Top 50 Game Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. - 2026 Rankings

New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts (NYU Tisch) houses NYU Game Center, which consists of the Game Design BFA, MFA, and minor programs. Single courses are available for students enrolled in most majors. Course examples include 3D Game Studio-Unity; Game Design I-II; Game Development-Team Studio; and Code Lab. 

All degree-seeking students have the opportunity to participate in workshops, tournaments, and playtests; professional game conferences such as PRACTICE—Game Design in Detail; The Game Center Incubator; and study abroad experiences at any one of NYU’s 14 global academic centers in Abu Dhabi, Ghana, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Madrid, London, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, Paris, Sydney, Washington D.C., Prague, Berlin, and Florence. Students also have opportunities to intern at places such as Disney, Riot Games, and Blizzard Entertainment. 

The Game Design BFA culminates with a capstone project. The MFA culminates with a thesis. Capstone and thesis projects can be completed individually or with a group. MFA projects will be presented at the NYU Game Center Spring Show. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Tencent Games, Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Disney, Ubisoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Riot Games, Nickelodeon, Amazon, Nintendo, and Ubisoft.

The College of Architecture and Planning at University of Utah (The U) is home to the Utah Division of Games. Within the division are several paths to study game design including a Games BS (BSG); the Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an emphasis in Entertainment Arts and Engineering (CSEAE); a Master of EAE (MEAE); the dual MBA/MEAE; and a Games minor. These immersive, interdisciplinary programs provide opportunities to complete a professional internship at places such as Epic Games and Warner Bros. Games.

Students also have opportunities to join campus clubs such as Crimson Gaming, the 3D Art Club, or Gamecraft. Across clubs, students participate in workshops, attend industry events, and develop games for game jams. Other program benefits include courses taught by instructors with experience in all areas of game development; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; studio simulation project courses; and the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams to publish a game. 

All programs culminate with a professional game portfolio. Utah Division of Games alumni can be found at places such as Nintendo, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, Disney, Rockstar Games, Zynga, Riot Games, BioWare, Amazon Game Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, the U.S. Air Force, Microsoft Games, Nickelodeon, Google, Adobe, ESPN, Bethesda, and Valve Corporation. 

In 2016, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) became the world’s first university to publish a video game on the Xbox One gaming platform. The school is also home to Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS), which houses the School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM). Degree paths include the BS and MS in Game Design and Development (GDD); an accelerated BS/MS; and minors in Game Design and Game Development. RIT’s College of Art and Design’s School of Design also has a STEM-designated 3D Digital Design BFA with specializations in Game Arts and 3D Visualization.

All students may participate in Creative Industry Day. This networking event welcomes reps from places such as Epic Games, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Students also have the opportunity to complete up to two paid blocks of cooperative education experiences with places such as Epic Games, Cartoon Network, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), and Google. 

Other program highlights include lectures, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production facilities and the Digital Games Hub; independent study; and the opportunity to develop and commercialize student games at RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios.

Undergraduate programs culminate with a final project and capstone show. Students in the GDD MS program will complete a capstone project including the 700-level Capstone Design and Capstone Development courses. 

Graduates of the GDD and 3D Digital Design programs at RIT can be found at places such as Tencent Games, Disney, Lockheed Martin, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft, Epic Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Riot Games, Apple, Electronic Arts (EA), Insomniac Games, and Nickelodeon. 

University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is the first institution in the UC system to launch an undergraduate game major. Today, the school provides multiple paths to study games. Housed in the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE) and known as Games @ UC Santa Cruz, options include the Computer Science BS (CS BS) (Computer Game Design); the Art and Design-Games and Playable Media BA (BA AGPM); the Computational Media MS with a Games and Playable Media project sequence; a Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) MFA; and PhDs in Computational Media (CM), and Computer Science and Engineering. Programs are available at the main Santa Cruz campus and the school’s Silicon Valley (SVC) location.

Across all programs students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities and centers such as the Advanced Visualization and Interactive Systems Lab; Critical Realities Studio; The Other Lab; Expressive Intelligence Studio; Augmented Design Laboratory (ADL); Ludo Lab; the Center for Computational Experience; and the Critical Realities Studio. 

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

Depending on the program, culminating experiences include a final project, capstone, thesis, or research project. Games @ UC Santa Cruz alumni have been hired at places such as Riot Games, Ubisoft, Tencent Games, Universal Studios Japan, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA), Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Warner Bros. Games, Apple, Zynga, Intel, NCSoft, Topgolf, NetEase Games, and Hi-Rez Studios.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is home to MIT Game Lab. This research and development hub supports several formal interdisciplinary programs for students interested in studying game design. The lab also helps students create their own path of study, along with opportunities to collaborate, build games, and work with MIT partners such as Meta, the Singapore Government, ElevatePro, and MassDigi.

Program options for game designers include BS and MS degrees in Comparative Media Studies (CMS) with a strong focus in games; BS and MS degrees in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE); the Brain and Cognitive Science BS; and the Business BS with a customized focus area developed in collaboration with the MIT Game Lab. Because all programs are interdisciplinary, students will explore areas such as game design, virtual worlds, and interactive writing. 

Course examples include Creating Videogames; Critical Worldbuilding; Game Studies; Interactive Narrative; Game Design Methods; Virtual Reality and Immersive Media Production; Design and Development of Games for Learning; Transmedia Storytelling - Modern Sci-Fi; Games and Culture; Imagination, Computation, and Expression Studio; Designing Interaction; and Digital Media in Japan and Korea. The culminating experience for undergraduates is a capstone project and presentation. Graduates will complete a master’s thesis. 

Graduates of Game Design programs at MIT have been hired at places such as Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Warner Bros. Discovery, Bungie, Microsoft, Amazon, Harmonix Music Systems, Toyz Electronics, Learning Games Network (LGN), and Spry Fox. 

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) houses a Computational Media BS (BSCM) program that launched in 2004 with just one student. With more than 300 students today, the BSCM is one of Georgia Tech’s fastest growing programs. The focus of the program is Media and Games. Other program options for students interested in studying games include MS and PhD degrees in Digital Media; a dual BSCM/Digital Media MS; a CM minor; and an undergraduate certificate in Scenarios, Models, and Military Games. 

Students in these studio-based, multidisciplinary programs benefit from professional internships; immersive workshops; access to the GVU Center Game Studio at Georgia Tech and the Institute for People and Technology (IPaT); and participation in student organizations such as VGDev, Design Club, Anime O-Tekku, and Competitive Programming@Tech. 

Programs culminate with a final project, presentation, and portfolio. Georgia Tech Games graduates can be found at places such as Boeing, Electronic Arts (EA), NASA, Cartoon Network, Riot Games, Amazon, Disney, Epic Games, Microsoft, Adult Swim, Google, Unity, TNT, Apple, NBCUniversal, CNN, and Meta. 

Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University houses several programs for game designers. Options include BS degrees in Game Design, Computer Science + Animation (CS+ANI) with a Game Art Technical Director concentration, and Game Programming; a STEM-designated Animation BFA with a concentration in Game Art + the option to focus in Animation or Modeling and Rigging; the Game Design MFA; and a Game Programming MS. Across programs, students have access to DeFRAG (DePaul Fundamental Research in Academic Gaming); a game development studio known as DePaul Originals; the Deep Games Laboratory; and DePaul Esports Gaming Center. DeFRAG hosts week-long game jams, video game Jeopardy, and multi-play nights. 

Other program highlights include access to gameplay, game development, playtest and usability, virtual reality, and research labs; participation in exhibitions; internships with local and national studios; the biennial Japan Study Abroad Program, culminating with a game/animation jam; and opportunities to gain hands-on experience at DePaul’s virtual production stage—the first of its kind in the Midwest—and the Indie Studio.

Students also benefit from courses taught by industry professionals from places such as Nickelodeon, WMS, and Disney; access to DePaul Cinespace Studios—a state-of-the-art 60,000 square feet production facility that houses animation studios and labs, six professional soundstages, stop motion and motion capture stages, mixing studios, and more; and participation in the LA Quarter Program at Sunset Las Palmas Studio.

Graduates of the Game programs at DePaul go on to secure positions at places such as Epic Games, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Sony Pictures, Nickelodeon, LAIKA, WB Games, RTX, Zynga, Bethesda, Scientific Games, IBM, GitHub, and Meta.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is home to SMU Guildhall. Housing more than 100 advanced level courses, the Guildhall oversees the Master of Interactive Technology (M.I.T.) program; the Art BFA/ Digital Game Development M.I.T. program; the new Game Development BA program; and a Digital Game Development certificate (DGDC). The M.I.T. is one of the few programs of its kind to offer specializations in all four areas of game development—Art Creation, Level Design, Production, and Programming. 

Other programs for game designers are part of SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering and Meadows School of the Arts. Students can take courses from both schools and SMU Guildhall. Programs include the Creative Computing BA; the Creative Computing minor; and the Computer Science BS with a Creative Computing minor. 

Across programs, students benefit from partnerships with more than 350 studios. Examples include Riot Games, Disney Interactive, Epic Games, Unity, Blizzard Entertainment, Insomniac Games, Bethesda, Bungie, and Gameloft. Other program highlights include mentorship programs; professional internships; immersive workshops; guest speakers; professional development coursework; portfolio review sessions; and career fairs.

All students have the opportunity to create several industry ready games as the culminating experience for the programs. Graduates have been hired at places such as Insomniac Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Ubisoft, Google, Obsidian Entertainment, Bungie, Sony, BioWare, Samsung, and Gearbox Software. Program alumni have worked on titles such as Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, League of Legends, Game of Thrones, Assassins Creed, Fortnite, Guitar Hero, Doom, God of War, and Diablo.

The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) at University of California, Irvine (UCI) is home to the Department of Informatics, which houses several programs for game designers. Options include the Game Design and Interactive Media (GDIM) BS; and the Computer Science (CS) BS, MS, and PhD. The CS BS has games-related specializations in Algorithms (computer games, graphics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and information retrieval); Visual Computing (virtual reality, computer graphics, advanced 3D computer graphics); and general computer science (customized coursework with two project courses). 

Students in the CS MS program can select from research areas such as Networks/Multimedia; Scientific and Visual Computing; Systems Software; Artificial Intelligence; Data Structures and Algorithms; and Architecture/Embedded Systems. The CS PhD provides access to games courses, and any CS MS research area. 

Other highlights across programs include courses taught by industry experts; partnerships with major studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Cartoon Network, Disney, Tencent Games, Blizzard Entertainment, and Riot Games; mentorships; and internship opportunities. The GDIM BS culminates with the Capstone Game Project. The CS BS culminates with Capstone Project course—any focus area. The culminating experience for the UCI CS MS is a research-based thesis project or the comprehensive examination. Thesis students typically advance to the PhD program. The CS PhD culminates with a dissertation defense and final examination.

Graduates of the GDIM and CS programs at UCI have been hired at places such as Boeing, Google, SAP, Blizzard Entertainment, Northrop Grumman, Bungie, Amazon, Microsoft, RTX, Adobe, and Meta.

Drexel University (Drexel) is home to the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design (Westphal). One of the nation’s largest media arts and design colleges, Westphal highlights immersive studio-based curriculums; courses led by industry professionals; and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Examples include the 1200 square feet Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); the URBN Center, which features shared making spaces, innovative labs, and studios; the Immersive Research Lab (IRL) for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), immersive media projects; screening rooms; and a theme-park caliber motion simulation platform.

Westphal and Drexel’s College for Computing and Informatics (CCI) provide multiple paths to study game design. Options include the Game Design and Production BS; Digital Media MS; Digital Media PhD; Game Design and Production BS/Digital Media MS; a Virtual Reality and Immersive Media minor; a graduate Digital Media minor; BA and BS degrees in Computer Science (BAC, BSCS); and the 24-credit hour CS minor. The BA/BS programs provide optional tracks in Game Development and Design; Artificial Intelligence; and Numeric and Symbolic Computation. All tracks explore games, including topics that cover 2D and 3D Games (Game Development and Design); Creating Virtual Worlds (Numeric and Symbolic Computation); and Game Playing and Logic Programming (Artificial Intelligence). 

All programs are hands-on, with mandatory co-op experiences that provide the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of real work experience in the games industry. Co-op experiences can be completed in the U.S. or overseas in places such as Hong Kong, London, Ghana, Spain, and Greece. All students also have access to additional facilities such as the Entrepreneurial Game Studio (EGS), and the Center for Games, Artificial Intelligence, and Media Systems (GAIMS Center). 

Westphal and CCI games programs culminate with a full-year capstone project. Graduates can be found at places such as Lockheed Martin, Disney Interactive, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Gameloft, NCSoft Corporation, Xbox Game Studios, DreamWorks, Insomniac Games, Microsoft, Digital Domain, Nickelodeon, Zynga, NBCUniversal, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Obsidian Entertainment, Gearbox Software, NetherRealm Studios, and BioWare.

Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Within the institute is the School of Applied and Creative Computing, which houses the STEM-designated Game Development BS; a Computer Graphics Technology MS (CGT MS) with a Games concentration; and the Technology PhD, with 30 credit hours of flexible electives selected across six schools and departments. Purdue’s School of Business and Information Technology also houses an Analytics BS with a concentration in Game Development. 

All programs are hands-on with access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the CGT Computer Lab; the Games Innovation Laboratory; VR Lab; Experience Design Laboratory (ExLab); Visual Effects Lab; and IDEA Laboratory. Other program benefits include opportunities to work on real-world projects; small class sizes; and the opportunity to complete an internship or participate in the co-op program. 

The culminating experience for the Game Development BS program is a professional portfolio. The Game Development concentration culminates with a final project. CGT MS students will compete a thesis to graduate. The Technology PhD program culminates with a dissertation. Graduates can be found at places such as Riot Games, Lockheed Martin, Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft, Microsoft, Boeing, RTX, DreamWorks, HP, Amazon, Zynga, Google, PepsiCo, Apple, HP, Epic Systems, Delta Air Lines, Northrop Grumman, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Ford Motor Company, and Caterpillar. 

The College of the Arts (COTA) at University of Florida (UF) is home to the Digital Worlds Institute (DW), which has two paths to study games. Options include the Digital Arts and Sciences (DAS) BA (BADAS); a DAS Masters (MiDAS); and the DAS minor. The BADAS and DAS minor can be completed on campus or entirely online. All DW programs provides access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities such as the ORC Lab; The GYM Production and Collaboration HUB; the Virtual Production Studio (VPS); the Reality Lab – the Immersive Technology and Research Lab (Reality Lab); and the Polymodal Immersive Classroom Theater (PICT).

Other DW benefits include professional internships; study abroad experiences; visiting artists and lecturers; and workshops, recruitment events, and open houses through the Agency at UF. Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Insomniac Games, DreamWorks, Google, Disney, Microsoft, Bungie, Adobe, Gearbox Software, Apple, Oracle, ESPN, Vu Technologies, and The NFL. 

The Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas or UTD) is a Houdini Certified School that houses several paths to study games. Options include an Animation and Games BA; the Media Arts and Design (MAD) BA with a concentration in Emerging Media Arts (EMA); and Game Development MFA. 

The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science houses a flexible, multidisciplinary Computer Science MS with opportunities to focus in subfields such as Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Programming Languages. Students in all programs may also study games through elective requirements. Depending on the program, students may complete up to 30 elective credit hours. 

Across programs, students have access to one of the nation’s largest project design studios—the Jonsson School facility. Other labs and studios include the Game Lab; Animation Lab; Render Farm; 3D Studio; CG Animation Lab; The Studio for Mediating Play; Games and Media Library; Mixed Media Lab; experimenta.l.; Games Research Lab; Escape Pod Studio; VAST Lab; Motion Capture Studio; Narrative Systems Research Lab; Surround Studio; and MoGraph Lab. Students also have opportunities to compete an internship, study abroad experience, or other experiential learning activities.

Programs culminate with a final project (capstone), thesis, portfolio, and/or presentation. UT Dallas Games and MAD graduates are routinely hired at places such as Epic Games, Disney, Pixar, BioWare, Lockheed Martin, Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Unity, Gearbox Software, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Google, Amazon, RTX, Microsoft, Apple, Reel FX, and id Software. 

University of Washington (UW) is home to the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). Both provide paths to study games. STEM programs include an Interactive Media Design BA and the Game Design Certificate (GDC). Allen School options include the ABET-accredited Computer Engineering (CE) and Computer Science (CS) BS and BS/MS programs with the option to specialize in Graphics, Vision, Games, and Animation. 

Across programs, students have access to the Center for Game Science; the Animation Research Labs (ARL); UW Graphics and Imaging Lab (GRAIL); and UW Reality Lab; GRAIL provides opportunities to work with researchers from places such as Adobe, Google, Microsoft, and Intel. The multidisciplinary ARL provides opportunities to interact with artists from places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Xbox Game Studios, and Bungie. 

Other program benefits include internships, workshops, and study abroad experiences. Programs culminate with a capstone project and showcase. Graduates can be found at places such as Epic Games, Disney, Boeing, Nintendo, Xbox Game Studios, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA), Adobe, The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), Bungie, Google, ArenaNet, Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta. 

Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) provides several paths to study games. Options include BFA degrees in Game Art and Virtual Reality Development (VRD); a VRD minor; and certificates in Creative Technologies and Virtual Production. Across programs, students will participate in RCAD’s experiential learning initiative—INDEX. Activities include real world projects; volunteering; client competitions; industry critiques by visiting artists; immersive experiences; internships; and participation in the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. 

The Game Art BFA culminates with the Game Thesis Project completed across four courses. The VRD BFA culminates with the VR Thesis/Capstone completed across three courses. Game Art and VRD graduates can be found at places such as Rockstar Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Epic Games, DreamWorks, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar, Ubisoft, Google, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Hasbro, Bungie, Apple, Obsidian Entertainment, Netflix, Lucasfilm, Bethesda, Naughty Dog, and Meta. 

The School of Game Development at Academy of Art University (Academy of Art) provides multiple paths to study games. Options include the Game Development AAS, MA, and MFA; the Game Design AA and BFA; the Game Art BFA; and a Game Programming BS. This STEM-certified school highlights hands-on learning in The Studio, where students will collaborate with peers across the Animation, Illustration, and Music programs; internships with partner studios such as Riot Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), and Zynga; access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and the Game Lounge.

Programs culminate with the creation of a professional portfolio of the student’s best games. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as NASA, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Hasbro, Insomniac Games, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Lucasfilm, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Nickelodeon, Disney, Google, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Illumination, DNEG, Xbox Game Studios, Digital Domain, Apple, Weta FX, Zynga, Naughty Dog, and Bungie.

The Ohio State University (OSU) provides multiple paths to study games. Programs are housed across the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering; the Department of Art and Department of Design in the College of Arts and Sciences. Options include the BS, MS, and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE); a BS in Computer and Information Science (BS CIS); an Art BA; the BFA in Studio Art; the Studio Art MFA; the MFA with tracks in Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM) or Art and Technology; and the Game Studies minor. 

Electives, tracks, and opportunities to customize an emphasis area allow students in all programs to focus in games. Other benefits across programs include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; professional internships; and study abroad experiences in places such as the UK, Italy, Spain, and France. 

OSU graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Epic Games, Boeing, Pixar, Unity, Nickelodeon, Activision Blizzard, Disney, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Lockheed Martin, Netflix, Microsoft, Starz, Titmouse, Google, NVIDIA, IBM, Amazon, Intel, Apple, Dell, ABC, Northrop Grumman, HP, Nike, Oracle, Meta, Texas Instruments (TI), RTX, Cisco Systems, Magic Leap, and Ohio Film Group. 

University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) is home to the first and only Game Design and Development (GDD) BFA in the upper Midwest (Wisconsin-Iowa-Minnesota). UW-Stout also offers a GDD concentration for students in the Computer Science BS (CS BS) program, and a Design MFA with a GDD focus. The CS BS is a charter member of the Higher Education Video Game Alliance.

Highlights across programs include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; collaborative studios; faculty-led trips to Los Angeles and San Francisco; internships and paid co-op experiences; participation in game conferences, exhibitions, game competitions, and festivals; industry projects with The Jim Henson Company and the National Park Service; and hundreds of study abroad programs across more than 40 countries. 

Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Disney, Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, Apple, HP, Raven Software, and Afterverse.  

The College of Engineering (CENG) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) houses the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE). Within the department is a Game Development concentration for Computer Science (CS) BS, MS, and BS/MS students. A Computer Science minor and Computing for Interactive Arts (CIA) minor, jointly offered by the Department of Art and Design, are also available. 

All programs highlight hands-on learning in a collaborative, studio-like environment. Courses are project-based, with access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. Other program highlights include professional internships and co-op experiences; participation in weekend-long Hackathons; individual and group projects; and the chance to study abroad in one of over 75 countries. 

Programs culminate with a final project and presentation. Graduates go on to land positions at places such Tencent Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Rockstar Games, Disney, DreamWorks, Apple, Naughty Dog, Take-Two Interactive, NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.  

The College of Engineering Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) at Clemson University (Clemson) houses the  School of Computing. Within the school are several cross-disciplinary programs that allow students to focus games, audio engineering, computer science, and more. Options for game designers include the Digital Production Arts (DPA) MFA, MS, and minor; a Computer Science BA and BS (CS-BS, BA-CS); the Computer Information Systems BS (BS-CIS); and a fast-track Computer Science Bachelor’s/Master’s (BS/MS). 

Across programs, students may participate in the University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) program, which provides more than 900 paid, on-campus internships each year, and the active study abroad program with experiences in locations such as Japan, the UK, Spain, and Germany. Other program benefits include 24/7 access to four dedicated computer labs and state-of-the-art production facilities; high-tech classrooms; workshops and collaborative projects; visiting artists from places such as DreamWorks; advanced studios; and participation in the SIGGRAPH Conference.

Graduates of the DPA and CS programs at Clemson University can be found at places such as Epic Games, Boeing, Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Sledgehammer Games, Disney, Blur Studio, Google, Apple, Hitachi, Meta, Honeywell, IBM, Delta Air Lines, BMW, Nike, and the Orange Bowl. 

The Game Design Initiative at Cornell University (GDIAC) was the first program of its kind at an Ivy League School. Established in 2001, the initiative is housed in Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Sciences’ (CIS) Department of Computer Science. This interdisciplinary program consists of a Game Design minor open to students across all majors at Cornell. However, the minor is ideal for students in the Computer Science BS (CS BS) program, which also consists of course such as Algorithmic Game Theory; Advanced Topics in Computer Game Architecture; Machine Learning; and Cloud Computing. 

Program highlights include project-based learning; curriculum that emphasizes gameplay design, software development, game analytics, and project management; the option to select courses from other departments—examples include Game Studies and Japan and History and Theory of Digital Art; and depending on the major, professional internships and participation in Cornell’s study abroad (SA) program, including locations such as China, India, Paris, Ghana, the UK, Denmark, and Madrid.

The GDIAC Game Design minor culminates with an individual or group project (console, mobile, PC, VR/AR). Final projects may be entered into the annual GDIAC Showcase. Cornell Games and CS graduates can be found at places such as Tencent Games, Nintendo, Riot Games, NASA, Apple, Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, PlayStation, Valve Corporation, Bethesda, Naughty Dog, Zynga, Oracle, TikTok, Meta, IBM, Dell, Hulu, and Snapchat.

Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University (Duke) houses an industry-centered Master of Engineering in Game Development, Design and Innovation (MEng GDDI). Students in this program will begin designing and building prototypes in the very first year. Other program features include a mandatory industry internship; participation in hands-on projects with designers from places such as Epic Games; and additional interactions with studios such as Insomniac Games and Ubisoft. 

The MEng GDDI program at Duke culminates with an industry-ready game and portfolio. Graduates enjoy a 90% success rate within six months of graduation. Program alumni can be found at places such as Epic Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Insomniac Games, Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Apple, NVIDIA, Disney Interactive, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Amazon, Google, Cisco Systems, IBM, General Motors (GM), Northrup Grumman, American Airlines, Meta, Jellyvision, Studio Noori, Agate, Rush Street Interactive, Lanterns Studios, Demonware, and Rocket Studio. 

Bradley University (Bradley) provides multiple paths to study game design. Options include BA and BS degrees in Game Design and Game Art; an Interactive Media BA; Computer Science (CS) and Computer Information Systems (CIS) BS programs with a Computer Game Technology concentration; Game Design and Game Project Management minors; and the Game Development MS. Across programs, students benefit from collaborative projects; opportunities to gain real-world experience through partnerships with Rockstar New England, Everi, and OSF Jump Simulation Center, among others; the NBCUniversal Internship Program;  participation in Game Jams; and the opportunity to show works at the annual FUSE Exhibit.

All students may participate in the Bradley University Hollywood Semester and study abroad programs in places such as Spain, Australia, and the UK. The Hollywood Semester highlights guest lectures; excursions to industry events; professional internships; courses led by industry professionals; and networking events. The programs new mentorship initiative also helps connect students with Bradley alumni in Los Angeles. 

Programs culminate with the Game Design Capstone. Graduates have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Amazon Game Studios, Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Ubisoft, Insomniac Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Epic Games, Bungie, and Warner Bros. Games. 

Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) provides several paths to study games. Options include the Game Development BFA with Game Design and Game Art tracks; the Game Design MFA; a Game minor with Game Art and Game Design tracks; and an Entertainment Design minor. For all programs, learning takes place in a project-based environment that emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and creativity. BFA students also have opportunities to collaborate with MFA students to design industry-ready games for possible showing at the Independent Games Festival (IGF). 

Other program features include participation in workshops led by industry artists and designers; partnerships with studios such as Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Rockstar Games, and Gearbox Software; internships with partner studios and others such as Disney, Cartoon Network, Blizzard Entertainment, Hasbro, Pixar, and Nickelodeon; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities such as the FabLab, dedicated animation studios, The Hub, Cintiq Studio, and a recording studio. In addition, construction is underway on a 22,000 square feet Innovation Center featuring new classrooms, print labs, and a café.

Programs culminate with a final project and presentation. Graduates hold positions at places such as Rockstar Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Riot Games, Epic Games, Hasbro, Xbox Game Studios, Insomniac Games, Tencent Games, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Amazon, Disney, Ubisoft, Nickelodeon, Marvel, Zynga, Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft, Gearbox Software, Warner Bros. Games, The Jim Henson Company, Obsidian Entertainment, 20th Century Studios, Mattel, and Take-Two Interactive. 

American University (AU) provides multiple paths to study games. Options include the Game Design MA; Games and Interactive Media MFA; Computer Science MS with a Game and Computational Media specialization; an MA in Literature, Culture and Technology with a Game Development track; and a Game Design certificate. The school also houses the AU Game Center, which highlights games research; academic and experiential learning programs; access to 2,758 square feet of production, teaching, and meeting space; and The Game Studio (GS). In addition to workshops, The GS provides opportunities for students to work on real-world game projects with local studios, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. 

Across programs, students also benefit from 24/7 access to the Open Editing Lab and the Visual Illusions Lab; opportunities to participate in events such as the Global Game Jam, MAGfest, Games+, and Indie Arcade at SAAM; and access to other facilities and resources such as the AU Center for Innovation (AUCI), the Institute for Immersive Designs, Experiences, Applications, and Stories (Institute for IDEAS), the Library Makerspace, and the Design and Build Lab (DaBL).

Programs culminate with a final project, portfolio, and presentation. Graduates can be found at places such as Riot Games, Lockheed Martin, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Boeing, ESPN, Activision Blizzard, CBS Interactive, Google, NBCUniversal, Amazon, IBM, Adobe, CNN, and Meta.