Top 25 Public Game Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2025 Rankings

University of Central Florida (UCF) is home to the College of Sciences. Within the college is the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM), which houses a Digital Media BA program with tracks in Game Design, and Web and Interactive Media. At the graduate level, the NSCM provides an Interactive Entertainment MS through UCF’s Florida Interactive Academy (FIEA). 

Students in all FIEA and NSCM Programs at University of Central Florida will work, learn, and collaborate in the Communication and Media Building which houses 112,000 square feet of state-of-the-art studio and classroom space. This includes Studio 500—one of the largest soundstages and motion capture studios on the east coast. Study abroad opportunities and career development resources are also available to all students. 

The Digital Media BA program at UCF has basic core and advanced level core requirements. Students in both tracks will complete all requirements, which consists of 51 credit hours in games and games-related courses. Examples include Game Design; Casual Game Production; Modeling for Realtime Systems I-II; Game Design Tools and Plugins; Creative industries; Evolution of Video Games; Physical Computing; Game Optimization and Performance; Digital Sculpting; and Game Level Design.

The Digital Media BA program culminates with the Game Design Capstone completed across two workshop courses. For this final project, students will work in teams to design, produce, and testing games using iterative design techniques and professional tools.  

The Interactive Entertainment MS at University of Central Florida’s FIEA is a 30 credit hour program that focuses on game design, 3D artistry, teamwork, programming, problem-solving, and project management. Throughout the program, students will work in teams with industry mentors across courses that cover technical art, level design, 3D animation and modeling, prototyping, game design, motion capture, technical design, software engineering, pre-production, post-production, and legal and ethical issues. 

All students may specialize in Art, Production, or Programming. Each specialization requires nine credit hours. Courses for the Art specialization include Digital Asset Creation; Advanced Digital Asset Creation; and Digital Asset Portfolio Development. Production specialization courses include Production Design I-II, and Media Distribution. Students in the Programming Specialization will take Game Programming Fundamentals; Advanced Game Programming; and Applied Programming Mechanics. 

Students in all specializations will complete the 12 credit hour MS core consisting of Production for Media; Rapid Prototype Production; Experimentation, Application, and Innovation in Games; and Preproduction and Prototyping. Course examples across specializations include Digital Asset Creation; Production and Design; and Advanced Game Programming. 

All Interactive Entertainment students will complete the Game Design Practicum or Digital Venture Practicum. The Game Design Practicum is an internship/full-time job. For the Digital Venture Practicum, students will build a start-up. The program culminates with the Capstone/Interactive Entertainment Project, where students will work in teams of 15-20 to develop their own games and interactive projects. Many FIEA students publish their games through avenues such as Xbox or Steam, resulting in their first published title. 

Graduates of the Digital Media BA and Interactive Entertainment MS programs at University of Central Florida are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development, interactivity, visualization, simulation, and entertainment. 

Program alumni have been hired by more than 300 companies. Examples include Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Cartoon Network, Walt Disney Imagineering, Epic Games, Nintendo, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Iron Galaxy Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Marvel, Gameloft, Apple, Universal, Sony, Zynga, Google, Lockheed Martin, WB Games, Unity Technologies, and Blur Studio.

University of Central Florida was founded in 1963 as Florida Technological University (FTU). Roughly five years later, the school opened with just under 2,000 students. Today, University of Central Florida serves approximately 69,820 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of the top 10 largest universities in the U.S. 

More than 13,130 faculty, adjuncts, and staff members deliver nearly 600 degree programs across 13 colleges and dozens of departments. University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) provides a number of unique paths to study game design. For example, the school has an undergraduate certificate (Scenarios, Models, and Military Games) that explores the use of gaming, models, and scenarios in the analysis of national security issues. Course highlights include Scenario Writing and Pathgaming; Simulation and Military Gaming; Technology and Military Organization; and Modeling, Simulation, and Military Gaming. 

Housed in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts’ Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, this 12 credit hour program is open to all Georgia Tech students with a bachelor’s degree. 

Also housed in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts is the School of Literature, Media, and Communication. In partnership with the College of Computing’s School of Interactive Computing the school provides a Computational Media BS (BSCM); MS and PhD degrees in Digital Media; a dual BS Computational Media/MS Digital Media; and Computing and Media minor. 

Students in all programs have 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.

Georgia Tech’s Computing and Media minor is a 19 credit hour program, with nine credit hours at the 3000 level or higher. Students will take required courses such as Data Structures and Algorithms for Applications; Computer Graphics; and Objects and Design. Electives allow students to focus in games. Examples include Video Game Design and Programming; Digital Video Special Effects; and Information Visualization. 

Across all graduate level programs, courses may include Special Topics in Game Design; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Principles of Interactive Design; Experimental Media; Interactive Fiction; Pro-Seminar; and Project Studio. MS 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, Digital Media, and Computing and 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. 

Georgia Institute of Technology was established in 1885. When it opened, the school had one degree—the Mechanical Engineering BS, with 129 students enrolled. Today, Georgia Tech serves approximately 53,365 students enrolled in 180 degree programs and minors across six distinct colleges, 28 schools, and Georgia Tech Online. Campuses include Atlanta, Georgia Tech-Europe in France, and Georgia Tech-Shenzhen in China. 

Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Michigan State University (MSU) is home to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci) and the College of Engineering. Serving more than 4,500 students across five departments, the ComArtSci provides BA, BS, MA, PhD, minor, and certificate programs in the arts and sciences of communication. 

The MSU College of Engineering employs 297 faculty that serve more than 7,100 students. With 12 undergraduate degree programs and 11 graduate degree programs, the college is one of MSU’s founding disciplines and one of the school’s largest academic units. Engineering consists of 10 academic departments from Applied Engineering Sciences to Technology Engineering. 

Across colleges, aspiring game designers may select from seven different programs leading to a degree, certificate, or minor. All programs provide access to state-of-the-art labs, facilities, and centers. This includes the Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab; the GEL Lab; virtual reality (VR) labs; the Social and Psychological Approaches to Research on Technology-Interaction Effects (SPARTIE) Lab; Quello Center for Media and Information Policy; and the Rural Computing Consortium. 

The Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab and the GEL Lab house state-of-the-art technology for designing prototypes, learning new techniques, and to advance research on the individual and social impacts of digital games. 

Across programs, students also have the opportunity to participate in game development and testing projects; complete an internship; participate in group research projects; and engage with industry professionals through visiting artist talks. Students have interned at places such as Insomniac games, Apple, ABC Studios, Will Winn Games, Fabrik Entertainment in LA, The Daily Show, BrainSurf Informatics, Gray Television, DaySmart Software, Re-Source Partners, and MOSAIC Unity Center. 

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences houses the Department of Media and Information (MI). Within the department is the Game Design and Development program (GDD). Established in 2005, the program consists of the Games and Interactive Media BA; GDD minor; and the Serious Games MA certificate. Related programs include the Media and Information MA (MI MA).

All degree-seeking students have additional opportunities to gain hands-on experience with businesses and non-profit organizations in areas such as video game design, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), information technology, and human-computer interaction (HCI). 

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

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

Game Development students will take courses such as Game and Interactive Media Development; Introduction to Programming I-II; Matrix Algebra with Computational Applications; and Building Innovative Interfaces. Across all focus areas, students have opportunities to work on real-world projects with partners such as Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Insomniac Games, Bungie, and Rockstar Games. 

Students will graduate from the MSU Games and Interactive Media BA program with a professional portfolio of projects across a wide variety of works. Program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as Game Designer, 2D Artist, Game Scenario Writer, Interaction Designer, Game Developer, Technical Artist, Game Programmer, Producer, Level Designer, Usability Engineer, Technical Designer, Project Manager, UI/UX Designer, and Quality Assurance Specialist. 

The MSU ComArtSci GDD minor requires 15 credit hours. To enter the program, students must complete Games and Interactivity as a prerequisite along with two courses selected from a set list of options. Examples include Introduction to Programming II; Concept Design for Games, Film, and TV; Game and Interactive Media Development; and Fundamentals of Comic Art and Graphic Novels. For minor requirements students will take 12 credit hours including Game Design and Development I-II; Collaborative Design; and Game Design Studio. 

For the remaining credits students will select courses from close to 30 options. Examples include Building Virtual Worlds; Interaction Design; Software Engineering; Advanced Game Development; Interactive Environments and Digital Fabrication; Computer Graphics; and Advanced 3D Modeling. 

The GDD minor at Michigan State University is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in the Computer Science BS; the Studio Art BA or BFA; or the Graphic Design BFA.

The Serious Games MA certificate attracts CS students, MSU MI graduate students, Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) students, and doctoral students from other universities. Open to all MSU graduate students as a stand-alone program, the certificate requires the following courses: Theories of Games and Interaction Design; Foundations of Serious Games; and Understanding Users. The Serious Games MA certificate is transcriptable, and it can be completed either on-campus/hybrid or 100% online. 

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 2025, MI MA students also have the option to focus in Game Studies and Design; Human-Computer Interaction/and User Experience Design (HCI/UX); or Media Policy. Students may also build their own focus area from all available courses. 

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

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 game design and development, 3D technology, serious games, digital media, game programming, web design and development, user experience (UX), simulation and visualization, and information studies. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Insomniac Games, Bungie, Ubisoft, Publicis Sapient, BuzzFeed, and ESPN.

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. CS BS students can add the GDD minor and/or concentrate in Multimedia and Graphics, while MS and PhD students can add the Serious Games certificate. 

Course examples for the Multimedia and Graphics concentration include Game Design and Development I-II; Electronic Art; Game and Interactive Media Development; Computer Graphics; Game Design Studio; Building Virtual Worlds; Experiments in Digital Video; Introduction to Film; and Advanced 3D Modeling. 

Across programs, students will take courses such as Collaborative Design; Introduction to Programming II; Computer Systems; Theory and Algorithms; Machine Learning; Software Engineering; Systems Design and Analysis; Advanced Software Engineering; Web Application Architecture and Development Deep Learning; Translation of Programming Languages; Design and Theory of Algorithms; Computer Vision; Introduction to Artificial Intelligence; Parallel Computing; and Evolutionary Computing. 

Graduates of the Computer Science programs at Michigan State University are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of game design, development, and programming; the broader software engineering industry; mobile application development; web design and development; and UX design, among others. 

MSU Computer Science alumni have been hired at game design studios and other places such as Amazon, Epic Systems, Boeing, Microsoft, Compuware, General Motors, IBM, and Ford Motor Company.

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 52,090 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 17 degree-granting colleges. Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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. Options include the Game Design and Interactive Media (GDIM) BS; and the Computer Science (CS) BS, MS, and PhD programs. Across pathways, students 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 MS and PhD programs at UCI Donald Bren are designed for students interested in leadership roles in the games industry (entertainment), serious games (healthcare, training, education), academia, and government. The Computer Science MS is a flexible program with 12 core research areas. Examples include Multimedia and Gaming; Graphics and Computer Vision; Design and Analysis of Algorithms; Programming Languages and Compilers; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; and Scientific Computing. 

Students can select several upper division undergraduate courses to complement their chosen research area or areas. Undergraduate course examples include Game Engine Lab; Computer Graphics; Game Design; Modeling and Worldbuilding; Mobile and Ubiquitous Games; and Digital Imaging Processing. Course examples for the MS include Machine Learning; Fundamentals of the Design and Analysis of Algorithms; Visual Computing; Analysis of Algorithms; Principles of Scientific Computing; and Advanced Compiler Construction. 

The culminating experience for the UCI CS MS is the research-based thesis project or the comprehensive examination. The thesis option is the ideal choice for students who wish to continue on to the PhD program. 

The Computer Science PhD has the same course requirements, access to games courses, and research areas as the CS MS. This broad, flexible program culminates with dissertation defense and final examination. 

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. Across CS programs, 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.

Founded in 1965, University of California, Irvine employs more than 1,200 faculty members and 10,000 staff, making it the second largest employer in Orange County, California. A public land-grant research university, UCI serves more than 36,000 students enrolled in 224 degree programs across 18 colleges, schools, and divisions. 

University of California, Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Founded in 1900, the Association comprises the nation’s top research universities. 

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 also houses the Visualization BS, MS, and MFA programs. 

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.

The TAMU Visualization MS has two options: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The Thesis option requires 32 credit hours and the Non-Thesis option requires 36 credit hours. Both options allow students to specialize in one of eight areas including Gaming; Computer Animation; Interactive Design; Augmented Reality; Computer Graphics; Virtual Reality; User Experience Design; or Data Visualization. 

Thesis track students will produce final works to be exhibited at the local and competitive levels. The culminating experience for Non-Thesis is the creation and defense of a capstone project. For both tracks, a faculty advisor will direct student projects from start to finish. 

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 has specializations in Gaming; Visual Effects; Interactive Art; Visual Storytelling; Computer Animation; User Experience Design; Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR/AR); and Data Visualization. 

Students in all specializations will complete 23 credit hours of Professional Study coursework and the following courses: Form/Installation/Environment; The Digital Image; Contemporary Art Studio/Seminar; Design Communication; Contemporary Art Seminar I-II; Writing for Publication in the Arts; and Graduate Studio. Free and prescribed electives allow students to enhance the degree. 

Examples include Advanced Game Design; 3D Modeling and Animation; Data Visualization; Generative Art and Design; Interactive Virtual Environments; Motion Capture Animation; Computational Design; Physically-Based Modeling; Digital Compositing; Rendering and Shading; Advanced Animation; Principles and Practices in Digital Twin Technology; Multimedia Web Design; and Experimental Visual Techniques. 

The Visualization MFA at TAMU culminates with the exhibition and defense of the student’s body of work completed over a three-year course of study. The exhibition requirement includes at least one competitive external venue approved by the students advisory committee and a local exhibition, coordinated with a final examination. 

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.

Serving approximately 79,115 students, Texas A&M University is the largest university in the state and one of the top 10 largest in the nation. Founded in 1876, TAMU is also the first public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. With two local campuses, a Health Science Center, and a campus in Doha, Quatar, Texas A&M houses 16 colleges and schools that provide approximately 415 degree programs. 

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

University of Florida (UF) is home to the College of the Arts (COTA). Established in 1925 through the School of Architecture, COTA houses the Digital Worlds Institute; the Schools of Art and Art History, Music, and Theatre and Dance; and the Center for Arts in Medicine. These academic units are accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST); and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). 

The Digital Worlds Institute houses the interdisciplinary Digital Arts and Sciences (DAS) program leading to a DAS BA (BADAS); DAS Masters (MiDAS); or DAS minor. The BADAS and 15 credit hour DAS minor can be completed on campus or 100% online through UF Online. Course examples across pathways include Introduction to Digital Technologies; Game Development; Principles of Digital Visualization; Game Content Creation; Creating Mobile Games; Foundations of Digital Culture; Game Design and Production; 3D Animation Techniques; Interaction & Usability; Game Systems Development; and Digital Storytelling. 

The BADAS program requires 120 credit hours of study and successful completion of the DAS project. This is the culminating experience for the program. 

The UF MiDAS is a one-year accelerated program that explores game engines and development; software and hardware integration; design and interactivity; digital compositing; emerging technologies such as VR/AR; digital storytelling; audio; UI//UX; and proposals, project management, and production pipelines. This professional degree culminates with an industry-standard project and portfolio. 

All Digital Worlds students benefit from the DAS Mentorship Program; access to LUMA at Digital World Studios; guest speakers and lecturers; participation in the internship program; and Portfolio Open House events.

Graduates of the BADAS, DAS minor, and MiDAS programs at University of Florida are prepared to pursue titles such as Game Designer, Digital Storyteller, Technical Animator, Level Designer, Software Engineer, Game Artist, Motion Graphics Animator, Visual Effects (VFX) Artist, and Character Modeler. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks and Microsoft. Some graduates also go on to teach or launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

University of Florida was founded in 1858 as Gainesville Academy. The school opened with just over 100 students. Today, this public land-grant institution serves approximately 69,465 students across campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. More than 300 programs are provided across 16 colleges and schools. University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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.

North Carolina State University was established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focused on agriculture and engineering. Today, the school is a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). With 9,000 faculty and staff members, NC State serves more than 36,000 students, making it the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state.

Students at NC State have access to more than 300 degree programs across 12 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).

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; an undergraduate Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) minor; and the Animal Computer Informatics PhD and minor. The Luddy School also lists a Media Arts and Science BS (MAS BS) with a specialization in Game Design and Development. 

Course examples across the CSCIBS and MAS BS 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 undergraduate Animal-Computer Interaction minor is a unique program that provides access to courses such as Game Development; Introduction to Virtual Reality; Building Virtual Worlds; Creating Virtual Assets; Human Robot Interaction; Mobile Programming; Artificial Life in Virtual Reality; and Scientific Visualization. Students in the Animal Computer Informatics PhD program have access to the same courses, as well as options such as Experience Design; Interaction Design Methods; Advanced Prototyping; Applied Machine Learning; Makerspace-Design and Foundation; Elements of AI; and Computer Vision. 

The College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington provides four paths to study game design. Programs are housed in the college’s 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. Specific program options for game designers include the Game Design BS and minor; and a Media BA with a Media Technologies, Games and Culture concentration. A flexible CS BA is also conferred through the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Media School students may select elective courses from the Luddy School; Jacobs School of Music; and Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design. Students may also pursue a Media specialization such as Game Production, Game Audio, or Game Art. Concentrations consist of five courses. Specializations require at least three courses. 

Concentration course examples include Game Experience Design; Digital Media; Games, Culture, and Society; Animation for Digital Media; Game Production; Story Lab; Game Technology; Narrative Design; Game Art and Sound; and Media Technologies and Culture. Specialization course examples include Game Analytics; Game Character Art; Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and Computer Music; Game Environment Art; Game Experience Design; Sound for Games and Playable Media; and Game Production. 

Game Design BS students at Indiana University Bloomington have the option 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. 

Established in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington was one of the first public universities west of the Allegheny Mountains. The school is also one of the first universities to admit women. The flagship campus of the Indiana University system, IU Bloomington serves approximately 48,425 of the systems nearly 90,000 students. Indiana University Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly or Cal Poly SLO) is home to the College of Engineering (CENG). Within the college is the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE). Originally part of two departments (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Software Engineering), CSSE became its own department in 2018. 

Serving more than 1,250 students, the CSSE Department provides several paths to study game design. All programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Options include the Computer Science (CS) BS, MS, and BS/MS; and minors in Computer Science and Computing for Interactive Arts (CIA). 

The CS minor requires 24 credit hours of study, with access to courses such as Game Design; Software Engineering I-II; Computer Animation; and Real-Time 3D Computer Graphics Software. The CIA minor is a cross-disciplinary, 40-unit program provided in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Design. CIA students will take required courses such as Foundation in Digital Art I-II; Digital 3D Modeling and Design; Computing for All I-II. Electives examples include Game Design; Interaction Design; Computer Animation; Advanced Rendering Techniques; and The Art of Mixed Reality; and Collaborative Studio-Storyboarding, Modeling, Animation and Rendering. 

Both the CIA and CS programs highlight hands-on learning in a studio-like, collaborative environment that focuses on design-focused and project-centered coursework. Other features include access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs; internship opportunities and co-ops across California's top technology hubs; individual and team projects; study abroad experiences in more than 75 countries; and participation in weekend-long Hackathons where students come together to design software and apps, and collaborate on tech projects. 

The CENG also houses a Game Development concentration that’s open to all degree-seeking students. The program consists of 24 credit hours, including 16 in the core. Courses include Game Design; Introduction to Mixed Reality; Video Games and Society; and Interactive Entertainment Engineering. For the remaining credits, students will select from nearly 20 games and games-related courses, and from Math/Statistics electives such as Game Theory; Design and Analysis of Experiments; and Graph Theory. 

Games and games-related course examples include Digital 3D Modeling and Design; Real-Time 3D Computer Graphics Software; New Media Arts I-II; Advanced Rendering Techniques; Software Engineering; Computer Animation; Media Arts and Technologies-Storytelling; Artificial Intelligence; and The Art of Mixed Reality; Foundation in Digital Art I-II; and Current Topics in Computer Graphics. 

Graduates of the Computer Science and CIA programs at Cal Poly are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as game design and development for entertainment; computer art; visualization and simulation training; programming; aerospace, science and medicine; software development; astronautical engineering; healthcare; and research and education.

Program alumni are often hired by major companies and studios such as NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, DreamWorks, Amazon, Disney, Boeing, Adobe, SpaceX, Google, Apple, HP, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, Northrop Grumman, Abbot, Raytheon, Yahoo!, Intuit, LinkedIn, Deloitte, Saint Jude Medical, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, Amgen, Salesforce, and Applied Medical.  

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 one of nation’s largest campuses and the second largest campus in California. Cal Poly SLO serves approximately 22,290 students enrolled in more than 150 undergraduate programs and 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) is the state’s polytechnic university and one of just 125 polytechnic universities in the U.S. The school also houses the first and only Game Design and Development BFA in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. A Game Design and Development concentration is also available in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Management (CSTEMM) is also available. 

Housed in the School of Art and Design—the largest school of its kind in the upper Midwest—the Game Design and Development (GDD) BFA is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Program highlights include collaborative studios with computer science students; opportunities to gain hands-on experience in UW-Stout labs, studios, and galleries; faculty-led trips to LA and San Francisco; industry projects with the Jim Henson Company and the National Park Service; access to AAA development kits, Intuos Cintiq Displays, and virtual reality equipment; and more than 300 study abroad programs across 40+ countries. 

The GDD BFA consists of 120 credit hours of study, with 80 credits in the major. The curriculum covers areas such as 3D modeling and animation, game design principles, programming, graphic and user interface design, 2D pixel art and animation, concept art, and character design. Course examples for the program include Introduction to Programming; 3D Game Art and Engines; Design Drawing and Concept Visualization; Exploratory Game Design and Development; 3D Modeling and Animation; Virtual and Augmented Reality Video Applications; Visual Effects and Compositing; and Digital Sound Studio. 

The culminating experience for the Game Design and Development BFA at UW-Stout is the Game Art, Design and Development Capstone and final portfolio presentation at the Stout Game Expo (SGX). Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of game design and development, the broad technology industry, animation and film, digital marketing, visualization and simulation, and architecture. 

UW-Stout alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, HP, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and Abbott Laboratories. They also work at regional and local studios such as Big John Games, 20 Credits Studio, Pixel Farm Digital, and Finn Daniels Architects. 

The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Management at University of Wisconsin-Stout serves approximately 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 (CS BS). Students in this program can add the Game Design and Development concentration. 

The CS BS with a GDD concentration 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. Program features include a paid co-op industry experience as part of the curriculum; participation in game competitions, game conferences, film festivals, and exhibitions; graduate research; and the opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed papers. 

With a 100% job placement rate graduates of the UW Stout CS BS program are prepared for careers in game design and development, the broad technology industry, animation and film, digital marketing, visualization and simulation, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), aerospace, and many other fields. 

Program alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, HB studios (develops console games for Electronic Arts), Big John Games (developer for Nintendo), Degica Japan (publisher of RPG Maker), and Concrete Software (mobile games).  

For game designers and developers seeking a graduate degree, the School of Art and Design at UW-Stout houses a flexible Design MFA that allows students to create their own focus area. Examples include Game Design and Development; Animation and Digital Media; Graphic Design and Interactive Media; Cinema, Video, and Photography; and User Experience Design. Design MFA students also have access to everything the School of Art and Design has to offer. 

The UW-Stout Design MFA program culminates with the Creative Thesis in Design consisting of nine credit hours. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in higher education, as well as professional roles in the design industry and other creative fields. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Rouge MoCap, Apple, Shutterfly, and World Architects.

University of Wisconsin – Stout was established in 1891 as The Stout Manual Training School. Serving approximately 6,915 students, UW-Stout provides more than 145 programs across two colleges and the Graduate School. Many of these programs are unique to UW-Stout, or they are not offered anywhere in the Midwest. 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).

University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) provides a STEM-designated BS in Game Design and Development (BSGDD) that can be completed on campus or online beginning Fall 2025. The program is housed in the School of Information (iSchool), which is Arizona’s only iSchool and a member of the iSchools consortium. This international organization of over 120 universities focuses on teaching and research in areas such as human-computer interaction (HCI), information access and organization, bibliometrics, and information integrity. 

The iSchool at Arizona focuses on cross-disciplinary studies in a hands-on, collaborative learning environment with internship opportunities at places such as Intel, Amazon, Mayo Clinic, Pitney Bowes, Lunewave, CyVerse, Genentech, Lum.ai, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All iSchool students also have opportunities to study abroad in places such as Rome and Orvieto, Italy through courses such as Visual Content Creation in the Information Age, and Digital Storytelling and Culture. 

In addition to the Game Design and Development BS, the Arizona iSchool provides more than a dozen undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates, as well as 10 master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs. Other game programs include the Games and Behavior BA (BA GB); a Certificate in Games and Simulation; and minors in GDD and Games and Behavior.  

In addition to everything the iSchool has to offer, students in all programs benefit from access to state-of-the-art production facilities; courses taught by accomplished industry professionals; and participation on the Global Game Jam (GGJ) and the U of A Game Development Club. 

The Game Design and Development BS and minor explore games for areas such as entertainment, simulations, visualization, education, and healthcare. Across programs, students will take major courses and major technical electives such as Introduction to Game Design; Ethics in a Digital World; Game Development; Programming for Informatics Applications; Introduction to Human Computer Interaction; Advanced Game Development; Computational Thinking and Doing; Algorithms for Games; Statistical Foundations of the Information Age; 3D Modeling for Games; and Virtual Reality.

BS students may take five elective courses and minor students can take three. Examples include Serious STEM Games; Computing and the Arts; Narrative Practices in Digital Games; Introduction to Creative Coding; Advanced Game Development; Technology of Sound; Designing for Video Game Genres; Neural Networks; and Gamification in Society. The BS requires 120 units to graduate. The minor requires 18 units. 

Graduates of the Game Design and Development programs at University of Arizona go on to establish careers in areas such as game design, game development, serious games, UI/UX design, film and animation, digital marketing, simulations and visualization, and the broad technology field. 

The Games and Behavior BA and minor at University of Arizona explore game design for entertainment, education, and research; gamification in society; human behavior in games; games for health and wellness; games for job training; and games for social support. Course examples across programs include Introduction to Game Design; Quantitative Methods for the Digital Marketplace; Gamification in Society; eSports Industries; Ethics in a Digital World; and Collaborating in Online Communities.  

To enhance the degree, BA students may choose four elective courses. Minor students will select all required units (18) from a set list of courses. BA elective examples include Disruptive Technologies; Digital Engagement; Digital Games and Society; eSports Casting and Development; Digital Storytelling and Culture; Information, Multimedia Design and Moving Image; Computing and the Arts; Narrative Practices in Digital Games; Technology of Sound; Serious STEM Games; Introduction to Human Computer Interaction (HCI); Digital Commerce; and Legal Aspects of Game Industries. 

The Games and Behavior BA at University of Arizona requires 120 units to graduate. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Video Game Designer; Software Quality Assurance Analyst; Game Designer/Manager; Concept Artist; Gaming Market Research Manager; Art Director; Gamification Design Consultant; Digital Marketing Specialist; Game Tester; Multimedia Specialist; Web Designer; Consumer Insights Manager; Graphic Designer; and UX/UI Designer. 

The Games and Simulation certificate is a flexible 12 unit undergraduate program. All students will complete Introduction to Game Design. The remaining courses will come from electives—student’s choice. Students have access to all electives for the BA and BS programs. Other examples include Monetizing Independent Gaming; Simulation Design and Development for Complex Problem Solving; Legal Aspects of Game Industries; and Diversity and Bias in Games.  

University of Arizona has an additional program option housed in the College of Humanities- Department of Public and Applied Humanities. Leading to a BA in Applied Humanities with a Game Studies emphasis, the curriculum for the program includes courses such as Introduction to Game Design; Narrative Practices in Digital Games; Video Game Studies: Critical/Cultural Approaches; Computing and the Arts; Video Games as Artifacts-Appreciating Interactive Multimedia Entertainment; Global Video Game Cultures and Their Origins; Game Development; Simulation Design and Development for Complex Problem Solving; Gamification in Society. 

The BA program also requires an internship and the production of a professional portfolio. The culminating experience for Game Studies is the Senior Capstone (project). Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in the areas such as global games, serious games, digital humanities, game and media journalism, digital culture studies, and new media policy. 

Across all University of Arizona iSchool and other related programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Epic Systems, Apple, Lockheed Martin, Cisco Systems, Intel, Amazon, Boeing, Raytheon, Ball Aerospace, L3 Communications, Medtronic, HP, Lucent Technologies, and Texas Instruments.  

University of Arizona is the state’s first university. Established in 1885, this land-grant institution opened with just a few students. Today, UA serves approximately 56,545 students, making it one of the state’s largest post-secondary institutions. UArizona provides more than 300 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in 150+ areas of study across 21 colleges and nearly two dozen specialized schools. University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is home to College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE), which houses the Department of Software Engineering and Game Design and Development (SWEGD). Programs within the department are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Options include a BS in Computer Game Design and Development (BSCGDD); a CGDD minor; and the Software Engineering MS (MSSWE). 

For exceptional students, the SWEGD Department also provides a Double Owl Pathway giving students the opportunity to earn a BS/MS at an accelerated pace. All students have the opportunity to publish games in the KSU Game Studio and participate in the KSU Game Narrative Lab.

Other SWEGD Department highlights include paid and unpaid co-op education opportunities and computing internships; participation in events such as the Global Game Jam Hackathon, the Computing Showcase (C-Day), the International Programming Competition; the Raspberry Pi Workshop; guest speakers; networking events that attract major companies and studios; and research assistantships. Recent networking participants include Microsoft, Cox Communications, and software company Infor. 

The BSCGDD is a 120 credit hour program that can be completed on campus, online or in a hybrid format. The program explores traditional and emerging areas such as massively multiplayer games (MMOG), human-computer interaction (HCI), game theory, 2D and 3D graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), online games, software engineering, modeling, simulation, and digital media. 

BS students may customize a track or select from the following: Computer Science; Educational Serious; Media Production; Simulations Informatics; Creative Content; and Planning Management. With many overlapping courses, all tracks allow students to study games through electives.

Courses examples include Fundamentals of Game Design; Digital Media and Interaction; Fundamentals of Digital Game Development; Artificial Intelligence for Games; Computer Graphics and Multimedia; Educational Game Design; Software Testing Q&A; and Introduction to Mobile Immersive Games; Algorithm Analysis; User Centered Design; Program Problem Solving; Online Learning Content and Environment; Software Engineering; Data Modeling and Simulations; and Data Structures. 

All tracks culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates of the BSCGDD program at Kennesaw State University are prepared to pursue roles across the broad technology industry, game design and development, engineering, digital advertising, education, research, and many other fields. 

The Software Engineering MS at Kennesaw State University is a 30 credit hour program designed for students with an extensive background in computing. Required courses include Requirements Engineering; Software Project Planning and Management; Software Architecture; and Software Testing and Verification. MSSWE students will also complete one course covering the entire software development lifecycle. Options include Software Engineering (SWE 6623) or Emerging Software Engineering Processes (SWE 6733).

Electives allow students to study games. Examples include Game Design and Development; User Interaction Engineering; Modeling and Simulation; Design Patterns; Introduction to Systems Engineering; Real Time Systems; Human Factors; Embedded Systems; and Independent Study. Students may also complete the Graduate Internship as an elective. This option requires 150+ hours per semester with an approved company, studio, agency, or firm. 

The Software Engineering MS at KSU culminates with the Software Engineering Capstone or Master’s Thesis—student’s choice. Graduates are prepared to pursue advancement opportunities in their current career or leadership roles across industries. 

In any given year, more than 7,100 companies recruit from Kennesaw State University. CCSE alumni have been hired at places such as Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Delta Airlines, General Motors (GM), and Accenture. 

Serving more than 47,000 students, Kennesaw State University is the third largest university in Georgia. Founded in 1963 as Kennesaw Junior College, this Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2) provides more than 190 degree and certificate programs across 11 colleges and two campuses. Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).