| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond |
For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) houses its own Gaming Institute, which focuses on the design, development, and publication of games. EKU is also home to Kentucky’s first bachelor’s degree focusing on game design. The Computer Science BS has an Interactive Multimedia concentration. A Game Content Design minor and Game Design Certificate are also available. Programs are housed in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-Department of Computer Science and Information Technology.
Launched in 2017, the Game Content Design minor requires 20 credit hours of study. The program explores 2D animation, game design, visual storytelling, screenwriting, and music for film. The 12 credit hour, accelerated certificate program is offered 100% online. Course include Principles of Game Design and Game Theory; Online Game and Application Design; Game Production and Publication; and Special Topics in Gaming.
Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the EKU Computer Science BS requires core and supporting courses such as Ethics & Software Engineering; Digital Electronics; Software Testing; Object-Oriented Programming I and II; and Mobile App Development for iOS. The Interactive Multimedia concentration requires 47 credit hours. This option explores game design, 3D modeling and animation, graphics programming, and multimedia systems.
Course examples include Game Level Design; Exploring Virtual Worlds; 3D Game engine Design; Multimedia System and Forensics; Graphics Programming; Film Scoring; Drawing; 3D Modeling; Art Appreciation; and University Physics. A Computer Science Career Preparation course is part of the program as well as the option to complete one of the following: Game Design Capstone; Applied Learning Computer Science; Computer Forensics Capstone; Applied Software Engineering; and Independent Work
Students in all EKU Games programs may participate in the Global Game Jam, and the internship program, which matches designers with Kentucky-based game developers.
Graduates of the Game programs at Eastern Kentucky University have been recruited by many local studios as well as major studios across the U.S. and abroad.
Eastern Kentucky University has roots dating back to 1874, and 1906 when it was established as a normal school a normal school to train teachers. Today, EKU serves approximately 16,890 students enrolled in more than 100 degree programs across six academic colleges. Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
