| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Tulsa | Tulsa |
| 2 | Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City |
| 3 | Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma City |
| 4 | Rogers State University | Claremore |
Our 2025 ranking of the top game design school programs in Oklahoma. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
University of Tulsa (UTulsa or TU) is home to the ABET-accredited College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Serving approximately 1,835 students, the college houses Tandy School of Computer Science. Within the school is a Computer Simulation and Gaming (CSG) program with BS and minor options. The BS has six specializations including Animation and Visual Effects; Game Design; Art and Graphics; Simulation and Serious Games; Game Production; and Game Development and Engineering.
Both programs provide experiential learning opportunities such as internships through more than 100 local partnerships and study abroad experiences. One example is JumpstartTU. This one-week international experience is integrated into the First-Year Experience (FYE) course. Locations include Germany, Panama, and Mexico. Students may also complete a semester or summer abroad in places such as China, Italy, South Africa, Spain, India, or Ireland.
The CSG BS program at University of Tulsa requires 120 credit hours. The minor requires 12 credit hours including Game Design Concepts; Introduction to Real-Time Engines or Introduction to Game Programming; and six hours of CSG coursework at the 3000 level or higher.
Students in the CSG BS (regardless of specialization) will complete the Computer Simulation and Gaming Core. Course examples include Game Design Concepts; Introduction to Real-Time Engines; Introduction to Game Programming; 3D Modeling and Animation; Game Systems Development; Environmental; Storytelling and Level Design; and 3D Visualization of Dynamic Simulation. Each specialization consists of 24 credit hours, and all students will have the opportunity to select an additional 12 credit hours of general electives.
All CSG students have access to dedicated, state-of-the-art facilities such as the CSG Studio Lab; the VR Studio Research Lab; and the Instruction and Tutoring Lab. The CSG Studio Lab is equipped with industry-standard software and hardware; 20 VR-capable gaming PCs; and individual workstations. The VR Studio Research Lab is a collaborative space equipped with an LED wall and VR tracking system. The Instruction and Tutoring Lab houses 40 PCs for developing Python, Java, and other languages.
The CSG program at UTulsa culminates with the Portfolio and Professional Development and Senior Production I-II courses where students will work in teams to create a professional game or other product. Students in the portfolio course will build and present a professional portfolio of their best work.
Depending on the specialization, graduates of the Computer Simulation and Gaming program at University of Tulsa are prepared to pursue roles such as Game Designer, Visual Effects Artist, Game Programmer, Narrative Designer, Gameplay Engineer, Animator, Level Designer, Concept Artist, Game Producer, AI Engineer, Serious Games Developer, Simulation Engineer, and Instructional Designer. Program alumni enjoy a 97% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
University of Tulsa was founded in 1894 as Henry Kendall College. This school serves approximately 3,770 students enrolled in nearly 140 programs across six colleges and the Graduate School. University of Tulsa has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1929.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) is home to Petree College of Arts and Sciences, which provides more than 25 undergraduate degrees and 30+ minor options. Among Petree’s degree programs is a STEM-based Computer Science BS (CS BS) that provides the option to study games through electives. Students in this program will also take courses such as Programming I-II; Software Engineering; Programming Languages; Logic and Artificial Intelligence; Operating Systems; and Advanced Web Programming.
Elective examples include Game Programming; Graphics; Object-Oriented Programming; Mobile Development; and Practicum in Programming. An internship is required, as well as the Senior Capstone course.
Also housed in Petree College of Arts and Sciences is the School of Visual and Media Arts (SVMA), home to the STEM-designated Game Design and Animation (GDA) program. Leading to a BA, the program awards a $24,000 scholarship to every accepted student. This is in addition to academic scholarships ranging from $8,000-$13,000 per year.
The GDA BA emphasizes hands-on training through internships. Students have interned at places such as Fox 25, Bloomberg, VGM Visual Storytelling, Oklahoma Today, The Journal Record, and ARTSPACE at Untitled.
The Game Design and Animation BA at Oklahoma City University requires 124 credit hours of study consisting of general education, foundation studies, and major coursework. Course examples include Introduction to Game Technology; Motion Graphics; Game Design and Animation Studio I-II; Texturing, Rendering, and Lighting; Animation Principles; Tech for Graphics; 3D Modeling and Animation; Concept Development; Digital Sculpting; and Drawing I-II.
All GDA BA students will also complete the Digital Portfolio and Self-Branding course, as well as the culminating Senior Capstone and Exhibition course.
Graduates of the OCU Game Design and Animation BA and Computer Science BS programs are prepared to pursue roles in the broader technology industry and in areas such as game design and development, interactive storytelling, game art, live-action filmmaking, visual effects (VFX), television production, medical animation, visualization, simulation, architecture, publishing, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), digital advertising, graphic design, and illustration.
Possible job titles include Game Designer, Animator, Game Developer, Character Designer, Game Artist, Character Rigger, Level Designer, Environmental Concept Artist, Military Simulation Artist, Architectural Rendering Specialist, 3D Modeler, and Scientific Visualization Artist.
Oklahoma City University was established on September 1, 1904 as Epworth University. The school opened with 116 students in a single all-purpose building. Today, OCU serves nearly 3,000 students on a 104-acre campus situated in the heart of Oklahoma City. The school provides more than 70 undergraduate degrees and 20+ graduate degree programs across eight colleges and schools. Oklahoma City University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) provides programs that focus on career training through immersive curriculums, hands-on projects, and professional internships. For aspiring game designers, the school provides several paths of study. Housed in the College of Liberal Arts’ School of Visual Art and Design are the Gaming and Animation BFA and BS programs.
For students in these and other majors such as Digital Design and Graphic Design, Oklahoma Christian University has a 21 credit hour 3D Modeling and Animation minor that explores game technology, modeling, rendering, texturing, motion graphics, lighting, and animation. Course examples include Introduction to Game Technology; Texturing, Rendering, and Lighting; Animation Principles; Motion Graphics; and 3D Modeling and Animation I-II. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to pursue for entry-level positions in the games and entertainment industries.
All OC Gaming and Animation programs provide access to the Cox Digital Art Lab; Sparks Advanced Visualization Lab; Baugh Motion Capture Lab; and Kicker Audio Lab. Courses for both programs are led by accomplished professionals in the games, technology, and animation industries. Course examples include Introduction to Game Technology; Gaming and Animation Studio; Programming I-II; Audio for Gaming; Texturing, Rendering, and Lighting; Game History and Development; Motion Imagery; Visual Storytelling; Gaming and Animation Studio; Interactive Media Design; and 3D Modeling and Animation I-II.
The Gaming and Animation BFA and BS programs at Oklahoma Christian University require successful completion of the Gaming and Animation Capstone. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in game design, game development, game programming, game art, animation, and visual effects (VFX).
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Xbox, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, DreamWorks, Microsoft, Boeing, Disney, Northrop Grumman, Amazon, Gearbox Software, NCSoft Corp, ArenaNet, Sphero, and Tektonux.
Oklahoma Christian University was established in 1950 as Central Christian College. When it opened, the school has just 97 students. Today, OC serves 2,750 students enrolled in nearly 100 programs and areas of study across five colleges and 14 academic departments. Oklahoma Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Rogers State University (RSU) is home to the College of Professional Studies, which houses the Department of Technology and Justice Studies. Within the department is an interdisciplinary Business Information Technology BS that blends computer science, writing, math, physics, and art. The BS also provides a Game Design option that was established in 2005, making it the first program of its kind in the state of Oklahoma.
The Business Information Technology program requires 120 credit hours, with 42 in the Game Design option. In the major, students will take courses such as Introduction to Computing; Programming I-II; Human-Computer Interface; and Computer Architecture. Course examples for the Game Design option include Game Programming I; Introduction to Modeling and Simulation; Python Programming; Multimedia Development; Digital Foundations; Computer Graphics Programming; Data Structures; and History of Graphic Design/Multimedia.
All RSU Business Information Technology students have the opportunity to develop their own software and write their own programs; participate in the co-op programs, portfolio evaluations, and performance exhibitions; complete an internship; and study abroad. Since 2006, hundreds of RSU students have completed internships and co-op programs with local, regional, and national companies. Many of these companies hire participating interns prior to graduation.
Graduates of the Business Information Technology BS program at Rogers State University are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of game design and development, the broader technology industry, architecture, digital advertising, animation and film, simulations, research, education, and consulting.
Founded in 1909, Rogers State University is a public, four-year institution that serves approximately 3,200 students across three campuses including Claremore, Bartlesville, and Pryor, Oklahoma. The school provides more than 35 degree programs, 50+ emphasis areas, dozens of minors, and several certificates across two schools. Rogers State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
