| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | California |
| 2 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 3 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 4 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York |
| 5 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia |
| 6 | University of California, Santa Cruz | California |
| 7 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts |
| 8 | Full Sail University | Florida |
| 9 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 10 | Michigan State University | Michigan |
| 11 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 12 | Southern Methodist University | Texas |
| 13 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 14 | Northeastern University | Massachusetts |
| 15 | University of Florida | Florida |
| 16 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 17 | University of Texas at Dallas | Texas |
| 18 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Massachusetts |
| 19 | Academy of Art University | California |
| 20 | Clemson University | South Carolina |
| 21 | University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| 22 | George Mason University | Virginia |
| 23 | American University | DC |
| 24 | University of Advancing Technology | Arizona |
| 25 | Louisiana State University | Louisiana |
For our graduate degree rankings, we have evaluated animation schools and programs with the best Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Science (MS) options. To determine which degree matches your career goals, it is important to understand how each qualification differs.
The Master of Arts (MA) is an advanced degree that focuses on areas such as the humanities. MA degrees are typically available in the areas of communications, English, teaching, literature, linguistics, art, and languages. Seminars are the main method of learning for MA programs and most programs do not require a thesis.
The Master of Science (MS) degree option typically focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. This advanced degree often includes immersive lab work, scientific research, analysis, and evaluation. Unlike MA programs, most MS programs require a thesis.
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is academically recognized as a terminal degree and it is typically awarded in the visual, fine and performing arts. The MFA degree demands the highest level of professional competency in these areas and practicing artists must exhibit the highest level of accomplishment through the generation of a body of work.
Below are the Top 25 Game Design Schools and Colleges with MS-MA Programs for 2026.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) and Viterbi School of Engineering at University of Southern California (USC) provide more than a dozen paths to study game design. Known as USC Games, this collaboration features graduate options such as the Computer Science (Game Development) MS; Cinematic Arts (Media Arts, Games, and Health) MA; and Game Design and Development MS.
Across programs, students benefit from integrated curriculums; access to state-of-the-art game development labs and other production facilities; professional internships; and possible participation in the USC Games Expo.
Programs culminate with a thesis and presentation. USC Games graduates are often recruited by places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Xbox Game Studios, DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Ubisoft, Epic Games, Disney, NVIDIA, Riot Games, Google, Unity, Rockstar Games, Apple, Warner Bros. Games, CBS Interactive, Naughty Dog, ESPN, and Netflix.
The College of Architecture and Planning at University of Utah (The U) is home to the Utah Division of Games. Within the division are two graduate options including the Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE), and the dual MBA/MEAE. These immersive, interdisciplinary programs provide opportunities to complete a professional internship at places such as Epic Games and Warner Bros. Games.
Students also have opportunities to join campus clubs such as Crimson Gaming, the 3D Art Club, or Gamecraft. Across clubs, students participate in workshops, attend industry events, and develop games for game jams. Other program benefits include courses taught by instructors with experience in all areas of game development; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; studio simulation project courses; and the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams to publish a game.
Programs culminate with a professional game portfolio. Utah Division of Games alumni can be found at places such as Nintendo, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, Disney, Rockstar Games, Zynga, Riot Games, BioWare, Amazon Game Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, the U.S. Air Force, Microsoft Games, Nickelodeon, Google, Adobe, ESPN, Bethesda, and Valve Corporation.
University of Central Florida (UCF) is home to Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM), which houses the Digital Media MA. UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) houses an Interactive Entertainment MS with specializations in Art, Production, and Programming.
Activities for all programs take place in the Communication and Media Building, which houses state-of-the-art studio and classroom space across 112,000 square feet of space. This includes one of the largest soundstages and motion capture studios on the east coast—Studio 500. Other program highlights include internships at major studios; study abroad opportunities; participation in Esports at UCF; and student clubs such as Game Development Knights, Women’s Gaming Alliance, and Gaming Knights.
Programs culminate with a thesis or research project. Graduates have been hired at places such as Disney, Epic Games, Lockheed Martin, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Rockstar Games, Microsoft, Cartoon Network, Google, Blizzard Entertainment, Marvel, Nintendo, Electronic Arts (EA), Warner Bros. Games, Apple, Unity Technologies, Zynga, Sony, Universal, Iron Galaxy Studios, Gameloft, and Blur Studio.
In 2016, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) became the world’s first university to publish a video game on the Xbox One gaming platform. The school is also home to Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS), which houses the School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM). Within the IGM School is a Game Design and Development (GDD) MA, and an accelerated BS/MS.
All students have the opportunity to participate in Creative Industry Day. This networking event welcomes reps from places such as Epic Games, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Students also have the opportunity to complete up to two paid blocks of cooperative education experiences with places such as Epic Games, Cartoon Network, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), and Google.
Other program highlights include lectures, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production facilities and the Digital Games Hub; independent study; and the opportunity to develop and commercialize student games at RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios.
The GDD MS program culminates with a capstone project, which includes the 700-level Capstone Design and Capstone Development courses. Graduates can be found at places such as Tencent Games, Disney, Lockheed Martin, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft, Epic Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Riot Games, Apple, Electronic Arts (EA), Insomniac Games, and Nickelodeon.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) houses more art and design degrees and specializations than just about any other school of its kind. Programs for students seeking a graduate degree in games can enroll in the Interactive Design and Game Development (IDGD) MA program. Program highlights include internships individual and group projects; access to SCAD Film Studios; and state-of-the-art production facilities in the 60,000 square feet SCAD Digital Media Center (DMC) and Mongomery Hall.
Students also have opportunities to interview and present their portfolios to reps from places such as Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts (EA), and Zynga during regularly scheduled meetings.
The program culminates with a final project and presentation. With a 99% success rate, SCAD IDGD graduates go on to land positions at places such as Riot Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Google, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Epic Games, Apple, Nickelodeon, Gearbox Software, Adobe, Bethesda, and Zynga.
University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is home to the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE), which houses Games @ UC Santa Cruz. At the graduate level, this initiative provides a Computational Media MS with a Games and Playable Media project sequence that can be completed at the Santa Cruz or Silicon Valley (SVC) campus. All students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities and centers such as the Advanced Visualization and Interactive Systems Lab; Critical Realities Studio; The Other Lab; Expressive Intelligence Studio; Augmented Design Laboratory (ADL); Ludo Lab; the Center for Computational Experience; and the Critical Realities Studio.
Other program highlights include guest speakers from the game design industry; networking events; game design internships; participation in the Annual Games Showcase; studio tours; and project evaluations by industry professionals.
The program culminates with a capstone, thesis, or research project. Games @ UC Santa Cruz alumni have been hired at places such as Riot Games, Ubisoft, Tencent Games, Universal Studios Japan, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Warner Bros. Games, Apple, Zynga, Intel, NCSoft, Topgolf, NetEase Games, and Hi-Rez Studios.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is home to MIT Game Lab. This research and development hub supports several formal interdisciplinary programs for students interested in studying game design. The lab also helps students create their own path of study, along with opportunities to collaborate, build games, and work with MIT partners such as Meta, the Singapore Government, ElevatePro, and MassDigi.
Graduate program options for game designers include an MS in Comparative Media Studies (CMS) with a strong focus in games; and the MS in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). Both programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore areas such as game design, virtual worlds, and interactive writing. Course examples across programs include Creating Videogames; Critical Worldbuilding; Game Studies; Interactive Narrative; Game Design Methods; Virtual Reality and Immersive Media Production; Design and Development of Games for Learning; Transmedia Storytelling - Modern Sci-Fi; Games and Culture; Imagination, Computation, and Expression Studio; Designing Interaction; and Digital Media in Japan and Korea.
The program culminates with the Master’s Thesis and Presentation. Graduates of Game Design programs at MIT have been hired at places such as Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Warner Bros. Discovery, Bungie, Microsoft, Amazon, Harmonix Music Systems, Toyz Electronics, Learning Games Network (LGN), and Spry Fox.
The game design programs at Full Sail University (Full Sail) follow an immersive, project-based model with accelerated, year-round schedules. For students seeking a graduate degree in games, the school has a Game Design MS that provides opportunities to gain production experience in a real-world studio environment on-campus and at local studios. Students also have access to the state-of-the art Full Sail/Echelon Fit Fitness Technology Lab, the Full Sail/Wargaming.net UX Lab, and the nation’s largest collegiate esports arena. The program can be completed on campus or online.
The Full Sail Game Design MS culminates with a portfolio and presentation. To date, more than 350 Full Sail graduates have been credited on over 30 projects, along with nominations across 20 categories at the 2023 Game Awards. Full Sail alumni can be found at places such as NASA, Insomniac Games, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), PBS, Disney, Google, BioWare, Apple, HBO, Nickelodeon, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony, MTV, Google, ESPN, Warner Bros., Unity Technologies, Miramax, Universal Studios, Oracle, Meta, and Bunim/Murray Productions.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) houses a Digital Media MS, and dual BSCM/Digital Media MS. Programs are multidisciplinary and studio-based with opportunities to complete a professional internship. Other program highlights include immersive workshops; access to the GVU Center Game Studio at Georgia Tech and the Institute for People and Technology (IPaT); and participation in student organizations such as VGDev, Design Club, Anime O-Tekku, and Competitive Programming@Tech.
Programs culminate with a final project, presentation, and portfolio. Georgia Tech Games graduates can be found at places such as Boeing, Electronic Arts (EA), NASA, Cartoon Network, Riot Games, Amazon, Disney, Epic Games, Microsoft, Adult Swim, Google, Unity, TNT, Apple, NBCUniversal, CNN, and Meta.
Michigan State University (MSU) houses a STEM-approved Media and Information MA (MI MA) with a focus in Game Design; an MS in Computer Science (CS); and the Serious Games MA certificate. This option is also open to MS students. All programs are hands-on, with opportunities to work on real-world projects with partners such as Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), and Ubisoft.
Other program highlights include internships with places such as Apple, Insomniac Games, and ABC; visiting artist talks; and access to state-of-the-art facilities such as Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab (GEL Lab), the Social and Psychological Approaches to Research on Technology-Interaction Effects (SPARTIE) Lab, and virtual reality (VR) labs.
Students will graduate from the game design programs at MSU with a portfolio of their best work. Across programs, graduates have landed positions at places such as Boeing, Rockstar Games, Disney, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Apple, Ubisoft, Insomniac Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Microsoft, Epic Systems, Google, IBM, and Ford Motor Company.
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University houses a Game Programming MS, that provides access to DeFRAG (DePaul Fundamental Research in Academic Gaming). This student organization hosts week-long game jams, video game Jeopardy, and multi-play nights. Other program highlights include access to ) the game development studio known as DePaul Originals, the Deep Games Laboratory, and DePaul Esports Gaming Center; participation in exhibitions; internships; the biennial Japan Study Abroad Program, culminating with a game/animation jam; and opportunities to gain hands-on experience at DePaul’s virtual production stage—the first of its kind in the Midwest—and the Indie Studio.
Students also benefit from courses taught by industry professionals from places such as Nickelodeon, WMS, and Disney; access to DePaul Cinespace Studios—a state-of-the-art 60,000 square feet production facility that houses animation studios and labs, six professional soundstages, stop motion and motion capture stages, mixing studios, and more; and participation in the LA Quarter Program at Sunset Las Palmas Studio.
Graduates of the Game programs at DePaul go on to secure positions at places such as Epic Games, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Sony Pictures, Nickelodeon, LAIKA, WB Games, RTX, Zynga, Bethesda, Scientific Games, IBM, GitHub, and Meta.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is home to SMU Guildhall. Housing more than 100 advanced level courses, the Guildhall oversees the Master of Interactive Technology (M.I.T.) program. This is one of the few programs of its kind to offer specializations in all four areas of game development—Art Creation, Level Design, Production, and Programming. Students also benefit from partnerships with more than 350 studios. Examples include Riot Games, Disney Interactive, Epic Games, Unity, Blizzard Entertainment, Insomniac Games, Bethesda, Bungie, and Gameloft.
Other program highlights include mentorship programs; professional internships; immersive workshops; guest speakers; professional development coursework; portfolio review sessions; and career fairs.
All students have the opportunity to create several industry ready games as the culminating experience for the programs. Graduates have been hired at places such as Insomniac Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Ubisoft, Google, Obsidian Entertainment, Bungie, Sony, BioWare, Samsung, and Gearbox Software. Program alumni have worked on titles such as Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, League of Legends, Game of Thrones, Assassins Creed, Fortnite, Guitar Hero, Doom, God of War, and Diablo.
Drexel University (Drexel) houses the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design (Westphal). One of the nation’s largest media arts and design colleges, Westphal highlights immersive studio-based curriculums; courses led by industry professionals; and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Examples include the 1200 square feet Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); the URBN Center, which features shared making spaces, innovative labs, and studios; the Immersive Research Lab (IRL) for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), immersive media projects; screening rooms; and a theme-park caliber motion simulation platform.
In partnership with Drexel’s College for Computing and Informatics (CCI), Westphal provides a Digital Media MS and a Game Design and Production BS/Digital Media MS. Both programs are hands-on, with mandatory co-op experiences that provide the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of real work experience in the games industry. Co-op experiences can be completed in the U.S. or overseas in places such as Hong Kong, London, Ghana, Spain, and Greece. All students also have access to additional facilities such as the Entrepreneurial Game Studio (EGS), and the Center for Games, Artificial Intelligence, and Media Systems (GAIMS Center).
Westphal and CCI games programs culminate with a full-year capstone project. Graduates can be found at places such as Lockheed Martin, Disney Interactive, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Gameloft, NCSoft Corporation, Xbox Game Studios, DreamWorks, Insomniac Games, Microsoft, Digital Domain, Nickelodeon, Zynga, NBCUniversal, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Obsidian Entertainment, Gearbox Software, NetherRealm Studios, and BioWare.
Northeastern University (Northeastern) houses a STEM-designated Game Science and Design MS. The only program of its kind in the U.S., the program is interdisciplinary, with opportunities to complete a paid or unpaid co-op. Northeastern currently partners with more than 20,000 employers around the world. Examples include Greenbrier Games, Hasbro, Demiurge Studios, Harmonix Music Systems, and Splash Damage. Students also have access to The Games Studio, where they can work on productions and be credited on up to four titles, and the Center for Design, which is a space for interdisciplinary design research and collaborative projects.
Other program highlights include access to additional state-of-the-art labs, studios, and maker spaces; workshops; visiting artists and guest lecturers; and participation in exhibitions.
Programs culminate with a final project (game) or other related work. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Epic Games, Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Xbox Game Studios, Boeing, Riot Games, Hasbro, Nickelodeon, Microsoft, Amazon, Zynga, Google, Cognizant, Harmonix Music Systems, Ubisoft, Adobe, Lucid Motors, Qualcomm, ESPN, Greenbrier Games, Demiurge Studios, Splash Damage, Arc Games, and Digital Eclipse.
The College of the Arts (COTA) at University of Florida (UF) is home to the Digital Worlds Institute (DW), which houses the DAS Masters (MiDAS). Students have opportunities to work an learn in state-of-the-art labs and facilities such as the ORC Lab; The GYM Production and Collaboration HUB; the Virtual Production Studio (VPS); the Reality Lab – the Immersive Technology and Research Lab (Reality Lab); and the Polymodal Immersive Classroom Theater (PICT).
Other MiDAS benefits include professional internships; study abroad experiences; visiting artists and lecturers; and workshops, recruitment events, and open houses through the Agency at UF.
The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Insomniac Games, DreamWorks, Google, Disney, Microsoft, Bungie, Adobe, Gearbox Software, Apple, Oracle, ESPN, Vu Technologies, and The NFL.
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses a Visualization MS (VIZ MS) with an emphasis in Gaming. Program highlights include paid internships and opportunities to participate in organizations and events such as Texas Aggie Game Developers (TAGD); Women in Animation; the VIZ Industry Fair (VIF); and the TAMU SIGGRAPH Student Chapter. Programs also take place in a studio environment with opportunities to collaborate on projects across emphasis areas.
The VIZ MS culminates with a thesis or capstone project. To date, PVFA alumni have worked on over 400 films produced by more than 20 studios. Graduates can be found at places such as Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Riot Games, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Lucasfilm, Disney Animation, Microsoft, Sony, Pixar, Ubisoft, Reel FX, and Aspyr Media.
The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas or UTD) houses a flexible, multidisciplinary Computer Science MS (CS MS) with opportunities to focus in subfields such as Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Programming Languages. Students in all programs may also study games through elective requirements. Depending on the program, students may complete up to 30 elective credit hours.
All students have access to one of the nation’s largest project design studios—the Jonsson School facility, as well as the Game Lab; Animation Lab; Render Farm; 3D Studio; CG Animation Lab; The Studio for Mediating Play; Games and Media Library; Mixed Media Lab; experimenta.l.; Games Research Lab; Escape Pod Studio; VAST Lab; Motion Capture Studio; Narrative Systems Research Lab; Surround Studio; and MoGraph Lab. Students also have opportunities to compete an internship, study abroad experience, or other experiential learning activities.
The program culminates with a thesis and presentation. UT Dallas Games and CS graduates are routinely hired at places such as Epic Games, Disney, Pixar, BioWare, Lockheed Martin, Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Unity, Gearbox Software, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Google, Amazon, RTX, Microsoft, Apple, Reel FX, and id Software.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is home to the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDigi). Established in 2011, this education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development center features the Summer Innovation Program (SIP), which helps student teams complete, market, and prepare to launch an original game. Other MassDigi highlights include the Reverse Internship/Sabbatical featuring team projects; Live Code, which allows students to work on real games; the Virtual Production Laboratory; and the Education Working Group.
Graduate degree programs for game designers are part of the School of Arts and Sciences, with full access to MassDigi. Options include the project-based and highly collaborative Interactive Media and Game Development (IMGD) MS and BS/MS. Across options, students have opportunities to complete a co-op experience or professional internship, and participate in game jams, the Game Developers Conference (GDC), and the annual PAX East Game Festival, among others.
Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates are often hired at places such as Riot Games, Lockheed Martin, Activision Blizzard, Rockstar Games, Xbox Game Studios, Epic Systems, Harmonix Music Systems, Bethesda, RTX, Twitch, Owlchemy Labs, Larian Studios, Amazon, and Google.
The School of Game Development at Academy of Art University (Academy of Art) is STEM-Certified. The school houses a Game Development MA program that highlights hands-on learning in The Studio, where students can collaborate with peers across the Animation, Illustration, and Music programs. The school also highlights internships with partner studios such as Riot Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), and Zynga; access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and the Game Lounge; and study abroad experiences in Italy.
The program culminates with a professional portfolio of the student’s best games. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as NASA, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Hasbro, Insomniac Games, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Lucasfilm, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Nickelodeon, Disney, Google, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Illumination, DNEG, Xbox Game Studios, Digital Domain, Apple, Weta FX, Zynga, Naughty Dog, and Bungie.
The College of Engineering Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) at Clemson University (Clemson) houses the School of Computing. Within the school is a Digital Production Arts (DPA) MS; and a fast-track Computer Science Bachelor’s/Master’s (BS/MS). Across programs, students may participate in the University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) program, which provides more than 900 paid, on-campus internships each year, and the active study abroad program with experiences in locations such as Japan, the UK, Spain, and Germany.
Other program benefits include 24/7 access to four dedicated computer labs and state-of-the-art production facilities; high-tech classrooms; workshops and collaborative projects; visiting artists from places such as DreamWorks; advanced studios; and participation in the SIGGRAPH Conference.
Graduates of the DPA and CS programs at Clemson University can be found at places such as Epic Games, Boeing, Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Sledgehammer Games, Disney, Blur Studio, Google, Apple, Hitachi, Meta, Honeywell, IBM, Delta Air Lines, BMW, Nike, and the Orange Bowl.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science at University of Pennsylvania (Penn) houses a Master of Engineering (MSE) in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT). Launched in 2004, the CGGT MSE is one of the few programs of its kind at a four-year research university. This multidisciplinary program provides access to the SIG Center for Computer Graphics, which houses a state-of-the-art motion capture studio; ViDi Center for Digital Visualization Center; AR/VR systems; and high-performance NVidia GPU processors.
Other program benefits include opportunities to collaborate with students from other creative departments at Penn; an accelerated one-year curriculum for students with a computer science or engineering degree; workshops, visiting artists and designers; and professional internships. The UPenn CGGT MSE program culminates with the Game Design Practicum or Master’s Thesis—student’s choice.
Graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Google, Pixar, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, DreamWorks, and Zynga.
George Mason University (GMU or Mason) has a Computer Game Design MA program that provides access to Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) and opportunities to study at GMU’s Korea campus. In addition to hosting the Korea-U.S.-Japan eSports Tournament in 2025, GMU Korea highlights immersion programs; the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) shared facilities.
The VSGI focuses research projects in areas such as EdTech Game platform development, cyber-game education, mobile and wearable game technologies, and AR/VR diagnostic and training solutions. The institute also provides opportunities to complete a paid internship with a GMU partner or other company. Students have interned with Bethesda, PBS Kids, Spark Plug Games, The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and Catilli Games, which specializes in STEM games for children (K-12).
The program culminates with a Game Design Capstone. Graduates can be found at places such as Epic Games, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Bethesda, Microsoft, 2K Games, PBS Kids, Big Huge Games, and Booz Allen.
American University (AU) houses a Game Design MA; a Computer Science MS with a Game and Computational Media specialization; and an MA in Literature, Culture and Technology with a Game Development track. All students have access to the AU Game Center, which highlights games research; academic and experiential learning programs; access to 2,758 square feet of production, teaching, and meeting space; and The Game Studio (GS). In addition to workshops, The GS provides opportunities for students to work on real-world game projects with local studios, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Across programs, students also benefit from 24/7 access to the Open Editing Lab and the Visual Illusions Lab; opportunities to participate in events such as the Global Game Jam, MAGfest, Games+, and Indie Arcade at SAAM; and access to other facilities and resources such as the AU Center for Innovation (AUCI), the Institute for Immersive Designs, Experiences, Applications, and Stories (Institute for IDEAS), the Library Makerspace, and the Design and Build Lab (DaBL).
Programs culminate with a final project, portfolio, and presentation. Graduates can be found at places such as Riot Games, Lockheed Martin, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Boeing, ESPN, Activision Blizzard, CBS Interactive, Google, NBCUniversal, Amazon, IBM, Adobe, CNN, and Meta.
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a 100% STEM-based post-secondary institution that houses one of the few fully accredited Game Design Programs (GDP) with degree options across the entire discipline. Launched in 1995, the UAT GDP has a Game Production and Management MS (GPM MS) that can be completed online, on campus, or a combination of the two (hybrid). A 15-week internship is mandatory for all on campus students.
Across all GDP programs, students have the opportunity to create original games in collaboration with game programmers, artists, and other designers. Students also benefit from courses taught by active industry professionals; a synchronic learning model; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs.
UAT GDP programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Nickelodeon, Blizzard Entertainment, Bethesda, Intel, Gearbox Software, Microsoft, Scientific Games, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Google, U.S. Department of Defense, Twitch, and AGS.
Louisiana State University (LSU) has a Digital Media Arts and Engineering MS (MS DMAE) program that provides 24/7 access to the DMAE LAB. This state-of-the-art production facility houses tools and studios such as Alienware workstations; a 1,500 square feet OptiTrack motion capture system; GameMaker; Microsoft Visual Studio; Autodesk Maya, Adobe, Epic Unreal, and SideFX Houdini; and Audio Recording Studios.
Other program benefits the opportunity to participate in the LSU Global Game Jam; collaborative, interdisciplinary projects; and the Digital Media Internship. All programs culminate with the Capstone Production Team course, where students will complete an approved final project. Graduates can be found at places such as Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Hearts Media Services, Google, and Meta.
