The Luddy School also lists a Media Arts and Science BS (MAS BS) with a specialization in Game Design and Development.
Course examples across programs include Creative Concept Development; Game On! A History of Games; Game Production; Game Programming; Virtual World Design and Development; Game Development; Character Design and Animation; Storyboarding for multimedia; Augmented Reality Application Design and Development; Artificial Intelligence; Game Testing and Evaluation; Creature and Character Design for Videogames, Comics, Film, and Animation; Games and Puzzles; and Advanced Game Design and Development.
The CSCIBS and MAS BS specializations in Game Development and Game Design and Development culminate with a senior project completed across two courses.
The College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington has an additional program for game designers—the Game Design BS. The program is part of the Media School. Dating back to 1911 when IU established the Department of Journalism, this multidisciplinary academic unit attracts students seeking careers in game programming, animation, graphic design for multimedia, sound production, and music composition.
As part of the Media School, the Game Design BS allows students to select courses from several areas to create a specialization. Areas include Design-Game Design Theory; Programming; Design-Games and Mind; Art; Sound; and Management, Advertising, and Public Relations. The program begins with a mix of hands-on production classes and seminars.
Students will gradually advance into upper division courses, including a three-semester, three-course Game Workshop Sequence. Courses include Game Workshop I-Prototype; Game Workshop II-Demo; and Game Workshop III-Publish. Modeled after today’s top game studios, the sequence culminates with an industry-ready published game.
Graduates of the Computer Science, Game Design, and Media programs at Indiana University Bloomington are prepared to pursue advanced roles across all areas of game design and development. Program alumni have been hired at studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Zynga, Owlchemy Labs, Piperworks Studios, and Gearbox Software.
Clemson University has a number of paths to study game design in the school’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS). All programs are cross-disciplinary and collaborative, allowing students to develop skills in multiple areas of games, computer science, and even audio engineering. Programs also provide experiential learning opportunities such as internships and study abroad experiences.
Each year, nearly 1,300 students participate in the study abroad program in locations such as Japan, Spain, the UK, and Germany. In addition, Clemson’s University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) program provides more than 900 paid, on-campus internships each year.
The CECAS School of Computing houses an ABET-accredited Computer Science BS (CS-BS); the Computer Information Systems BS (BS-CIS); and a fast-track Computer Science Bachelor’s/Master’s (BS/MS).
Undergraduate students will complete a common core which explores fundamental concepts and programming languages such as C, C++, and Java. Electives allow all students to study games. Examples include 2D Game Engine Construction; Virtual Reality; Human and Computer Interaction; Distributed and Cluster Computing; Eye-Tracking Methodology; and Cloud Computing.
MS students will select a concentration from six options. Visual Computing, Software Engineering, and Human Centered Computing are popular options for game designers. Students may select additional games courses from electives.
All Computer Science students may also add the DPA minor, which provides access to courses such as Advanced 3D Modeling; Visual Foundations of Digital Production I-II; Computer Graphics Images; 2D Dimensional Animation; Special Topics in Digital Production Arts; Film; and Digital Imaging.
Other Computer Science and DPA highlights include visits from professionals working at major studios such as DreamWorks; 24/7 access to four dedicated instructional computer labs and state-of-the-art production studios and facilities with specialized equipment; high-tech classrooms and collaboration spaces; and participation in the SIGGRAPH Conference.
Graduates of the DPA and Computer Science programs at Clemson University are prepared to pursue advanced roles across the game design and development industry, as well as fields such as animation, visual effects, and live-action films; simulation and visualization; aerospace; software design and engineering; AI engineering; augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR); education; and advertising.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Boeing, Sledgehammer Games, Apple, Lockheed Martin, Google, Blur Studio, IBM, Delta Air Lines, VMware, IBM, CrowdStrike, BMW, Michelin, Meta, GE, and Savannah River National Lab.
