Top 25 Public Game Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2024 Rankings

The Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) program at University of Utah (The U) was established more than a decade ago by faculty from the School of Computing and the Division of Film Studies. Today, EAE is a collection of academic programs known as Utah Division of Games. Options include a BS in Games (BSG); BS in Computer Science (CS) with an EAE emphasis; Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE); and a dual MBA/MEAE. A 24-credit hour Game minor is available with courses such as Digital Content Creation; Assets Pipeline; Traditional Game Development; and Programming for All. 

All EAE programs at The U are interdisciplinary and immersive with a focus on art, computational research, and social science. The Games BS is designed for students seeking careers in the games industry, simulation, visualization, or edutainment. Students in this program will complete major requirements such as Ethics in Games and Alternative Game Development; 30 credit hours of EAE electives; and a capstone consisting of two courses worth six credit hours. 

The BS in CS with an EAE emphasis prepares the next generation of video game engineers with the full computer science curriculum and courses that explore video game design and development, computer-generated special effects (CG SFX), and 3D animation. Course examples include Digital Content Creation; Asset Pipeline; Interactive Machinima; and Computer Systems. The BS CS culminates with the Senior Project across two courses worth six credit hours. 

Designed as a cohort model, the MEAE at University of Utah requires students to remain together for the entire two years of the program. Available tracks include Game Design, Game Arts, Game Production, Game Engineering, and Technical Art. In addition to courses in their chosen track, all MEAE students will take game design, pre-production, and rapid prototyping classes, as well as concentrated electives. The MEAE culminates with a final project. 

Students in all EAE programs at University of Utah will work through every level of game creation. Graduates will enter the job market with one or more completed games. Depending on the program, EAE graduates will be prepared to pursue careers such as Game Artist, Game Designer, Video Game Engineer, Game Developer, Game Programmer, Game Simulation Software Engineer, Training Simulation Game Designer, and Visualization Developer. 

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves 35,000+ students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz or UCSC) was 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 expanded to include three advanced degree programs: the MFA, MS, and PhD. 

Programs are available at the UC Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley campuses and include Computer Science: Computer Game Design (BS), Art & Design: Games and Playable Media (BA AGPM), Serious Games (SG), Computational Media (CM), and Games and Playable Media (MS degrees), and the Computer Science and Computational Media (PhD).  

The Computer Science: Computer Game Design BS focuses designing and building interactive computer games. A major component of the program is an intensive year-long game project where students will work in teams to complete a professional computer game. This is the culminating experience for the program. 

The AGPM BA explores topics such as interactive art, new media art, digital and non-digital games, participatory and performance-based games, and exhibition methods for games in public and traditional art spaces. Other areas explored include performance art, and activism, art, and social practice as they relate to games. Course examples include 3D Game Art Production; Play as a Radical Endeavor; and 3D Character Rigging and Animation for Video Games. The program culminates with a final project. 

The Serious Games, Computational Media, and Games and Playable Media MS programs at UC Santa Cruz have many courses in common, so all options can prepare students for advanced roles in game design and development. For example, the SG and Games and Playable Media programs require courses such as Professional Development for Game Makers; Game Art Intensive; and Serious Games Studio.

Across options, all students have access to courses such as Games as Technical Culture; Game Design Studio; Game AI; Game Development Experience; Game Production Studio; Game Data Science; Game Systems; Game Technologies; Business of Games; Advanced Programming; Algorithmic Music for Games; Writing for Game Technologies; Interactive Narrative; Foundations of Video Game Design; and Accessible Games; Psychology of Play; Creating Digital Audio; and Playable Media. 

The Computational Media PhD at UC Santa Cruz provides access to the same courses for the MS programs. All students in this 47-unit program will complete History and Theory of Computational Media; Computational Media Research; and Computational Media Methods, for a total of 15 units. The remaining units will come from computer programming, interpretive practices, and any available media creation course sequence. Examples include Computer Science: Computer Game Design BS Game Studio Sequence; Art and Design: Games and Playable Media BA Game Studio Sequence; DANM Project Group Sequence; or the Games and Playable Media MS Project Sequence. 

Students both the graduate and undergraduate programs have access to Games @ UC Santa Cruz facilities and centers such as The Center for Computational Experience; Advanced Visualization and Interactive Systems; Ludo Lab; Critical Realities Studio; Software Introspection Laboratory; Expressive Intelligence Studio; ADL (Augmented Design Laboratory); Social Emotional Technology Lab; and The Other Lab. Other program benefits include guest speakers from the game design industry; networking opportunities; project evaluations by industry professionals; game design internships; frequent studio tours; study abroad experiences; and participation in the Annual Games Showcase. 

Undergraduates will complete the Capstone Project during the final year of the program, and graduate students will complete a Thesis Project, Research Project, or both. 

Graduates of the UC Santa Cruz Game Design programs enjoy a 93% job placement rate. Alumni are prepared to pursue positions such as Game Designer, Game Writer, Digital Artist, Board Game Designer, Producer, VR/AR Artist, and 2D/3D Artist. Program alumni have been hired at companies and studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), WB Games Boston, Zynga, Universal Studios Japan, Ubisoft, Amazon, Google, Hi-Rez Studios, Method Studios, Tencent, Tic Toc Games, NetEase Games, Toys for Bob, Glu, NCSoft, and TopGolf. 

University of California, Santa Cruz is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Established in 1965, University of California, Santa Cruz serves approximately 18,980 students, enrolled in more than 130 programs across 10 colleges and the Graduate Division.

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci) and the College of Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) provide several paths to study game design. Serving more than 3,500 students, the ComArtSci houses the Department of Media and Information (MI)—home to the Game Design and Development Program. Established in 2005, the program consists of a Games and Interactive Media BA, a Game Design and Development minor, a Media and Information MA (MI MA), and a Serious Games MA certificate. 

The College of Engineering at Michigan State University houses the Department of Computer Science and Engineering—home to the Computer Science (CS) program. Available pathways include the BS, MS, and PhD. All programs allow students to specialize in MI Studies, with the option to take games-related courses in other departments. Students in all programs will also take courses in Systems Design and Analysis; Theory and Algorithms; and Data Analysis and Applications. 

The Game Design and Development minor in the College of ComArtSci can also be added any other major at MSU. The program requires 15 credit hours, including courses such as Game Design and Development I and II; Collaborative Design; and Game Design Studio. 

The Serious Games MA certificate attracts MSU MI graduate students, CS students, Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) students, and doctoral students from other universities. However, the certificate is open to all MSU graduate students as a stand-alone program. Courses include Theories of Games and Interaction Design; Understanding Users; and Foundations of Serious Games. The Serious Games MA certificate is transcriptable, and it can be completed on campus or online.

The MSU Games and Interactive Media BA is a collaborative, project-based program with three focus areas: Game Design, Games Graphics and Animation, and Game Development. Students in all areas will explore the design process, effects, artistry, management, and production of video games, emerging interactive media, AR/VR, and board games. Examples of required courses include Media and Sketching Graphics; Games and Society; Methods for Understanding Users; Games and Interactivity; and Bringing Media to Market. 

Students in the Game Design focus area will take additional courses such as Game Level Design; Building Virtual Worlds; Game Interface Design; Game Design and Development I and II; and Serious Game Design Studio. Course examples for the Games Graphics and Animation area include Advanced 3D Modeling; Compositing and Special Effects; Concept Design for Games, Film, and TV; and Advanced Three-Dimensional Computer Animation. 

Game Development students will take courses such as Introduction to Programming I and II; Building Innovative Interfaces; Game and Interactive Media Development; and Matrix Algebra with Computational Applications.  

All BA students will have opportunities to work on real-world projects with partners such as Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, Insomniac Games, and Bungie. Students also have access to the GEL Lab and the Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab. Both provide state-of-the-art technology for designing prototypes, learning new techniques, and to advance research on the individual and social impacts of digital games. 

Students will graduate from the MSU Games and Interactive Media program with a professional portfolio of both large and small projects that reflect a wide range of works. Program alumni are prepared to pursue careers such as Game Designer, 2D Artist, Interaction Designer, Game Scenario Writer, Producer, Technical Designer, Usability Engineer, Programmer, UI/UX Designer, Technical Artist, Level Designer, Quality Assurance, and Project Manager. 

The Media and Information MA at Michigan State University is a STEM-approved program that explores the design, the use of communication technologies and information, and management. The program is immersive, hands-on, and customizable, with opportunities to engage in real world experiences. As of 2024, MI MA students also have the option to focus in Game Design, HCI/UX, Information Studies, or Media Policy, or customize a track with courses from all focus areas. 

In addition to specific focus area courses, all MI MA students will take courses such as Foundations of Serious Games; Game and Project Design Studio I and II; Interaction Design; Interactive Usability and Accessibility: Design and Evaluation; Global Media and Communications; and Theories of Games and Interaction Design. 

Other program features include access to state-of-the-art facilities; participation in game development and testing; access to labs that explore virtual reality (VR); and participation in research groups and visiting artist talks. 

The culminating experience for the MI MA is the Master’s Project, completed across two courses. Graduates of the MI MA program at Michigan State University are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as 3D Game Design, UI/UX, and 3D Technology. Program alumni have been hired at major studios such as Rockstar Games, EA, Insomniac Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, and Bungie. 

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University began as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan. On the first day of classes on May 14, 1857, the College welcomed five faculty members and 63 students into three buildings: College Hall, Saints’ Rest, and a brick horse barn. When it opened, the school became the first institution of higher learning in the U.S. to teach scientific agriculture.

Today, MSU is one of the nation’s premier land-grant research universities. The school serves approximately 51,315 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 17 degree-granting colleges. Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is home to UCLA Game Lab and UCLA Extension. Supported by the School of the Arts and Architecture (UCLA Arts) and the School of Theater, Film and Television, UCLA Game Lab hosts guest speaker events, workshops, and visiting artists and researchers. The Lab is also supported by sponsors such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Zbrush, Unity, HP, Oculus, and Nvidia. UCLA Game Lab is open to all students with an interest in games. 

While UCLA Extension does not have a formal Game Design program, this continuing education division provides a number of game design courses that can be taken individually or to customize a program. Course examples include Unity: 3D Game Design and Game Engines; 3D Real-Time Animation; Developing Video Game Narratives; Composing Music for Video Games; and Producing Commercials for Games. 

Also housed UCLA’s School of the Arts and Architecture is the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA). Within the DMA are two multidisciplinary programs that are ideal for students interested in game design. Options include a DMA BA and a Media Arts MFA. The undergraduate program explores everything from motion and video to interactivity and game design. 

Courses for the program are studio-based, with space for up to 22 students. Course examples include Game Design; Topics in Interactivity and Games; Word + Image; 3D Modeling and Motion; Video; Tangible Media; and Narrative. DMA BA students will complete a final project—Senior Project in Desigin Media Arts—to graduate.   

The three-year UCLA Media Arts MFA requires a full year of thesis work. Students will work and learn through seminar and studio courses. Examples include Programming Media; Virtuality; Contemporary Topics in Media Art; and Creating Context & Collaborative Practice. All MFA students will have the opportunity to collaborate with instructors on research projects and/or work as teaching assistants. The Media Arts MFA culminates with the MFA Exhibition. 

Graduates of the Game Design, Digital Media, and Media Arts programs at UCLA work in all areas of game design and development. They can be found at game design studios, software companies, film studios, advertising agencies, marketing firms, government agencies, and academic institutions. 

Founded on May 23, 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, University of California, Los Angeles serves 46,430 students from more than 100 countries. The school provides 250+ programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. University of California, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Texas A&M University (TAMU) has several paths to study Game Design in the School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA) and the College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The PVFA houses the Visualization Department, which has BS, MS, and MFA programs. In partnership with the PVFA, TAMU Engineering has a 16-credit hour Game Design and Development minor that explores the technical aspects of game creation. 

Course examples for the minor include Programming; Game Design; Game Development; Interactive Virtual Environments; Communication and Video Games; and Computer-Human Interaction. Students in this program have the opportunity to collaborate on the design and development of game projects and engage in problem-solving with interdisciplinary team members. 

The Visualization BS at TAMU combines programming, digital technology, three-dimensional design, and fine arts. Students in this 120-credit hour program may select from five emphasis areas. Options include Game Creation; Interactive Design; Visual Computing; Animation and Virtual Production; and Media Art. 

All options take place in a studio environment, where students will work on a variety of exercises and projects using electronic and traditional media. Course examples for the program include Drawing for Visualization; Production Techniques; Visual Computing; Field Studies in Design Innovation; Time and Interaction; Visual Studies Studio; Digital Media; and Research Techniques in Visualization. 

The Visualization BS culminates with a capstone project that integrates scripting and programming; digital communication; concept development; drawing and design; art history; and core methodologies. 

The TAMU Visualization MS has two tracks and eight emphasis areas. Students may focus in Gaming; Interactive Design; Computer Graphics; Virtual Reality; Computer Animation; Augmented Reality; User Experience Design; or Data Visualization. Tracks include: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The Thesis track is 32 credit hours. The Non-Thesis track is 36 credit hours. The Thesis track is an ideal option for students interested in careers in gaming, animation, motion graphics, concept art, and rigging. Students in this track are encouraged to have both local and competitive external exhibitions related to their thesis work. 

The Non-Thesis track allows students to customize the curriculum through a combination of required and elective courses. The culminating experience for this option is the creation and defense of a capstone project. In both tracks, students will develop projects under the direction of a faculty advisor. 

The Visualization MFA at TAMU is one of the few programs of its kind in the state of Texas. With a focus on technological innovations and applications, the interdisciplinary MFA provides the opportunity to select an area of emphasis from eight options. They include Gaming; Computer Animation; Visual Storytelling; Virtual/Augmented Reality; Interactive Art; Visual Effects; User Experience Design; and Data Visualization. 

All students in this 60-credit hour program will take courses such as Form/Installation/Environment; Design Communication; The Digital Image; Contemporary Art Studio/Seminar; and Professional Practice. Free and prescribed electives allow students to enhance the degree. Examples include 3D Modeling and Animation; Rendering and Shading; Advanced Animation; Physical Computing for Art and Design; Digital Compositing; Computer Animation; Computer Aided Sculpting; and Time-Based Media. 

The Visualization MFA at TAMU culminates with a Final Presentation and Written Document. 

Graduates of the Visualization programs and Game Design and Development minor at Texas A&M University are prepared for careers in fields such as Game Design, Game Level Design, Game Asset Development, Production Management, Technical Art, Production Management, UI/UX Development, and Visual Development. 

TAMU alumni are often hired at local (and major) companies and studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts (EA), Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Microsoft, DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, LucasFilm Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Reel FX, Aspyr Media, Bouncing Pixel, and Presagis. 

Serving approximately 77,490 students, Texas A&M University the largest university in the state and one the largest in the nation. Established in 1876, TAMU is also the state’s first public institution of higher learning. The school provides around 410 degree programs across 16 colleges and schools; the main campus in College Station, Texas; branch campuses in Galveston, Texas, and Doha, Qatar; and numerous other locations throughout Texas and in Washington, D.C. 

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which houses the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) and the Game Design Programs. Degree options include a CGT BS with a major in Game Development and Design; a CGT MS; and a Technology PhD. Purdue also houses Purdue Global, which provides more than 175 online degree programs to approximately 33,500 students around the world. 

Through Purdue Global and Purdue University’s School of Business and Information Technology, online students can earn a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Game Development. Consisting of 15 credit hours, the concentration includes the Game Design and Mechanics; Game Programming; and Game Art and Animation courses. 

Examples of required courses in the Information Technology major include Software Development Using C#; Human-Computer Interaction; Software Development Using Python; Website Development; and Technology Infrastructure. The BS program requires 180 credit hours to graduate. The culminating experience for the program is the Information Technology Internship or Capstone in Information technology, student’s choice. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles across the information technology sector, and the game design industry.

The CGT BS with a Game Development and Design major is an ABET-accredited, STEM-designated program that explores game design, programming, rendering, animation, and visualization. Students in this program will engage in immersive, collaborative projects with peers and professors. Past projects have focused on areas such as games utilization in entertainment; information visualization; and sustainable energy, medicine, and therapy. 

The Game Design and Development major requires 54 credit hours, with 39 credit hours focused on games. Course examples include Game Development I: Core Skills and Technologies; Game Development II: Design and Psychology; Computer Graphics Programming; User Experience Design Studio; Game Development Practicum; and Computer Graphics Professional Practices I and II. Students will complete a professional portfolio across several courses. 

CGT BS graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Game Design Scripter, Animator, Technical Artist, and Cinematic Lead. Potential employers include Electronic Arts (EA), Riot Games, Zynga, and Volition. 

The CGT MS at Purdue University’s Purdue Polytechnic has nearly 100 students enrolled. The program provides four primary focus areas including Games, Animation, Information Visualization, and UX Design. Graduate students may also customize a plan of study to meet their professional goals. Some students elect to incorporate elements of computational art and computer graphics in to custom plans. 

Other CGT MS features include small class sizes; research opportunities; and the chance to work on real-world projects. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Program alumni are Game Developers, UX Designers, Technical Directors, and Data Analysts. Potential employers include DreamWorks, Salesforce, Google, and Deloitte.

The Technology PhD Program at Purdue University allows a minimum of 30 credit hours to be taken in a custom specialization from coursework across six schools and departments. Students will also select 27 credit hours from any Purdue college or school other than Purdue Polytechnic. Students interested in games typically select Computer Graphics Technology, which includes Game Studies, Computer Animation, Data Visualization, User Experience (UX) Design, Human-Computer Interaction, and Digital Enterprise Systems. 

All Technology PhD students will complete a dissertation to graduate. Program alumni are prepared to pursue academic, research, and leadership roles across industries. Graduates are Designers, Educators, Artists, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs. 

Purdue University is Indiana’s only land-grant university. Established in 1869, the school has campuses and centers across the state, as well as Purdue University Global and Purdue University Online. The main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana serves approximately 52,210 students, making it the second largest university in the state. Students at this location come from all 50 states and nearly 130 countries. The school provides more than 400 programs across 13 colleges and schools.

Approximately 11% of all students at Purdue University in West Lafayette attend Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which provides 30 BS programs and more than 20 graduate degrees. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University (NC State) houses the Department of Computer Science (CSC). Within the department is a Computer Science BS program with a Game Development concentration. The CSC BS program begins with computing, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and humanities. Next, students will dive into coursework that explores programming languages, computer architectures, software engineering, data structures, and teaming and communication, among other areas. 

Once core requirements are complete, students may advance to the Game Development concentration, where they will complete 21 credit hours of games-focused courses and electives. Examples include Game Engine Foundations; Computer Models of Interactive Narrative; Game Studies; Foundations of Interactive Game Design; Computational Visual Narrative; Building Game AI; Special Topics in Film Styles and Genres; and Computer Graphics. 

All CSC BS students must complete the team project in Senior Design. Projects are supported by the Senior Design Center and industrial sponsors, so student teams will gain experience working with industry representatives. 

Students in all NC State CSC programs have access to The Digital Games Research center (DGRc). Launched in May 2007, The DGRc engages in education and research in games and games technologies. In this collaborative environment, students can work on projects with game developers and games studio teams that focus on everything from mobile games to artificial intelligence (AI). Thanks to partnerships and licensing agreements with game studios and engine providers, NC State graduates are often hired by local game companies. 

Other DGRc features include access to the new Games and Visual Narrative Suite; the Visual Narrative Initiative (VNI)— a research cluster established in 2015; and participation in the Games and Visual Narratives Showcase, and the Game Developers Conference.   

Graduates of the CSC Programs at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions at game design studios, technology firms, and entertainment companies. 

North Carolina State University employs 9,000 faculty and staff members that serve more than 36,000 students. This makes NC State the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides more than 250 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is home to the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (AHT). The AHT was established in August 2022 after the consolidation of the School of Arts & Humanities (founded in 1975), and the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC), founded in 2002 as Texas’s first Arts and Technology degree. 

The AHT still houses the ATEC BA, MA, MFA, and PhD programs, all of which provide opportunities to study game design and development. For example, the ATEC BA has an Animation & Games (A&G) concentration, while the MFA has a Game Development concentration. MA students may be admitted to the Emerging Media Studies pathway and/or create their own specialization through electives and other courses. 

PhD students may select up to 15 credit hours from other schools, and they may also choose electives in games and other related areas. And because ATEC is located in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and technology Building, PhD and other students have access to a number of research labs, studios, and teams engaged in areas such as game studies, modeling and simulation, virtual environments, emerging media and communication, and sound design. 

All UT Dallas ATEC students have access to a variety of other state-of-the-art facilities and other resources including the Game Lab; CG Animation Lab; Motion Capture Studio; Games and Media Library; Surround Studio; Animation Lab; Narrative Systems Research Lab; The Studio for Mediating Play; ATEC Lecture Hall; experimenta.l.; Games Research Lab; Render Farm; 3D Studio; and Mixed Media Lab. The ATEC Lecture Hall has hosted speakers from Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks. 

Graduates of the ATEC programs at University of Texas at Dallas are prepared to pursue roles across industries and at leading studios, companies, and other organizations. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Pixar, Apple, DreamWorks, Google, Disney, Toyota, and Capital One. 

University of Texas at Dallas opened in the 1960s as the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest. Established by the owners of Texas Instruments, UT Dallas is an official member of the University of Texas System, and a Carnegie R1 Doctoral Institution. The school serves more than 30,000 students enrolled in nearly 150 degree programs across seven schools. University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences at Clemson University houses the School of Computing, home to the Division of Visual Computing. Within the Division is the Digital Production Arts (DPA) program. This interdisciplinary program collaborates with the Department of Art and the Department of Performing Art, with a significant focus on advanced studios and visualization as a problem-solving tool. 

Specific DPA options for game designers include the DPA MFA, MS, and 15 credit hour minor. Course examples across degree programs include Game Theory; 2D Game Engine Construction; Algorithms and Techniques; Physical Modeling and Animation; 3D Game Programming; Advanced 3D Modeling; Visual Foundations of Digital Production; Artificial Intelligence (AI); and Audio Practicum. 

The School of Computing also provides several other options that are suitable for game designers. Programs are ABET-accredited and include the Computer Science BA and BS (CS-BS, BA-CS); the Computer Information Systems BS (BS-CIS); and a fast-track Computer Science Bachelor’s/Master’s (BS/MS). 

All undergraduate students will complete a common core which explores programming languages such as Java, C, and C++ and fundamental concepts. Electives allow all students to study games. Course examples include 2D Game Engine Construction; Human and Computer Interaction; Virtual Reality; Eye-Tracking Methodology; Cloud Computing; and Distributed and Cluster Computing. 

MS students will select a concentration area from six options. Human Centered Computing, Visual Computing, and Software Engineering are ideal options for game designers. Students may select additional games courses from electives.

All Computer Science students also have the option to add the DPA minor, which provides access to courses such as Advanced 3D Modeling; Computer Graphics Images; Film; 2D Dimensional Animation; Visual Foundations of Digital Production I and II; and Special Topics in Digital Production Arts. 

Other Computer Science and DPA highlights include four dedicated instructional computer labs with 24/7 access; visits from representatives of major studios such as DreamWorks; access to state-of-the-art production studios and facilities with specialize equipment; high-tech classrooms and collaboration spaces; participation in the SIGGRAPH Conference; and internship opportunities and study abroad experiences in places such as Japan, England, Germany, and Spain. 

In addition, DPA MFA students have the option to study at the main campus in Clemson or the Zucker Family Graduate Education Center (ZFGEC) in Charleston, South Carolina. MFA students may attend traditional face-to-face classes or via real-time streaming to and from the main campus. DPA MFA students are not required to travel between campuses. 

Graduates of the DPA and Computer Science programs at Clemson University are prepared to pursue roles across industries. Alumni are Game Designers, Game Programmers, Technical Directors, Software Engineers, 3D Graphics Programmers, Art Directors, Animators, and AR/VR designers. Examples of companies that have hired Clemson DPA and CS graduates include Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Google, Microsoft, Blur Studio, IBM, VMware, Sledgehammer Games, Boeing, IBM, CrowdStrike, Facebook, BMW, Delta Air Lines, Michelin, General Electris, and Savannah River National Lab.

Clemson University was established in 1889 as Clemson Agricultural College. On the first day of classes in 1893, the school welcomed 446 students. Today, Clemson serves approximately 28,465 students enrolled in more than 80 majors, 90+ minors, and over 130 graduate degree programs. Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly or Cal Poly SLO) houses the College of Engineering (CENG), home to the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. Within the department are several paths to study game design. Degree options include the BS, MS, and Blended BS + MS in Computer Science (CS). Minor options include Computer Science and Computing for Interactive Arts (CIA). All CENG programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. 

The degree and minor programs in the CENG provide hands-on learning in a studio-like, collaborative environment that focuses on design- and project-centered coursework. Other CENG features include a Game Development concentration; individual and team projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs; internship opportunities and co-ops across California's top technology hubs; study abroad programs in 75 countries; and participation in weekend-long student-run “Hackathons” that allow students to create and coding their own apps, websites, and more. 

The CS minor allows students to specialize in Game Design or other area through electives. The CIA minor is a cross disciplinary, 40-unit program provided in partnership with the Department of Art and Design in the College of Liberal Arts. MS and Blended BS + MS CS students may specialize in any area or add the Game Development concentration.

Consisting of 24 credit hours, the Game Development concentration requires the following courses: Game Design; Video Games & Society; Introduction to Mixed Reality; and Interactive Entertainment Engineering. Students may choose four credits from Mathematics/Statistics electives and the remaining credits from a variety of areas to suit their goals. Examples of M/S electives include Game Theory; Introduction to Probability and Simulation; Design and Analysis of Experiments; and Selected Advanced Topics. 

Examples of other electives include Computer Animation; Advanced Rendering Techniques; Real-Time 3D Computer Graphics Software; The Art of Mixed Reality; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Media Arts and Technologies: Storytelling; Digital 3D Modeling and Design; New Media Arts I-II, and Current Topics in Computer Graphics. 

Graduates of the CENG programs at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo are prepared to pursue careers in fields such as game design and development for entertainment, programming, computer art, architecture, software development, astronautical engineering, healthcare, aerospace, science and medicine, simulation training, and education. 

Program alumni are frequently hired by major companies and studios such as DreamWorks, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Intel, Electronic Arts (EA), Adobe, Raytheon, Apple, Disney, Apple, HP, Google, Oracle, IBM, Boeing, Microsoft, Cisco, Saint Jude Medical, Yahoo, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Salesforce, Intuit, and Amgen. 

Founded on March 8, 1901, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is part of the 23-campus California State University System. With more than 25 centers and institutes, the school sits on 9,000 acres, making it the second largest campus in California, and one of the largest in the nation. Cal Poly SLO serves approximately 22,290 students enrolled in more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors as well as 50+ graduate programs across six academic colleges. California Polytechnic State University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) has programs for game designers in the school’s College of Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences (CACHSS), and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Management (CSTEMM). 

The CACHSS houses the School of Art and Design, which serves more than 1,000 students served by 60 faculty members. The largest school of its kind in the entire upper Midwest, CACHSS Art and Design is home to the Design Department, which has a Game Design and Development (GDD) BFA and a cross-disciplinary Design MFA. 

The GDD BFA is the first and only Game Design BFA in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. The program is also accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Students in the GDD BFA benefit from collaborative studios and hands-on experience gained at UW-Stout labs, studios, and other facilities. Students also gain field experience through internships in San Francisco and LA internships; industry projects with the Jim Henson Company and National Park Service; and faculty-led study abroad courses in San Francisco and LA. 

The culminating experience for the GDD BFA is the Game Design and Development Capstone and final portfolio presentation at the Stout Game Expo (SGX). 

Graduates of the Game Design and Development program at University of Wisconsin-Stout are Game Designers, 3D Artists, Animators, and Modelers. They have been hired at local studios and firms such as Big John Games, Finn Daniels Architects, and Pixel Spill Games. 

The Design MFA in the School of Art and Design is a flexible program that allows students to create their own focus area. Examples include Game Design, Video, Interactive Media & UX, Animation and Digital Media, Digital Cinema, and Photography. Graduates of the UW-Stout Design MFA program have been hired at companies and studios such as Apple, DreamWorks Animation, World Architects, and Shutterfly.   

The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Management at University of Wisconsin-Stout serves 2,700 students led by more than 200 faculty. The college also houses the Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Department, home to the Computer Science BS with a Game Design and Development concentration. This is the world’s first and only game design and development program accredited under the Computer Science curriculum by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. 

The CS BS features of a full computer science major, a mathematics minor, and the concentration. With a 100% job placement rate, the CS program highlights a co-op industry experience as part of the curriculum. Co-op students earn an average of $16/hour. Other program highlights participation in game competitions, exhibitions, film festivals, and game conferences; graduate research; and the opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed papers. 

A 21-credit hour CS minor that explores game design, algorithms, programming languages, systems architecture, and web programming is also available. The minor provides opportunities to participate in the co-op program as well as field experiences and independent study. 

Graduates of the UW Stout Computer Science program enjoy a 100% job placement rate. Program alumni are Game Programmers, Game Software Engineers, Mobile Software Engineers, and Software Developers, among others. They work at companies and studios such as Boeing, Big John Games (developer for Nintendo), Lockheed Martin, HB studios (develops console games for Electronic Arts), Concrete Software (mobile games), and Degica Japan (publisher of RPG Maker). 

University of Wisconsin – Stout (UW-Stout) was established in 1891 as The Stout Manual Training School. Today, the school one of just 125 polytechnic universities in the U.S. and the only one in the State Wisconsin. Serving approximately 6,940 students, University of Wisconsin-Stout provides more than 145 programs, many of which are unique to UW-Stout or are not offered anywhere else in the Midwest. Programs are organized across two colleges, five schools, and a graduate school. 

University of Wisconsin – Stout is accredited the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Louisiana State University (LSU) has several paths to study game design. At the undergraduate level, the school has minors in Digital Media Arts & Engineering (DMART) and Digital Media Arts & Engineering Technology (DMAET). At the graduate level, students can earn a MS in Digital Media Arts & Engineering (MS DMAE).

Across all programs, students have access to the DMAE LAB 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Examples of available software, hardware, and resources include state-of-the-art Alienware workstations; Adobe, Epic Unreal, and SideFX Houdini; Oculus Rift and Ocular Quest; Audio Recording Studios; Microsoft Visual Studio; Autodesk Maya; and YoYoGames GameMaker. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the LSU Global Game Jam. 

Minors are provided in collaboration with several LSU schools and departments. These include the School of Art; Manship School of Mass Communication; the School of Music; the Department of Computer Science; the English Department; and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Both minor options complement any art, engineering, or computer science program. 

Students in both interdisciplinary, 21 credit hour programs can choose from a variety of electives to support their goals. Examples include Creative Coding; Video Game Design; 3D Modeling; Virtual Space and Motion; Applied Interactive Graphics; Video Game Prototyping; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Interactive Computer Graphics; 3D Animation; Digital Arts I-IV; Interface Design and Technology; Scientific Information Visualization; Digital Media Programming; Moving Image; and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

The culminating experience for the LSU DMART and DMAET minors is the capstone. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams to complete a game prototype or digital media application, from idea to finished product. The capstone class totals three credit hours.

Housed in the Division of Computer Science & Engineering, the MS DMAE is a twelve course, 45 credit hour program that can be completed in 22 months. Students in this program will complete a series of team-based projects using professional tools and pipelines. Industry software tools include Maya, Nuke, Unity, and Houdini. Course examples for the program include Advanced Programming & Digital Art; Rapid Prototyping & Innovation; Interactive Design; and Digital Media Production & Project Management. 

Halfway through the LSU MS DMAE program, students will complete a Digital Media Internship. During the final two semesters, students will work in teams to complete a final project. 

Graduates of the Digital Media Arts & Engineering programs at Louisiana State University are prepared to pursue roles in video game design, video game software engineering, visual effects (VFX), interactive sound design, 3D animation, digital illustration, 3D modeling, and web development, among others.  

Louisiana State University was founded on January 2, 1860 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy. The flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System, LSU serves approximately 32,490 students enrolled in more than 330 programs across 18 colleges, schools, and centers, and LSU Online. Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The School of Informatics and Computing (SoIC) at Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) provides several paths to study games. Programs include the Media Arts and Science (MAS) BS, and minors in Game Design and Development, and 3D Graphics and Animation.

The MAS BS is a customizable program that provides the opportunity to specialize in Game Design and Development, 3D Graphics and Animation, Digital Storytelling, Web Design and Development, or Video Production and Sound Design. The curriculum for the program includes courses that explore emerging technology in games and visual effects (VFX). The Game Design and Development specialization builds on this and explores character animation, programming, storytelling, and of course, game design and development. 

Course examples include Advanced Game Design and Development; Game On! A History of Video Games; Game Design Psychology: Theory and Prototyping; Game Testing and Evaluation; and Introduction to Gameplay Scripting. Recommended courses outside of GDD specialization requirements include Game Production; Creature and Character Design for Videogames, Comics, Film, and Animation; and Virtual World Design and Development.

Graduates of the MAS BS program at Indiana University Indianapolis have been recruited by major studios and companies around the world. Examples include Moving Picture Company (MPC), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Google-owned Owlchemy Labs, Treyarch (owned by Activision), and HTC Corporation. 

In the Game Design and Development minor at IU Indianapolis, students will learn to create 2D and 3D games using Unity and Unreal 4. The 3D Graphics and Animation minor prepares students for careers in game design and development and 3D simulation through coursework in rendering, animation, and computer graphics (CG). Students in both programs will complete 15-16 credit hours of study. 

Upon completion of the IU Indianapolis Game Design and Development minor, students are prepared to pursue positions such as Video Game Designer, Level Designer, Unity 3D Game Developer, Creative Director, Unreal 4 Game Developer, World Designer, and Sound Designer for Games. 3D Graphics and Animation graduates are prepared to pursue positions such as Motion Graphics Artist, Creative Director, 2D/3D Design Artist, Medical Animator, and 3D Animator. 

Indiana University Indianapolis will officially begin as IU Indianapolis on July 1, 2024, ending its 52-year partnership as IUPUI. The school currently serves 27,960 students enrolled in more than 550 academic programs across 17 degree-granting schools. Indiana University Indianapolis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).