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What is the top Kentucky game design program for 2025?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond |
Our 2025 ranking of the top game design school program in Kentucky.
For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Eastern Kentucky University houses the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT). In 1990, the department became the first computer science program in Kentucky to be accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB). Today, the organization is known as CSAB, Inc. All CSIT degree programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Program options for game designers include a Computer Science BS (CS BS) with a specialization in Interactive Multimedia (Game Design); a Computer Science MS (CS MS) with a concentration in Game Design; a Game Content Design minor; and a Game Design certificate. Students in all programs may participate in the Global Game Jam, other related events, and the internship program, which matches students with Kentucky-based game developers.
The Computer Science BS requires core and supporting courses such as Object-Oriented Programming I-II; Digital Electronics; Mobile App Development for Apple iOS; Ethics and Software Engineering; Discrete Structures I-I; Data Structures; Software Testing; and Fundamentals of Cybersecurity.
The CS BS Interactive Multimedia (Game Design) concentration consists of 47 credit hours. The curriculum explores game design, multimedia systems, 3D modeling and animation, and graphics programming. Course examples include Introduction to Computer Game Design; 3D Modeling; Game Level Design; Exploring Virtual Worlds; 3D Game Engine Design; Digital Electronics; Graphics Programming; Film Scoring; Multimedia Systems and Forensics; Drawing; and Topics in Multimedia.
CS BS students will also 14 hours of free electives and one course from the following: Innovative Problem Solving (individual project and presentation), Senior Seminar (critique of current issues in computer science), or Independent Work (directed study/research with a final paper). The CS Career Preparation course is also part of the program.
The culminating experience for the program is the Game Design Capstone. For this final project, students will work in teams to develop an industry-ready computer game.
The Computer Science MS in EKU’s CSIT Department is a 30-33 credit hour program with 12 credit hours in the Game Design concentration. Core courses for the program include Software Engineering; Programming and Data Structure; Object-Oriented Programming; Databases and Algorithms; and Computer Administration and Security.
The concentration includes Principles of Game Design and Game Theory; Game Production and Publication; Special Topics in Gaming; and Online Game and App Design. All CS MS students will also select six hours from the following: Project Management; Independent Study; Network Applications and Security; and Co-op or Applied Learning in Computer Science. The program culminates with a final project.
Launched in 2017, the Game Content Design minor at EKU requires 20 credit hours of study. The program explores visual storytelling, game design, 2D animation, music for film, and screenwriting. Course examples include Exploring Virtual Worlds; Game Level Design; The Art and Craft of Screenwriting; 2D Animation; and Film Scoring. The minor is an ideal complement to most technology prorgams, art and design, multimedia, and graphic design, among others.
The 12 credit hour, Game Design certificate is a graduate-level program that can be completed 100% online. All courses are 700-level and include Principles of Game Design and Game Theory; Online Game and Application Design; Game Production and Publication; and Special Topics in Gaming.
Graduates of the Games, CS, and Interactive Multimedia programs at Eastern Kentucky University are prepared to pursue intermediate to advanced roles across the broad technology industry, and in game design and development, animation and film, digital media production, and more. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Aspyr Media, Lost Boys Interactive, First Gear, and Multivision, Inc.
Eastern Kentucky University was established in 1906 as Eastern Kentucky State Normal School. The school opened the following year on the old Central University campus (est. 1874). Today, EKU sits on nearly 900 acres, with a student body of approximately 15,675. The school provides more than 100 degree and certificate programs across six academic colleges. Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).