
One of the most exciting times of the year in the academic world is when organizations such as Princeton Review, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and others announce the nation’s best schools. At the same time, a number of “unofficial” “top schools” lists surface, but students, alums, bloggers, and a variety of small education organizations usually publish them. Although the nations top-tier schools usually end up on both lists, they earn a spot on each list for different reasons.
To create a “top school” list, organizations consider factors such as cost, location, quality of facilities, job placement services, types of clubs and organizations, access to recreation, student body, and more. A best school has high scores in the areas of graduation and retention rates, student selectivity, number and variety of program offerings, peer assessment, faculty resources, and financial resources. Fortunately, several top (and best) Arizona schools offer excellent programs for artists and designers—including game design & development programs.
Continue reading to find out which Arizona game design & development schools are tops and what they have to offer. Please note that the top schools listed below are in order by largest to smallest student population.
Top Game Design & Development School Programs Arizona
Phoenix
Collins College
Student Population: 27,069
Backdrop: Urban, 3-acre campus, easy access to all of Phoenix
Degrees Offered: A. A., B. F. A. Graphic Design; B. S. Game Production
Tempe
University of Advancing Technology
Student Population: 1,090
Backdrop: Urban, 2-acre campus
A. A. and B. A. Digital Media, Digital Video, Game Art and Animation (traditional and online), Game Design (traditional and online), Serious Games and Simulation and Virtual Modeling and Design (traditional and online); M. S. Game Production and Management
More Programs to Consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#15) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#23) - 2020
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#29) - 2020
- Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCAD eLearning
- Animation – BFA, MA, MFA
- Film and Television – BFA, MA, MFA
- Graphic Design – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Illustration – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Immersive Reality - BFA
- Interactive Design and Game Development – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Motion Media Design – BFA, MA, MFA
- Sequential Art – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Visual Effects – BFA, MA, MFA
- User Experience (UX) Design – BFA
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#3) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#12) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#9) - 2020
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#9) - 2020
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#19) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#17) - 2020
- Top 5 in Florida for Graphic Design (#4) - 2020
- Online
Sources
Peterson’s, www.petersons.com
Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, www.usnews.com/rankings