| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Arizona | Tucson |
| 2 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe |
| 3 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Prescott |
| 4 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix |
For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Information Science at University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) houses a STEM-designated Game Design and Development BS and (BSGDD) and a Games and Behavior BA (BA GB). Both programs have minor options. The BSGDD can be completed on campus or online. Other program options include the Applied Humanities BA with a Game Studies emphasis, offered in the College of Humanities’ Department of Public and Applied Humanities, and an undergraduate Games and Simulation certificate.
Students in all degree programs benefit from collaborative learning with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships with places such as Amazon and Intel. Degree-seeking students also have opportunities to take study abroad courses such as Visual Content Creation in the Information Age (Rome), and Digital Storytelling and Culture (Orvieto, Italy).
Students in all programs have access to state-of-the-art production facilities; courses taught by accomplished industry professionals; and opportunities to participate in the Global Game Jam (GGJ) and U of A Game Development Club. Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio.
Graduates of the Games programs at University of Arizona have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), IGN, Amazon, Deca Games, Heavy Iron Studios, Oracle, Comcast, Booz Allen, and CNN.
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is a 100% STEM-based post-secondary institution that houses one of the few fully accredited Game Design Programs (GDP) with degree options across the entire discipline. Launched in 1995, the UAT GDP includes BA degrees in Game Art and Animation (GAA BA), and Game Design (GD BA); a Game Programming BS; and the MS in Game Production and Management (GPM MS). All programs can be completed online, on campus, or a combination of the two (hybrid). A 15-week internship is mandatory for all on campus students.
Across programs, students have the opportunity to create original games in collaboration with game programmers, artists, and other designers. Students also benefit from courses taught by active industry professionals; a synchronic learning model; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs.
Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Nickelodeon, Blizzard Entertainment, Bethesda, Intel, Gearbox Software, Microsoft, Scientific Games, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Google, U.S. Department of Defense, Twitch, and AGS.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Embry-Riddle) has a Simulation Science, Games and Animation (SSGA) BS program that explores game production, animation, virtual world development, storytelling, interactive digital environments, and systems design. Courses for the program are STEM-based and project-focused with opportunities to work in teams on games, animations, interactive experiences, and virtual worlds. Course examples include Game Systems; World Building; Game Engine Architecture; Interactive Media; Game Design Workshop; Digital Illustration; and Psychology of Gaming.
Other program highlights include courses taught by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and internship opportunities. The program culminates with a capstone project completed across two courses with labs. Embry-Riddle alumni have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Lockheed Martin, Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Boeing, Microsoft, Sony, RTX, Amazon Robotics, Meta, Super League, Garmin, ForgeFX Simulations, Collins Aerospace, Boston Dynamics, and the Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO).
Grand Canyon University (GCU) houses the Game Design BA and Game Development BS programs. Both options can be completed on campus or entirely online. Other program highlights studio-based courses; collaborative, hands-on projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; industry partnerships; professional internships; immersive coding assignments; and participation in the study abroad program.
Programs culminate with a capstone project. GCU graduates can be found at places such as Summit Games, Autodesk, IBM, RTX Corporation, LT.Agency, iHeart, Openforce, and Canyon Creative.
