Top 50 Game Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. - 2025 Rankings

New York University (NYU) is home to Tisch School of the Arts (NYU Tisch). Founded in 1965 as the School of the Arts, the school was renamed in 1982 after receiving a gift from billionaire brothers and businessmen Laurence A. and Preston Robert Tisch. Today, NYU Tisch provides BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MPS, and PhD degrees in areas such as cinema studies, collaborative arts, film and television, game design, interactive media arts, performance studies, and recorded music. 

NYU Tisch also houses the Department of Game Design. Founded in 2008 and known as NYU Game Center, the department hosts workshops, academic seminars, playtests, tournaments, and other events such as NYU Game Center Lecture Series; No Quarter Exhibition (est. 2010); the annual Strategy Guide—Breaking into the Game Industry Workshop; and the professional game conference PRACTICE—Game Design in Detail. 

Other NYU Game Center highlights include access to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music; the Game Center Open Library; hands-on experiences in the center’s development studios and play labs; internship opportunities at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, and Disney; and the opportunity to participate in study away programs at NYU’s other campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and academic centers in London, Paris, Washington, D.C., Prague, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Florence, and Madrid. 

NYU Game Center students may also participate in The Game Center Incubator. Launched in 2014, the incubator provides expertise, funding, and space for projects with commercial potential. Incubator leaders help select students see projects through to a public launch.

NYU Game Center programs include a BFA, MFA, and minor in Game Design. Single courses are also available for students enrolled in just about any NYU major. Examples include Game Design I-II; 3D Game Studio-Unity; Code Lab; and Game Development-Team Studio.

The NYU Game Center minor is a 16 credit hour program that explores design, production, and the study of games. All students will take Introduction to Game Design or Think Like a Game Designer and at least one of the following four courses: Games 101; Introduction to Programming for Games; Introduction to Games Development; and Introduction to Visual Communication. The remaining credits will come from any other Game Center courses. 

Upon completion of the NYU Game Center minor, students are prepared to work in the game industry. Some graduates also go on to become critics or scholars. 

The Game Design BFA is a 128 credit hour program with a strong foundation in the liberal arts. This means students will complete a significant amount of coursework in social sciences, humanities, explanatory writing, and hard sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.). BFA students will also explore different styles of creative production by taking a production course in another NYU Tisch department. 

The Game Design BFA curriculum consists of primary areas including game design, game development, and game studies, as well as production areas such as programming, visual design, game business, and audio design. Course examples for the program include Introduction to Game Design; Level Design Studio; 3D Development; Modern Tabletop Literacy; Pixel Prototype; The Immersive SIM; Programming for Games; 3D Modeling for Games; Art Direction for Games; XR Studio; Music and Gameplay; Games in Narrative; Shade Lab; Roleplaying on the Margins; 2D Animation for Games; and Business of Video Games. 

The Game Design BFA program at NYU culminates with the Senior Capstone. This final project can be a group or solo game, curated exhibition, or research paper—student’s choice. 

The NYU Game Center MFA is a two-year program that consists of coursework in game history, game design, game studies, game production, game studio, and play labs. Students will also select a number of electives that support their interests and goals. The first semester of the program is structured to include Game Design 1; Code Lab 0; Games 101; Game Studio 1; and Visual Lab 0. The second semester is more flexible, so students will take just two required courses—Game Studies 1 and Game Studio—along with their chosen electives. 

Examples include Intermediate Programming for Games; Prototype Studio; 3D Game Studio-Unity; Shader Lab; Tech Art Studio; Tackling Representation in Games; Horror Games; American Computer Games of the 1980s; UI/UX for Games; Mobile Game Studio; and Survival Skills. 

The Game Design MFA program at NYU culminates with a thesis, completed across two courses (12 credit hours). Thesis projects may be completed individually or in teams. Examples of possible projects include a series of small games, a sport, digital games, or card games. MFA projects will be presented at the NYU Game Center Spring Show.

NYU Game Center BFA and MFA graduates will enter the job market with a resume, several finished games or related works, and the assistance of NYU’s extensive Wasserman Career Center. As part of Tisch School of the Arts, NYU Game Center graduates also have access to the school’s own Office of Career Development, which helps alumni launch their creative careers. 

Across programs, graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of games. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Disney, Nickelodeon, ESPN, Amazon, Tencent Holdings, Avalanche Studios Group, Take-Two Interactive Software, Arkadium Games, and the International Game Developers Association Japan (IGDA Japan). 

Some NYU Game Center alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios, write books, organize festivals, and win awards. 

New York University is the largest private university in the U.S. Founded in 1831, the school serves more than 55,000 students across degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. With more than 19,000 employees, New York University is also one of the state’s largest employers. Students at NYU have access to more than 400 program options across 20+ colleges, schools, and institutes. New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). 

University of Utah (The U) provides five paths to study game design. Housed in the College of Architecture and Planning is the Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) program. Established more than a decade ago by faculty from the School of Computing and the Division of Film Studies, the EAE is a collection of degree programs known as Utah Division of Games. Options include a Games BS (BSG); a Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an EAE emphasis (CSEAE); a Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE); a dual MBA/MEAE; and a Game minor. 

The Game minor requires 24 credit hours, including 12 upper division hours. Students will develop skills in areas such as game-based learning; entertainment software development; serious games for health; task-training tools; and games for science. Course examples include Interactive Machinima; Traditional Game Development; Programming for All; Digital Content Creation; and Alternative Game Development. 

All University of Utah EAE programs are interdisciplinary and immersive with a focus on computational research, art, and social science. The Games BS is designed for students seeking careers in the games for entertainment, visualization, simulation, or edutainment. Students in this program will complete all of the courses for the minor, along with general education, allied area of interest, and elective courses. 

Course examples include Ethics in Games; Digital Storytelling; Animation Techniques; Videogames and Storytelling; Discrete Structures; Lit, Film, Videogame; Fantasy; Rapid Visualization; Sound for Film and Digital Media; Storyboarding/Visual Storytelling; Film Production; and Software Practice. The program culminates with a capstone completed across two courses. 

University of Utah’s CS BS program with an EAE emphasis is ideal for students seeking careers in video game engineering. The program features the full Computer Science curriculum and courses that explore video game design and development, 3D animation, and computer-generated special effects (CG SFX). Because the CSEAE program is computer science-based, students must complete pre-major courses including Intro to Computer Science; Calculus I; Intro to Object-Orient Programming; and Algorithm/Data Structure. 

Examples of CS core courses include Software Practice 1-2; Discrete Structures; and Computer Systems. EAE core course examples include Introduction to Game Design; Traditional Game Development; Asset Pipeline; Digital Content Creation; Interactive Machinima; and Alternative Game Development. Students may also select from area focus electives such as AI/Analytics; Human Centered Computing; and Infrastructure. The program culminates with the Senior Project completed across two courses. 

The Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering at University of Utah is designed as a cohort model, where students from five different tracks remain together for the entire two years of the program. Tracks include Game Arts; Game Design (launched in 2024); Technical Art; Game Production; and Game Engineering. In addition to courses in their chosen track, all MEAE students will take electives such as Virtual Worlds; Paper Prototyping for Games; Serious Games; Narrative in Game Design; and Experimental Gameplay. 

All MEAE students will also take game design, pre-production, and rapid prototyping classes. The MEAE program culminates with a final project completed in teams across three courses. Students in all EAE programs at University of Utah will graduate with several completed games to be included in their professional portfolios. 

Across programs, EAE graduates will be prepared to pursue titles such as Game Designer, Visualization Developer, Game Programmer, Training Simulation Game Designer, Game Simulation Software Engineer, Game Artist, Video Game Engineer, and Game Developer. 

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves 36,970 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 18 colleges and schools and nearly 100 departments. University of Utah has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1933. 

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). 

In 2019, University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz or UCSC) was invited to join the Association of American Universities (AAU). The school became the youngest university to join and one of only five AAU members. UC Santa Cruz is also the first institution in the University of California System to launch an undergraduate game major. Housed in the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE) and known as Games @ UC Santa Cruz, this intensive program has grown from a single undergraduate program to six programs leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD. 

Programs are available at the main UC Santa Cruz campus and the Silicon Valley (SVC) campus. Options include the Computer Science BS in Computer Game Design; the Art and Design-Games and Playable Media BA (BA AGPM); the MS in Computational Media; the Digital Arts and New Media MFA; and the PhD in Computational Media or Computer Science and Engineering. 

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

All students also have access to Games @ UC Santa Cruz facilities and centers such as the Center for Computational Experience; The Other Lab; the Expressive Intelligence Studio; the Advanced Visualization and Interactive Systems Lab; the Augmented Design Laboratory (ADL); Ludo Lab; the Critical Realities Studio; the Software Introspection Laboratory; and the Social Emotional Technology Lab.

Other Games @ UC Santa Cruz benefits include frequent studio tours; project evaluations by industry professionals; participation in the Annual Games Showcase; interactions with guest speakers from the game design industry; game design internships; study abroad experiences; and networking events. 

The culminating experience for BA AGPM and BS students is the Capstone Project. The BS Capstone is an intensive year-long game project where students will work in teams to complete a professional computer game. The BA AGPM Capstone consists of a project and exhibition. MFA and MS students will complete a thesis project, research project, or both. PhD candidates will complete a dissertation. 

Graduates of the Games @ UC Santa Cruz BA and BS programs are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of game design and development. Graduates of the MS, MFA, and PhD programs are qualified for leadership roles in game design and development, education, and research, among others. 

Across programs, graduates have been hired at companies and studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Amazon, Universal Studios Japan, Google, Ubisoft, TopGolf, NCSoft, Zynga, Tencent, Hi-Rez Studios, Method Studios, Tic Toc Games, WB Games Boston, NetEase Games, Glu, and Toys for Bob. 

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

Full Sail University has a full suite of game design programs that function like today’s production studios. Options include the AAS and BS degrees in Game Art, Game Design, and Game Development; a BS in Game Business and Esports; a BS in Simulation and Visualization; an Interactive Technology BS completion program with concentrations in Game Design, Game Development, and Simulation and Visualization; and an MS and certificate in Game Design. 

With the exception of the Simulation and Visualization BS which is available on campus only, all programs can be completed on campus or online. 

In addition to gaining production experience in a real-world studio environment on the Full Sail University campus, all games, interactive technology, and simulation and visualization students have opportunities to work off campus at local and national studios through the school’s internship program. Courses for the program are also project-based and immersive providing additional opportunities to gain hands-on experience. 

Course examples across undergraduate options include Creative Presentation; Motion Capture; Game Animation I-II; Art Creation for Games; Prototyping and the User Experience; Game Mechanics I-II; Advanced Game Characters; Data Visualization and Modeling Engine Development; Systems Design; Prototyping and Content Creation; Scripting for Game Designers I-III; Programming I-II; Game Architecture; 3D Content Creation; Game Systems Integration; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Game Production Tools; Computer Graphics; Software Engineering; Game Balancing; Applied Human-Computer Interaction; Digital Logic; Game Engine Development; and Professional Writing. 

All undergraduate programs culminate with the project and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development, animated films, live-action film, simulation, and visualization, among others. 

The Game Design MS at Full Sail University provides the opportunity for students to customize a track to match their career goals. All students will explore all roles in the production pipeline as well as game effects; test simulation; video game development for computers, networks, and console; animation; and narrative design. Course examples include game design, producing, research, and publishing. Course examples for the program include Game Production Tools; Methods and the User Experience; Game Design; Asset Management; Game Usability and Testing; Advanced Production Techniques; and Quality Assurance. 

The Full Sail Game Design MS culminates with the Thesis Portfolio course, where students will produce a publishable thesis paper and participate in a research presentation. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in game design and development, animation and film, software development, simulation, visualization, graphic design, and advertising, to name a few. 

Full Sail University graduates have been hired at studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, Nickelodeon, Disney, Universal Studios, ESPN, Miramax, MTV, and Bunim Murray. Alumni have worked on games such as Fortnite; Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II; Destiny 2; Horizon Forbidden West; Apex Legends; and Overwatch 2.

More than 350 Full Sail graduates were also credited on 30+ projects nominated in over 20 categories at the 2023 Game Awards. Thirty-five Full Sail graduates contributed to nine winning projects in 15 categories including Best Narrative and Best Game Direction for Alan Wake 2; Innovation in Accessibility for Forza Motorsport; Best Score and Music for Final Fantasy XVI; Best Ongoing Game and Best Community Support for Cyberpunk 2077; and Best Audio Design, Hi-Fi Rush. 

Full Sail University launched in 1979 as a recording studio in Dayton, Ohio that provided workshops. Today, the school sits on a 210-acre campus less than 20 miles from downtown Orlando and Universal Studios. Serving approximately 21,000 students, Full Sail provides graduate certificates and degree programs at all levels. Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). 

DigiPen is a Houdini Certified School that launched the world’s first bachelor’s degree in Video Game Technology and Development. Since then, DigiPen has won 57 Independent Games Festival (IGF) awards. This is more than any other school in the world. DigiPen students have also won more than 300 awards for game projects and academic papers. 

Today, DigiPen’s game program has expanded to include six options. This includes a BS in Computer Science (CS) and Game Design; a BS in CS in Real-Time Interactive Simulation; a Game Design BA; a Computer Science MS; an accelerated BS/MS program that can be completed in just five years; and a Digital Arts MFA.

Across programs, students have the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams in a studio environment to create software, several original video games, a final project, and market-ready portfolio.  

The Computer Science and Game Design BS explores artificial intelligence (AI); system, level, and technical design; user interface design; programming languages; and game design. Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation covers 2D and 3D simulation; game engine software; programming languages; artificial intelligence (AI); software engineering; graphics rendering; and graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

The DigiPen Game Design BA is an interdisciplinary degree that explores design theory, interactive media, games, and applications. Students may select a concentration from six options including Level Design; Technical Design; Systems Design; Narrative Design; User Research; and UX Design. 

The Computer Science MS at DigiPen explores game creation (game design, streaming media testing, project management, etc.); advanced computer science (game engine design, advanced animation and modeling, advanced rendering techniques, artificial intelligence, physically-based modeling algorithms, and ray tracing); and physis and mathematics (computational geometry, cryptography, fuzzy logic and sets, number theory, etc.).

The accelerated BS/MS program has two tracks: Thesis and Comprehensive Exam. Both options highlight courses such as Physically-Based Simulation; Graphics; Artificial Intelligence; and Image Processing. Students in both tracks will also complete the Advanced Game Project course. The accelerated BS/MS can be completed in just five years. 

The Digital Art MFA at DigiPen allows students to customize a specialization from courses across all DigiPen programs. To specialize in games, MFA students can select courses such as Game Design, Development and Production; Character Rigging; Scripting for Games; Hair and Clothing Simulation; Lighting and Rendering; Organic and Hard Surface Modeling; Advanced Character Creation; and Storyboarding. 

Graduates of the Games, Computer Science, and Digital Arts programs at DigiPen are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of games and animation. To date, DigiPen alumni have been credited on over 2,000 commercial video games and they have been hired at more than 1,500 companies. 

Examples include Electronic Arts (EA), Insomniac Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Ubisoft Shanghai, Epic Games, Microsoft, Google, Activision Blizzard, Intel, Booz Allen Hamilton, Nintendo, DreamWorks Interactive, Amazon, Walt Disney Imagineering, SpaceX, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Zynga, ArenaNet, Take-Two Interactive, and Bungie. 

DigiPen was established in 1988 as a computer simulation and animation company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Today, the school is a technology institute that serves over 1,000 students across campuses in Redmond, Washington; Singapore; and Bilbao, Spain. Programs include 10 undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science; Digital Art and Animation; Engineering; Game Design and Development; and Music and Audio. DigiPen is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The school houses Meadows School of the Arts, which provides an interdisciplinary Creative Computing program leading to a BA or a minor. The program requires students to pursue coursework in Meadows and Lyle School of Engineering. 

The Creative Computing BA is a 120 credit hour program that consists of SMU’s Common Curriculum, the major, and a combination of electives and/or minors. Course examples include Creative Coding I (3D animation, gaming, visualization, interactivity); Creative Computing II (Java programming); Creative Computing III (C++, software engineering, object-oriented programming); Principles of Computer Science I-II; and Digital/Hybrid Media (digital imaging, sound, and video using Adobe Creative Cloud and open-source software). 

All Creative Computing students will complete the Junior Milestone course, which consists of proposing, designing, and implementing a creative computing project that will be presented in a final public presentation. The program culminates with the Creative Computing Capstone or Senior Design II course—student’s choice. For the Capstone, students will work with a faculty adviser on an independent creative computing project such as an exhibition, performance, or hardware/software development. The Senior Design II course consists of a multidisciplinary group software project to be presented in a public forum.  

Southern Methodist University is also home to SMU Guildhall. Launched in 2003 with just 32 students, this education initiative was the first digital game development program of its kind. Serving hundreds of students today, SMU Guildhall is still the only graduate program in the country to provide specializations in all four areas of video game development: Art, Design, Production, and Programming. 

All SMU Guildhall students benefit from the initiative’s partnerships with hundreds of studios and companies around the world. More than 1,000 SMU Guildhall alumni have worked at more than 350 studios worldwide. Examples include Disney Interactive, Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Unity, Microsoft Game Studios, Samsung, Gameloft, Bungie, Insomniac Games, and Bethesda. 

Other SMU Guildhall benefits include team-based learning; workshops; portfolio reviews; lectures; professional development coursework; guest speakers; career fairs; and mentorship programs. 

SMU Guildhall also provides two paths to study game design including the Master of Interactive Technology (MIT) in Digital Game Development and a Digital Game Development Certificate (DGDC). MIT students may specialize in Level Design; Production; Software Development (Programming); or Art Creation. 

The Guildhall allows students in any undergraduate degree program in the Meadows Art Division to add the Art Creation or Level Design specialization. Both focus areas include the Team Game Production course. In addition, Computer Science BS (CS BS) students in Lyle School of Engineering may apply to the Guildhall DGDC program. Upon successful admission, CS BS students may also enroll in Lyle’s Game Development track. 

All SMU Guildhall students will develop a minimum of three industry-ready 2D and 3D games. Graduates of the Digital Game Development and Creative Computing programs at Southern Methodist University are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of game design and development. 

Program alumni have worked on games such as Grand Theft Auto, Game of Thrones, Call of Duty, Batman, Marvel Avengers, Fortnite, League of Legends, Disney Infinity, Guitar Hero, Assassins Creed, God of War, Elite Force, Diablo, Days Gone, Doom, and Atlas.

In addition to the studios mentioned earlier, SMU graduates have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Obsidian Entertainment, Sony, Google, Ubisoft, Bioware, Gearbox, Crystal Dynamics, Oculus VR, Irrational Games, Zenimax Online Studios, and Valve. 

Southern Methodist University was founded in 1911. The school serves more than 12,000 students enrolled in 250 programs in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and seven degree-granting schools. Southern Methodist University 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 College of 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).

Drexel University (Drexel) houses one of the nation’s largest cooperative education programs. Founded in 1919, the program was among the first of its kind. Student in Drexel’s mandatory co-op program can gain up to 18 months of work experience in their chosen field—all before graduation. Co-op experiences can be completed at local and national companies or overseas in places such as Greece, London, Ghana, Hong Kong, and Spain.

A leader in technology, in 1983, Drexel became the first university to require all entering students to have microcomputers, and in 2000 it became the first university to operate a fully wireless campus—indoors and out. In addition, the school launched the first mobile Web portal service for students in 2002, and the first university portal app (DrexelOne Mobile) in 2011. DrexelOne was offered across all platforms. 

Drexel University is also home to one of the nation’s largest media arts and design colleges—the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), Westphal provides more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs, minors, STEM-designated programs, and accelerated degree programs. Options span the entertainment, visual art, design, performing arts, and media disciplines. 

In addition to the co-op program, students in all Westphal Media Arts and Design programs benefit from an immersive studio-based curriculum; courses led by accomplished industry professionals; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios. Examples include the 1200 square feet Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); computer labs outfitted with advanced graphics workstations; the Immersive Research Lab (IRL) for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), immersive media projects; screening rooms; the URBN Center, which features an open floorplan, shared making spaces, and innovative labs and studios; and a theme-park quality motion simulation platform.

Westphal programs for game designers include the Game Design and Production BS; Digital Media MS; Digital Media PhD; Game Design and Production BS/Digital Media MS; Digital Media and Virtual Production BS/Digital Media MS; the undergraduate Virtual Reality and Immersive Media minor; and the graduate Digital Media minor. 

All programs are hands-on and studio-based, with small class sizes that allow for individual instruction. Across all programs, students will also develop skills in computer programming; motion capture; computer graphics; scripting and storytelling; real-time visualization (virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive media); and animation. 

The College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University has several additional options for designers seeking programs that combine the full computer science curriculum with game design studies. Options include a BA or BS in Computer Science (BAC, BSCS), or the 24-credit hour CS minor. The BA/BS programs provide an optional concentration in Game Programming and Development. Topics cover areas such as Creating Virtual Worlds (Numeric and Symbolic Computation); 2D and 3D Games (Game Development and Design); and Game Playing and Logic Programming (Artificial Intelligence).  

Like all Westphal programs, College of Computing and Informatics programs provide a hands-on curriculum combined with valuable co-op experiences. Across programs, students have access to all of the labs, studios, and facilities mentioned earlier, as well as the Entrepreneurial Game Studio (EGS), and the Center for Games, Artificial Intelligence, and Media Systems (GAIMS Center). All programs culminate with a full-year capstone project.

Graduates of the Westphal and College of Computing Game Design programs are prepared to pursue advanced roles in PC game design, serious games, console game design, game art, mobile game design, and simulation and job training, among others. More than 80% of Drexel gaming graduates and nearly 90% of dual degree graduates are currently working in an area directly related to game design and development.

Drexel Westphal and CCI alumni have been hired at places such as Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Gameloft, Pixar, Microsoft Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Disney Imagineering, Lockheed, Xbox Game Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Disney Interactive, Razorfish, NCSoft Corporation, Zynga, BioWare, and Comcast Corporation. 

Drexel University was founded in 1891 by philanthropist and financier Anthony J. Drexel. Known as Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry, the school’s first graduating class was just 70 students. Today, Drexel University is an R1 Doctoral University that serves approximately 21,705 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools. 

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The school’s academic programs in art, design, and media are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). 

Northeastern University (Northeastern) houses a Game Science and Design (GSND) MS that is the only program of its kind in the U.S. The GSND is multidisciplinary and STEM-designated with five different specialization areas. Jointly provided through Northeastern’s College of Arts, Media, and Design (CAMD) and Khoury College of Computer Sciences, the program highlights a common core that provides students in all specializations with a foundation in game science and design. 

Specializations include Extended Realities; Game Science; Game Art; Game Programming; and Game Science. This two-year, 34 credit hour program consists of courses such as Game Design and Analysis; Mixed Research Methods for Games; Player Experience; and Business Models in the Game Industry. All students will have the opportunity to take a number of elective courses to enhance the degree. 

Elective examples include Game Artificial Intelligence; Psychology of Game Play; Generative Game Design; Exploratory Concept Design; Building Game Engines; Computer/Human Interaction; and Advanced Topics in Game Science; Spatial and Temporal Design; and Data-Driven Player Modeling. 

Other program highlights include access to The Games Studio, which allows students to work on projects and be credited on up to four shipped titles; exhibitions; the Media Studios Organization, which houses labs, studios, and making spaces; guest lectures; the Center for Design—a space for collaborative and interdisciplinary design research; workshops; and the opportunity to complete a full-semester (paid) summer co-op. 

Northeastern University partners with more than 20,000 co-op employers nationwide and across more than 65 countries. Examples include Hasbro, Live Nation, Harmonix, Mass DiGi, Splash Damage Games, Jamspot, Demiurge Studios, and Greenbrier Games. 

The Game Science and Design MS program at Northeastern University culminates with a thesis project. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in fields such as software development, game design and development, special effects, animation, software quality assurance, and graphic design. 

The CAMD and Khoury College of Computer Sciences provide several additional programs for game designers. CAMD programs include the 17 credit hour, one-year Game Science graduate certificate with access to all GSND MS resources and benefits; the Game Design and Game Art and Animation BFAs; the Game Design and Music BS with a concentration in Music Technology; and minors in Game Art and Game Design. 

Khoury College houses a Computer Science and Game Development BS that focuses on developing and building games and playable media experiences. 

All programs are interdisciplinary, with courses led by industry professionals. Across options, course examples include Game Studio; Building of Game Engines; Player Experience; Game Design and Analysis; Level Design and Game Architecture; Prototyping for Experience Design; Spatial and Temporal Design; Mixed Research Methods for Games; Data-Driven Player Modeling; Psychology of Play; Business Models in the Game Industry; Advanced Topics in Game Design; Game Concept Design; Human-Computer Interaction; Game Artificial Intelligence; Games and Society; and Generative Game Design. 

In addition to a wide range of in-demand courses taught by faculty experts, all undergraduate Game Design programs at Northeastern University provide the opportunity to participate in the school’s co-op program. This allows undergraduates to gain up to 18 months of hands-on, professional experience. 

In addition, students in all programs enjoy hands-on learning in collaborative classrooms and studios; state-of-the-art production facilities; and access to more than 3,350 employer partners, including government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and global organizations. 

The graduate certificate and undergraduate Game Design programs at Northeastern University culminate with a final project. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of game design and development, software development, animation and special effects, graphic design, architectural design, android development, visual design, artificial intelligence, and art direction.  

CAMD and Khoury College alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Google, Xbox Game Studios, Amazon, Hasbro, Zynga, Cognizant, Boeing, Harmonix, Arc Games, Greenbrier Games, Splash Damage Games, Demiurge Studios, HireIO, Digital Eclipse Entertainment Partners, and Lucid Motors. 

Northeastern University began as the Evening Institute of the Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in 1898. Today, with 13 campuses across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, this global research university serves approximately 36,630 students from all backgrounds. Students have access to more than 500 programs across 10 colleges and schools. Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 

Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) is the only freestanding art and design school in the state of Florida. For students interested games, the school has BFAs in Game Art and Virtual Reality Development. Students in both programs have opportunities to gain hands-on industry experience working on real world projects through RCAD’s experiential learning initiative—INDEX.

INDEX activities take place in the classroom, the Design Center, studio labs, the Maker Space, and through the ART Network. INDEX also highlights client competitions, immersive experiences, internships, elective courses, and volunteering. All students also benefit from industry critiques by successful visiting artists and participation in the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. 

The Game Art BFA program at Ringling College of Art and Design follows the studio model of teaching, which emphasizes learning by doing. Students in this 120 credit hour program will work on team projects to develop collaborative, technical, and communication skills. Students will create works in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest software used by both AAA and indie studios. Examples include Houdini, Adobe Substance Suite, Unreal Engine, Maya, and ZBrush. 

Of the 120 credit hours required to complete the Game Art BFA, 48 are in the major. Course examples include History of Game Art; Digital Painting for Game Art; Game Design I-III; Color and Perspective Drawing; 2D and 3D Design; Visual Development for Games I-II; Programming for Artists; 3D for Games I-IV; Development of Art and Ideas; and 3D Modeling. 

The Game Art BFA culminates with the Game Thesis Project completed across four courses including Game Thesis Preproduction; Game Thesis Project 1A; Game Thesis Project 1B; and Game Thesis Project II. The Thesis totals 15 credit hours. 

The Virtual Reality Development BFA at Ringling College of Art and Design is a 120 credit hour program that focuses on the creation, design, and analyzing of immersive experiences. This includes mastering story structures; utilizing game engine technology in the creation of immersive experiences; innovating VR ideas; navigating the production pipeline for 3D VR; and utilizing specific software for creating 3D databases. Through projects and coursework, students will also master the art of communication, develop collaboration skills, and become well-versed in professional practices. 

Of the 120 credit hours for the Virtual Reality Development program, 51 credits are dedicated to the major. Course examples include Introduction to Virtual Reality; 2D and 3D Design; Concept Development for Virtual Worlds; Immersive Media Design I-IV; 3D Technical Art; Iterative Design; Visual Scripting; Programming for Immersive Media; and Visual Development: UI/UX Design. 

Open electives totaling 12 credit hours allow students to enhance the degree by specializing in an area of interest. Students may also select six credit hours of general electives and 12 elective credits in art and design history. 

The RCAD Virtual Reality Development BFA culminates with the VR Thesis/Capstone completed across three courses: VR Thesis Preproduction, VR Capstone Project I, and VR Capstone Project II. This culminating experience totals 15 credit hours. 

Graduates of the Game Art and Virtual Reality Development BFA programs are prepared to pursue careers in game art, design, development, and programming; virtual reality design, development, and programming; and user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design; architecture; military and law enforcement; education and training; advertising and marketing; art and design; healthcare and fitness; sports; tourism and travel; wellness; and automotive. 

The Game Art BFA attracts recruiters from major studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, Riot Games, and Bungie. RCAD Game Art graduates have been hired at these and other major companies and studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, Microsoft, Hasbro, Netflix, Bethesda, Naughty Dog, and Meta. 

Virtual Reality Development graduates have the opportunity to work at places such as Epic Games, ILM Immersive (Lucasfilm’s storytelling studio), Microsoft, General Motors (GM), Meta, Kinetic Vision, Baobab Studios, 3D Forensic, Immersive Health Group, Vu Studios, Halon Entertainment, AECOM, and Mote Marine Labs. 

Founded in 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit college that began as a collaboration between circus baron John Ringling and Dr. Ludd M. Spivey—then president of Southern College. The school launched as a remote branch of Southern College named The School of Fine and Applied Art of the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum. Around 75 students and 13 faculty members arrived for the school’s first class. 

Today, Ringling College of Art and Design sits on a 48-acre campus that serves approximately 1,670 students enrolled in 11 different majors leading to a BFA degree, two majors leading to a BA, and 10 minors. In addition, RCAD recently launched an undergraduate Artificial Intelligence (AI) certificate. This is the first program of its kind at an art and design college. 

Ringling College of Art and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and 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). Within the department are several paths to study game design including the CGT BS with a major in Game Development and Design; a CGT MS; and a Technology PhD. All programs are hands-on and ABET-accredited with access to state-of-the-art labs such as the Games Innovation Laboratory; Visual Effects Lab; IDEA Laboratory; VR Lab; the Experience Design Laboratory (ExLab); and the CGT Computer Lab. 

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

The Game Design and Development major requires 54 credit hours, with 39 credit hours focused on games. Course examples include Introduction to Games; Fundamentals of Imaging Technology; Computer Graphics Programming; Game Development I: Core Skills and Technologies; Game Development II: Design and Psychology; User Experience Design Studio; Game Development Practicum; and Contemporary Problems in Applied Computer Graphics I-II. 

For the culminating experience, all CGT BS students will complete a professional portfolio across several courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in game design and development, animation, visualization, simulation, software design, and advertising, among others. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Amazon, Riot Games, Lockheed Martin, Zynga, Raytheon, Boeing, PepsiCo, Endeavor Air, Caterpillar, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. 

The CGT MS at Purdue Polytechnic enrolls approximately 100 students annually. The program provides five concentrations including Games; Animation; Virtual Reality and Visualization; UX Design; and Artificial Intelligence for Computer Graphics. Students in the Games concentration will take courses such as Game Development I-II; Computer Graphics Programming; Advanced Real-Time Computer Graphics; Games Research; Computer Shaders; Experimental Statistics; and Seminar in Computer Graphics Technology. 

Other CGT MS features include small class sizes; opportunities to work on real-world projects; and research opportunities. Graduates are prepared to pursue teaching, research, and other leadership roles in areas such as game design and development, animation, virtual reality, UX design, visualization, software design, artificial intelligence, computer graphics programming, and simulation.

The CGT MS program at Purdue Polytechnic culminates with the MS Thesis completed across two courses. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, DreamWorks, Deloitte, and Salesforce.

The Technology PhD Program at Purdue University provides opportunities to work with faculty on computer graphics, visual computing, and human-computer interaction. The program also allows students to select 30 credit hours of courses selected from six schools and departments. These courses will help students build a custom specialization. 

Technology PhD also have the opportunity to select 27 credit hours from any college or school other than Purdue Polytechnic. Students interested in games typically select Computer Graphics Technology, which includes game studies, human-computer interaction, computer animation, digital enterprise systems, user experience (UX) design, artificial intelligence, computational art, data visualization, and more.   

The culminating experience for the Technology PhD program is the dissertation. Program alumni are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as game design and development, software design, artificial intelligence, animation, simulation, virtual reality, UX design, visualization, and computer graphics programming. Program alumni also go on to pursue careers in research, education, and consulting.

Purdue University is Indiana’s only land-grant university. Established in 1869, the school serves approximately 60,240 students, making it the second largest university in the state. Approximately 11% of all students at Purdue are enrolled at Purdue Polytechnic Institute. More than 400 programs are provided across 11 academic colleges and schools—including Purdue Polytechnic. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

University of Washington (UW) is home to the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). Within the school are several paths to study game design including the ABET-accredited Computer Engineering (CE) and Computer Science (CS) programs leading to a BS or BS/MS. Across programs students may specialize in one of nearly 20 areas. This includes Graphics, Vision, Games, and Animation. 

Course examples include Special Topics in Computer Vision; Interaction Programming; Advanced Topics in Digital Animation; Computational Fabrication; Intermediate Programming Concepts and Tools; Software Design and Implementation; Programming Languages; Computer Programming; and Digital Design. Students in the Graphics, Vision, Games, and Animation have the opportunity to complete a game or other related project for the culminating experience. 

University of Washington has an additional option for aspiring game designers with at least two years of college experience or working game designers seeking advancement opportunities in the industry. Developed in partnership with the UW Bothell Digital Future Lab, and approved by UW’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the UW Game Design Certificate (GDC) is an intensive eight-month program that culminates with a game prototype that students can pitch to industry executives. 

Courses for the program include Fundamentals of Game Design; Game Mechanics and Systems Design; and Game Studio Roles and Development. Throughout the program, students will conceptualize, create, and complete several other game design projects for their professional portfolios. In addition to a certificate, graduates of the program will earn a digital achievement badge along with separate badges for each of the three required courses. Digital badges can be shared on social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook. 

The CS, CE, and certificate programs provide access to four main labs in the Allen School including the Center for Game Science; UW Reality Lab; UW Graphics and Imaging Lab (GRAIL); and the Animation Research Labs (ARL).

The Center for Game Science produces scientific discovery games, learning games, and academic games. Center research spans fields such as computer games, machine learning, computer graphics, self-adapting HCI, inductive logic programming, program synthesis, data science, intelligent tutors, and crowd-sourcing.

The UW Reality Lab was established in 2018. Lab participants have opportunities to work on research projects in areas such as character animation, lighting and rendering, 3D reconstruction, and computer vision. Other UW Reality Lab features include access to courses such as Virtual Reality Production for Storytelling; Computer Vision; Introduction to Computer Graphics; and Machine Learning; the mentorship program; lectures; the Idea Incubator; and ongoing programs such as The Reality Studio and The Reality Lab. The Reality Studio explores production and storytelling techniques for immersive environments through classes and productions.

GRAIL conducts research in areas such as games, animation, generative AI, computer graphics, virtual reality, computer vision, and computational photography. GRAIL participants have opportunities to work with researchers from Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Adobe.

The multidisciplinary Animation Research Labs is a collaboration between CSE, the Department of Architecture, and the Schools of Art, Music, Drama, and the Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS). ARL participants have opportunities to interact with industry experts from Pixar, Xbox Game Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney Animation Studios, and Bungie, among others. 

Graduates of the Game Design certificate and Computer Science and Engineering degree programs at UW are prepared to pursue roles across all areas of game design and development, the broad technology industry, entertainment, and more. 

Computer Science and Computer Engineering graduates are hired by hundreds of different employers each year. Examples include Epic Games, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Oracle, Apple, Qualcomm, and Meta. GDC program alumni enjoy an 80% job placement rate. Top employers include Boeing, Microsoft, Bungie, Hi-Rex Studios, and Hourglass Escapes.

University of Washington encompasses more than 500 buildings, over 20 million gross square footage of space, and more than 26 university libraries. Founded in 1861, the school also serves approximately 62,765 students, making it the largest university in the state. With three campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, UW provides more than 480 programs leading to over 850 degrees. Programs are housed across 18 colleges and schools. 

University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The school is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Engineering at UW is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a Top 25 STEM college that houses one of the nation’s oldest games and interactive degree programs—Interactive Media and Game Development (IMGD). The school is also home to the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDigi). Launched in 2011, MassDigi is a center for education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in the Massachusetts games industry. 

MassDigi programs and labs include the Reverse Internship/Sabbatical, where students can work on projects in teams of college and university students; the Virtual Production Laboratory; the Education Working Group; the Summer Innovation Program (SIP); and Live Code, which allows students to work on real games in the market. 

Launched in 2004, and part of the School of Arts and Sciences, the IMGD program at WPI provides BA, BS, MFA, MS, and BS/MS degrees, along with the recently launched interdisciplinary Computational Media PhD, which focuses on gameplay and art. 

The dual IMGD BS/MS allows students to complete two degrees at an accelerated pace. This means students can complete two degrees in four to five years instead of six or more. Across all programs, students will gain experience in art and technology through a co-op or professional internship. On campus, all IMGD students will also work their way through the entire game development process alongside industry advisors and faculty researchers. 

Other program benefits include project-based learning (team-based game projects); access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the IMGD Interaction Lab, Foisie Innovation Studio, the Intentional Design Studio (IDeaS), and the Digital Art and Fabrication Studio—FabLab; and participation in gaming activities, competitions, and conferences. Examples include the International Game Developers Association (IGDA); the annual PAX East Game Festival; Game Jam; the Diversity in Games Club; the Game Developers Conference (GDC); and the MassDiGi Game Challenge.

The IMGD BA has concentrations in Design (board game design, narrative design, digital design); Technical Art (motion capture, 3D rigging, animation, pipeline management); Visual Art (2D animation, 3D modeling and animation, interactive art installations); and Writing (world building, narrative structure, character building). As part of the IMGD program, all students will explore the artistic and technical aspects of game development, as well as art, music, science, and math. 

All IMGD BA students will complete courses such as The Game Development Process; Storytelling in Interactive Media and Games; Critical Studies in Media and Games; Game Audio; Technical Game Development; and Novel Interfaces for Interactive Environments. The IMGD BA program culminates with a final project. 

The IMGD BS consists of many of the same courses as the BA program. However, the BS has a stronger emphasis on software engineering and programming. Students in this program will complete projects and specialized courses in areas such as game engine programming, creative coding, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, software engineering, procedural content generation, networking, human-computer interaction, and live coding performance. The IMGD BS program culminates with  a final project. 

The WPI IMGD MFA is an interdisciplinary art- and studio-based program with three focus areas: Serious Games; Technical; and Production and Management. All students will complete 12 design studio credits, 21 core credits, six professionalization credits, three elective credits, and nine project credits. This customizable program culminates with a solo thesis project in digital games and a portfolio of the student’s best work. 

The interdisciplinary IMGD MS is a two-year program designed for students interested in careers in game design, game development, and interactive media. Like MFA students, MS students may specialize in Serious Games; Technical; or Production and Management. Course examples include IMGD Studio; Serious and Applied Games; Design of Interactive Experiences; Production Management for Interactive Media; and Multidisciplinary Research Methods in Computational Media. The IMGD MS culminates with a thesis or group project capstone. 

The IMGD PhD program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute requires 15 credit hours in the computational media core. All students have the option to create an individual path such as games and game engines; artificial intelligence; narratives; visual and sonic media; or human-computer interfaces. The program culminates with the dissertation and defense. 

For students in other majors, WPI has an IMGD minor with a customizable focus area. This 18-credit hour program also allows students to select from courses that explore game design, animation, visual art, game studies, technical development, audio arts, creative writing, and social impact of games. The minor culminates with a final project.   

Graduates of the IMGD and Computational Media programs at WPI are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development. Graduate and PhD students are also prepared for teaching, research, and consulting positions. Some program alumni also go on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

WPI IMGD alumni enjoy a 92.7% employment rate. Examples of companies that routinely hire WPI graduates include Rockstar Games, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Google, Microsoft, Epic Systems, HubSpot, BrainCo, Raytheon Technologies, NextGen Interactions, Kaon Interactive, and Jitterbit. 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute was established in 1865. One of just 187 R1 designated universities in nation, WPI has more than 50 global project centers on six continents. The school provides 70+ degree programs to approximately 7,355 students across the schools of Arts & Sciences; Engineering; and Business, and The Global School. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is home to the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (The Bass School or Bass). Established in 1975, Bass is a Houdini Certified School that serves more than 1,960 students enrolled in over 45 majors, minors, and certificate programs. Among the school’s programs is an Animation and Games BA and a Game Development MFA. 

Across programs, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the 155,000 square feet Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building and the Game Lab; Render Farm; CG Animation Lab; experimenta.l.; Games Research Lab; Motion Capture Studio; Games and Media Library; Narrative Systems Research Lab; Surround Studio; The Studio for Mediating Play; Animation Lab; 3D Studio; Mixed Media Lab; MoGraph Lab; Escape Pod Studio; VAST Lab; and the 3D Studio. 

The Animation and Games BA is a 120 credit hour program that takes place in a studio environment. Students in this program will explore games and digital animation, including social gaming, 3D computer animation, motion capture, educational games, motion graphics, and real time entertainment. Course examples for the program include Digital Art and Design Foundations; History of Games; Programming for Digital Artists; Animation and Game Fundamentals; Scripting for Animation I; Time-Based Media; Scripting for Games I; History of Visual Effects; Design; and Animation Origins and Techniques. 

To complement the major and core curriculum, BA students may select 30 credit hours of prescribed and free electives. Examples include Sound Design for Games; Virtual Environments I-II; Mobile Game Development; Rigging I-II; Game Design I-II; Motion Capture Lab; Game Studies I-II; Experimental Animation; Scripting for Games II; Escape Pod Studio; Games and Narrative I-II; Real Time Texturing; Computer Animation I-III; Digital Effects; Collaborative Modeling; Storyboarding; Level Design I-II; Virtual Reality; Immersive Technologies Lab; Digital Sculpting; and Game Production Lab I-II. 

The Animation and Games BA at UT Dallas culminates with the Capstone Project. 

The Game Development MFA at UT Dallas is a terminal degree designed for student seeking advanced roles in the games industry or for those interested in educating tomorrow’s game designers. Required major courses for this 54 credit hour program include Anatomy of a Game; Game Production Practices; Experimental Games Studio; and Game Design and Development. 

Prescribed and free electives total 27 credits. Elective examples include Building Virtual Worlds; Socially Conscious Games; Interactive Narrative; Game Production Studio; Play and Culture; Special Topics in Game Development; Educational Games Studio; and Games, Education, and Simulation. 

The final project for the Game Development MFA at UT Dallas consists of 15 credit hours completed over two consecutive long semesters. Courses include Master’s Thesis (ATCM 6399); Master’s Project I (ATCM 6698); and Master’s Project II (ATCM 6699). Students will present final projects in an exhibition, conference presentation, or defense. 

For students seeking a broad program with a flexible curriculum, The Bass School houses an Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) program with BA, MA, MFA, and PhD paths. Students in all programs may study games through elective requirements. Depending on the program, students are required to complete anywhere from 18-30 elective credit hours. 

The BA has an Emerging Media Arts (EMA) concentration with access to electives Game Design I; Game Studies I; Sound Design for Games; Modeling and Texturing; Motion Design I-II; and Virtual Environments. 

Programming for Digital Arts; Code Plus Culture; Time-Based Media; and Computer Modeling for Digital Fabrication are examples of required and major courses for the BA. This 120 credit hour program culminates with the Capstone Project course. 

The ATEC MA is a 36 credit hour program designed for students seeking leadership roles in the games industry or a doctorate degree. Course and elective examples for the program include Interactive Narrative; Computational Design; Design Research Methods; Special Topics in Interaction Design; Human Computer Interaction; Interactive Environments; Computer Processing for Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication; Experimental Interactive Media; and Emerging Media Studio. 

The UT Dallas ATEC MA culminates with the Advanced Master’s Thesis or Master’s Thesis course—student’s choice. 

The ATEC MFA is a 54 credit hour program designed for students seeking university-level teaching positions and those interested in advanced roles at professional studios or design firms. Course and elective examples for the program include Socially Conscious Games; Creativity as Social Practice; Modeling and Simulation; Experimental Interactive Media; Computational Design; Emerging Media Studio; Information Architecture and Design; Visualization Research; and Critical Making. 

The ATEC MFA culminates with a final project consisting of three courses completed over two consecutive long semesters. Courses include Master's Thesis; Master's Project I; and Master's Project II. 

The ATEC PhD at UT Dallas is a 60 credit hour program that allows students to select up to 15 credit hours from other schools. Students may also choose electives in games and other related areas. All ATEC students have access to games labs, studios, and other related facilities at UT Dallas. This allows PhD students to engage with students in the game design, development, and animation programs. 

Graduates of the Game Development, Animation and Games, and ATEC programs at University of Texas at Dallas have been hired at places such as Pixar, Apple, DreamWorks, Google, Disney, Toyota, and Capital One. Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

University of Texas at Dallas began as the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest (GRCSW) in 1961. The owners of Texas Instruments established the center to create better higher-education opportunities in North Texas. Today, UT Dallas is an official member of the University of Texas System, and a Carnegie R1 Doctoral Institution. 

The school also serves approximately 29,865 students enrolled in more than 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).

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).

The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University (OSU) houses the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, which conducts research on games and virtual environments. Current research includes developing serious games for the medical and scientific industries; identifying attributes and game design patterns; and enhancing the entertainment factor in all levels of games. 

In addition to games and virtual environments research, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering Department provides several paths to study game design. Options include the BS, MS, and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and the BS in Computer and Information Science (BS CIS) awarded through the College of Arts and Sciences. Students in all programs may specialize in Computer Graphics and Game Design (CGGD).

Course examples include Computer Game and Animation Techniques; Project-Design, Development, and Documentation of Interactive Systems; Real-Time Rendering; Virtual Reality; Advanced Computer Graphics; and Geometric Modeling. The culminating experience for the CGGD specialization is the Capstone in Game Design and Development or Computer Animation—student’s choice. 

The College of Arts and Sciences at OSU houses the Department of Art, which has several additional options to study game design. Students can earn an Art BA; a BFA in Studio Art; or a Studio Art MFA with Thesis and Non-Thesis tracks. All programs allow students to add the Art and Technology emphasis, which includes courses in game art, storyboarding, animation, digital imaging, 3D modeling, and more. Courses take place at the collaborative Advanced Computing Center for Art and Design (ACCAD).

Also part of OSU’s College of Arts and Sciences is the Department of Design, which houses a fully-funded, three-year MFA program with tracks in Art and Technology; Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM); and Design Research and Development (DRD). Elective credits allow students in the DAIM and DRD tracks to study games. 

The Art and Technology track is an interdisciplinary area that explores experimentation and new forms. Course examples include Special Topics in Art Games; Computer Animation; Sound and Image-Aspects of Art and Technology; New Media Robotics; 3D Modeling; and Digital Imaging. Courses for all tracks take place at the ACCAD. 

Across all options, possible elective options include Game Design I-II; Video Games and Society; Games Virtual Modeling; Screenwriting, Art, and Technology; Computational Thinking in Context-Game Development or Image; Computer Vision for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Video Game Music; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Philosophy and Videogames; Computer Game Art and Design; Animation; and Esports and Game Studies. The culminating experience for the MFA program is the Thesis Project. 

For students in other majors who would also like to study games, the College of Arts and Sciences has a 15 credit hour Game Studies minor. This interdisciplinary program has four focus areas including Technical/Coding; Create/Engagement; Social Analysis; and Critique/Interpretation. Students may select one. 

Each area has a specific set of courses as follows: Technical Coding (Computer Game and Animation Techniques, and Capstone Design: Game Design and Development); Create/Engagement (Intermediate Game Design I-II, and Aspects of Art and Technology as it relates to videogame creation); Social Analysis (Human-Computer Interaction, Social Implications of Communication Technology, and Computer Interface and Human Identity); and Critique/Interpretation (Music of Video Games, Philosophy and Videogames, Special Topics in Film (focused on games), and The U.S. Experience-Writing About Videogames).  

All Game Studies minors will complete the required core including Introduction to Game Design; Video Games and the Individual; and Video Games Analysis. Students may select the capstone as the culminating experience for the program. 

Graduates of the CSE-CGGD, Art and Technology, and Games Studies programs at The Ohio State University are prepared to pursue careers in game design and development, entertainment, the broad technology industry, fine art, and the broad engineering industry among others. OSU alumni have been hired at places such as Pixar, Apple, Epic, Dell, HP, Boeing, Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, Nike, Cisco Systems, Intel, Piperworks Studios, IMG Sports Marketing, Creative Artworks, and Inked Brands. 

The Ohio State University was established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school serves approximately 66,900 students across campuses in Columbus (main), Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark, Ohio. The school also houses the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster, Ohio. More than 200 majors, minors, and specializations are provided across 18 colleges and schools. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits the Ohio State University. 

ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses an Entertainment Design program that leads to a BS. Launched in 2018, the program emphasizes immersive courses and hands-on experience with focus on programming, design languages, the production process, and user experience. Other program benefits include access to state-of-the art production facilities at the Hillside and South campuses; potential internship opportunities at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Animation Group, Titmouse, Apple, and Mattel; and study abroad experiences at ArtCenter Berlin or partner universities such as Tama Art University in Tokyo, Japan. 

Production facilities include professional studios, galleries and other exhibition spaces, workshops, and specialized labs such as Bruce Heavin Media Production Studio; the 908 Shops; and the 31,000 square feet Creative Hub. 

The ArtCenter Entertainment Design BS also provides a Game Design track that focuses on teambuilding and collaboration. Consisting of 132 credit hours, the program allows students to select from 30 entertainment-related courses led by professionals from major studios such as Riot Games, Sony, Blizzard Entertainment, and Insomniac Games. Examples include World Building; Design for Multiplayer Games; Transmedia IP Creation; System Design for Games; Mathematics, Economics and Games; User Experience for Games; Storytelling for Games; Unreal Engine for Game Designers; Game Design Challenges; and Games as a Service. 

Key courses for the program include Game Development 1-4; Game Concept Development; Level Design 1-2; and Games for Themed Entertainment. During the last two terms, students will complete an individual game project, an advanced game project, the Portfolio and Career Preparation course, and Grad Show Preparation. 

Graduates of the Entertainment Design BS program at ArtCenter College of Design are prepared to pursue advanced roles in video game design, animated films, live action films, visual effects, animation for television, visual effects, toy design, and theme park design. 

ArtCenter alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Insomniac Games, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Pixar, Riot Games, Naughty Dog, Playstation-Sony Interactive Entertainment, Apple, Disney, Marvel Studios, Google, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Marvel Studios, Paramount, Blur Studio, Netflix, IDEO, Halo Studios, Nike, Rivian, and Meta. 

ArtCenter College of Design was founded in 1930. With campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, the school serves 2,385 students from more than 50 countries. ArtCenter students also have access to satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles), and Berlin, Germany. Programs include 11 undergraduate options; 10 graduate options leading to an MFA or MS; a joint MS/MBA program; and undergraduate minors for Business, Creative Writing, and Social Innovation students. 

ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). ArtCenter is also the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status.

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). 

American University (AU) is home to the Game Center. Housed in the Don Myers Technology and Innovation (DMTI) Building, this research center is a partnership between the School of Communication and the College of Arts and Sciences. Highlights include academic and experiential learning programs; access to 2,758 square feet of meeting, production, and teaching space; and The Game Studio, which provides workshops and opportunities for students to work on real-world game projects with local studios, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. 

For students seeking paths to study games, American University has multiple program options. The School of Communication houses a Game Design MA; Games and Interactive Media MFA; and a Certificate in Game Design. The College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Computer Science houses a Computer Science MS with a Game and Computational Media specialization. The CAS also houses the Department of Literature’s MA in Literature, Culture and Technology with a Game Development track. 

Students in all programs have access to the AU Game Center; the Open Editing Lab with 24/7 access; and the Visual Illusions Lab. Other program benefits include internships and microinternships with Fortune 500 companies and emerging start-ups; opportunities to network at DC-area events such as the Global Game Jam, Games+, Indie Arcade at SAAM, and MAGfest; and access to other facilities and resources such as the Design and Build Lab (DaBL), the Institute for Immersive Designs, Experiences, Applications, and Stories (Institute for IDEAS), the AU Center for Innovation (AUCI), and the Library Makerspace. 

While the Game Design programs at American University have their own curriculums, all options provide access to courses such as Game Programming; Game Prototyping; Game Development I-II; Making Meaningful Games; Digital Art Tools and Techniques; Games, History, and Society; 3D Animation; The Design of Play; 3D Modeling for Games; Topics in Games and Interactive Media; Independent Study in Game Design; Game Research Methods; and Writing for Interactivity. 

Graduates of the Game Design programs at AU are prepared to pursue advanced roles in game design and development, entertainment, the broad technology industry, visualization and simulation, and many other fields. American University alumni have been hired at places such as Amazon Studios, IBM, Disney, Google, Adobe, Boeing, NBCUniversal, EPIC, United Technologies, FOX, Ogilvy, CNN, Lockheed Martin, ESPN, Foursquare, Zenith Media, BlueShark Digital, Meta, SBD Digital, ICANN, Acronym Media, 4media Group, and A+G Digital.  

American University was established on February 24, 1893. The school serves approximately 13,000 students enrolled in more than 170 programs across eight colleges and schools. Programs lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and it is recognized by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.

The College of Creative Arts at Miami University (Miami U) houses the Department of Emerging Technology in Business and Design (ETBD), which provides access to more than 50 games courses; an honors program with special course selections and the opportunity to work and collaborate with the same cohort for four years; and the ETBD internship program. Participation in the program is mandatory. 

Students have access to more than 20 local game studios. Examples include Green Door Games, Max Gaming Technologies, SGM Games, Few Remain, Ganbaru Games, Funky Visions, Wraith Games, MouseMouse Media, Multivarious Games, and Aertherbyte Studios, Inc.

The ETBD Department also provides access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs such as the Huge Immersive Virtual Environment (HIVE); John Smale Interactive Visualization Lab and Center; and the Esports Lounge and Arena. 

Within the department is an Emerging Technology in Business and Design BA, and a Games and Simulation program with BS and minor options. The ETBD BA has Digital and Applied concentrations. Consisting of 63 credit hours, both concentrations allow students to study games through required courses. Students in the Digital concentration will also have opportunities enhance their game studies through electives. 

Course examples for the Digital concentration include Introduction to Game Design; Intermediate Interaction Design; Introduction to Game Programming; Art and Digital Tools; and Introduction to Game Studies. Elective examples include Software Construction; Electronic Music; Software Engineering; and Visual Fundamentals-Design and Composition

The Applied concentration consists of courses such as Intermediate Interaction Design and Development; Introduction to Game Programming; Art and Digital Tools; Advanced Interaction Design and Development; Collaborative Laboratory; and Introduction to ETBD.

The Emerging Technology in Business and Design BA program culminates with the Senior Degree Project and Emerging Technology Practicum for the Digital concentration. Students in the Applied concentration may choose the practicum or project as the culminating experience for the program. 

The Games and Simulation BS has concentrations in Game Art, Game Development, and Game Studies. Students in all concentrations will complete a total of 124 credit hours including 76 in the Games and Simulation major. Course examples include Introduction to Game Design; Intermediate Interaction Design and Development; Game Usability and Human Factors; Game Engine Scripting; Foundations in Digital 3-D Modeling and Animation; Writing for Games; Indie Game Development I-II; and Advanced Game Design. 

Concentration areas are 21 credit hours, with a specific set of required courses for each. For example, Game Art students will take courses such as Observational Drawing and 3D Shading and Texturing. Game Development students will take courses such as Game Design and Implementation; Object-Oriented Programming; and Advanced Graphics and Game Engine Design. Game Studies students will take courses such as Rhetoric of Games; Research Methods in Games; and Games and Learning. 

Optional electives allow students to develop advanced skills in game and software design. Course examples include Software Construction; Virtual Reality; Digital Experience Bootcamp; Artificial Intelligence; Software Engineering for User Interface and User Experience Design; and Algorithms. 

The Games and Simulation BS program culminates with the 12 credit hour Capstone, consisting of Game Prototyping, Pipeline and Production (three credits); Game Preproduction (three credits); and Game Production (six credit hours). Upon completion of the Capstone, students will have an industry-ready game. 

The cross-disciplinary Games and Simulation minor consists of 19 total credit hours, with collaborative courses between ETBD and the Art and Computer Science Departments. Electives allow students to explore particular areas of interest in games such as programming and writing for games. Required courses include Introduction to Game Studies; Introduction to Game Design; and Introduction to Game Careers. 

Other course examples include Indie Game Development I-II; Digital 3D Modeling and Animation; Games and Learning; 3D Digital Sculpting; Writing for Games; and Introduction to Game Programming. The program culminates with a final project. 

Graduates of the Game Design programs at Miami University often continue on to graduate school or pursue advanced roles in game design and development, film and animation, game mechanics and technology, visualization and simulations, digital marketing, and UX design, among others. 

Miami U Game Design alumni have been hired at places such as Rockstar Games, Nintendo, Amazon Games, LucasArts, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Studios, Google, ZeniMax Media, Gearbox Software, Zynga, Games+Learning+Society (GLS) Conference, Proctor & Gamble (P&G), and Oblong Industries.

Founded on February 2, 1809, Miami University is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. Also an original Public Ivy, the school serves approximately 18,620 students across campuses in Oxford (main), Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, Ohio. The school also has an overseas location—the John E. Dolibois European campus in Differdange, Luxembourg—that welcomes around 220 students annually. 

Miami University Ohio provides 200 majors and minors in more than 120 areas of study, along with over 70 master’s and doctoral degree programs. Miami U’s regional campuses also provide a variety of associate degree programs. All other programs are housed across seven academic colleges and schools. Miami University Ohio is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

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 Denver (DU) is home to the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science (Ritchie School). Established in 1919 as the College of Engineering, the school serves approximately 1,165 students enrolled in more than 25 degree programs across three departments. All Ritchie School students benefit from interdisciplinary and project-based learning labs; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; participation in student organizations such as the DU Game Developers Society, DU Computer Science, Women in Technology, and DU Esports; and ABET accreditation. 

The Ritchie School's Computer Science Department houses multiple paths to study game design and development. This includes BA and BS degrees in Game Development; a BA in Applied Computing; BA and BS degrees in Computer Science; a Computer Science MS; and a PhD in Computer Science. All undergraduates may study games and complete the Game Capstone. This 10-week course allows students to design, build, test, and debug a fully working game—from the ground up. 

Across programs, students will also take courses such as Introductory Game Design; Game Programming I-II; Machine Learning; Programming Languages; Multimedia Systems; Networking for Games; Topics in Computer Graphics; Game Prototyping; Shell Scripting and System Tools; 3D Modeling; Software for AI Robotics; Data Visualization; Software Engineering I-II; Advanced Algorithms; Object-Oriented Software Development; Advanced Unix Tools; and Human Computer Interaction.  

In addition to having access to game design and related courses, graduate and PhD CS students will take advanced courses such as Python Software Development; C/C++ Programming; Advanced Algorithms; Ethical Hacking; Parallel and Distributed Computing; Advanced Unix Tools; Data Visualization; and Advanced Programming; Independent Research; and Independent Study. Courses and research for the PhD program are led by professors with a background in areas such as software engineering, humane games, robotics, and cybersecurity.

The culminating experience for MS students is the capstone project or the thesis. Students may focus their final projects  or thesis in any area, including games. PhD students will complete the dissertation and defense I an area of their choice. 

All Games, CS, and Applied Computing students will have opportunities to participate in DU’s study abroad programs (more than 120 options in 20+ countries), internship program, and cooperative education. Past internship employers include The Walt Disney Company, Ball Aerospace, Oracle, NBC Universal, and Charter Communications. 

Graduates of the Game Development, Computer Science, and Applied Computing programs at University of Denver are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as game design and development, the broad technology industry, aerospace and defense, digital marketing, architecture, education, and research. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Amazon, Raytheon, Microsoft, IBM, Meta, LinkedIn, and X. 

University of Denver was established in 1864 just six years after the city of Denver was founded. The school opened as the Colorado Seminary and later established one of the first business schools in the U.S. and the first school of social work between the Mississippi and the West Coast. Today, DU operates as a private, doctoral-granting R1 university that provides more than 200 degree programs across 10 colleges and schools. The school also serves approximately 12,815 students from the U.S. and more than 80 countries. University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte or Charlotte) hosts an annual Global Game Jam (GGJ) , where student teams have the opportunity to produce games within a 48-hour time period. The school houses the student club known as Game Developers at UNC Charlotte, along with online Bootcamps led by artists from places such as Epic Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts (EA). Club activities include collaboration meetings, workshops, and symposium talks. 

UNC Charlotte also has several paths to study game design. In addition to clubs, bootcamps, and the GGJ, students in all programs have access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs such as the Gaming Lab at J. Murrey Atkins Library; Gaming and Mixed Reality Lab; UNC MAKERSPACE; Visualization Lab; Interaction Design (INDE) Lab; Intelligent, Multimedia, and Interactive Systems (IMI) Lab; Human Computer Interaction Lab (HCI LAB); UNC Charlotte Machine Learning Lab (CHARMLAB); and the Robotics Lab. 

The Game Design programs are provided across two colleges including the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) and the College of Arts and Architecture. The CCI houses UNC Charlotte’s largest department—Computer Science (CS). Within the department is a Computer Science BS with an AI, Robotics, and Gaming Concentration; a Computer Science MS; and Game Design and Development (GDD) certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Coursework for the certificate programs may be used towards the Computer Science BS or MS programs. 

Course examples across programs include Game Design and Development Studio; Advanced Algorithms; Individual Study in AI, Robotics, and Gaming; Computer Graphics; Advanced Game Design and Development; Virtual and Augmented Reality; AI for Computer Games; and Real-Time Rendering Engines.

The College of Arts and Architecture at UNC Charlotte houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is an Art BFA with a Digital Media concentration. This program features advanced studio coursework, allowing students to customize a focus from electives such as Game Design and Graphics; Advanced 3D Modeling; Interactive Art and Design; and 3D Modeling and Animation. 

The Art BFA also includes the nine credit hour Senior Experience. Courses include Senior Seminar; Senior Thesis I: Creative Research; and Senior Thesis II: Advanced Creative Practice. The Senior Experience culminates with the BFA Thesis Show (Senior Exhibition). 

Graduates of the Computer Science, Game Design, and Digital Media programs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as games and entertainment, animation, simulation and visualization, multimedia, computer science, art and design, programming, advertising, software development, and education.

The East Coast Gaming Conference (ECGC) held at UNC Charlotte provides opportunities to network with game industry professionals. Charlotte Games alumni have been hired at places such as Epic Games, Red Storm Entertainment, Insomniac Games, Lucid Dream, and CrossCom. 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university and the third largest school in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. Founded in 1946, the school serves approximately 31,090 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across eight colleges and Interdisciplinary Studies. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) houses the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering (Ludy Indy or Luddy School). Serving more than 4,500 students across the computing, social science, and information systems design disciplines, Luddy Indy is the first school of its kind in the U.S. 

Students in the Luddy School have access to programs leading to a BA, BS, MS, BS/MS, PhD, minor, or certificate. Programs related to games include the Media Arts and Science BS (MAS BS), and the Game Design and Development (GDD) minor. 

The Game Design and Development minor focuses on the creation of 2D and 3D games using Unity and Unreal 4. Consisting of 15-16 credit hours of study, the program requires one introductory course (Game Design Psychology: Theory and Prototyping); one 3D graphics or programming course such as Intro to Gameplay Scripting or Introduction to 3D; two gaming core courses (Introduction to Game Design and Development and Intermediate Game Design and Development; and an advanced course or elective such as Virtual World Design and Development; Serious Games and Simulations; Game Production; Web Game Development; or Creature and Character Design for Videogames, Comics, Film, and Animation. 

Upon completion of the IU Indianapolis GDD minor, students are prepared to pursue titles such as Video Game Designer, Unity 3D Game Developer, World Designer, Unreal 4 Game Developer, Level Designer, or Sound Designer for Games. 

The Luddy Indy Media Arts and Science BS is a customizable program that allows students to specialize in Game Design and Development; Digital Storytelling; 3D Graphics and Animation; Video Production and Sound Design; or Web Design and Development. Across all areas, students will explore emerging technology in games and visual effects (VFX). 

The Game Design and Development (GDD) specialization also explores programming, storytelling, character animation, serious games, mobile games, simulations, and more. Recommended GDD courses come from several areas including Design, Programming, and Visualization. Examples include Game Production; Virtual World Design and Development; 2D Animation; Introduction to Comics and Sequential Narratives; Creature and Character Design for Videogames, Comics, Film, and Animation; Character Design and Animation; Augmented Reality Application Design and Development; Game Testing and Evaluation; Digital Painting; and Storytelling for Multimedia.

Students will also take required core courses such as Introduction to Gameplay Scripting; Game On! A History of Video Games; Game Design Psychology: Theory and Prototyping; and Advanced Game Design and Development. To enhance the degree, GDD students will take courses such as Creative Concept Development; Technology and the Law; and Introduction to HCI Theory. In addition, the program allows students to take courses from areas such as Film, Computer Science, Journalism, Informatics, and Music as well as supportive minors such as Studio Art and Technology. 

The MAS BS/GDD program at Indiana University Indianapolis culminates with the Capstone Project Internship or Capstone Project—student’s choice. Capstone projects will be presented at an exhibition of all student work from the MAS program. 

Graduates of the MAS BS program at Indiana University Indianapolis are prepared to pursue advanced roles in the game design industry and other related fields. Program alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Pixar, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Moving Picture Company (MPC), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Google-owned Owlchemy Labs, Pixar, Digital Domain, Gearbox Software, Activision’s Treyarch, HTC Corporation, Vision3 Interactive, and Piperworks Studios. 

Indiana University Indianapolis launched as an independent campus on July 1, 2024 after Indiana University and Purdue University (formerly IUPUI) separated. The school provides more than 375 degrees and certificates to over 25,000 students from all 20 states, Puerto Rico, and 142 countries. Programs at IU Indianapolis are provided across two colleges and 16 schools. Indiana University Indianapolis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).