Top Game Design Colleges and Universities
Choosing a college or university can be a lot of work, and it can feel like a big commitment. That’s because it is!
The top video game design schools in the country are ranked and listed below. But just because they’re ranked best by Princeton Review, that’s not a guarantee they’re the best for you. Before you decide on a video game school, use the information on this page to research your options.
On this page
- Top Game Design Schools: Undergraduate
- Top Game Design Schools: Graduate
- Schools with Game Design Degrees
- Schools with Game Art Degrees
- Schools with Game Programming Degrees
- Schools with General Game Degrees
Remember: This is your future we’re talking about. It’s worth investing the time and effort to find a school that’s right for you. Here’s how:
- Read about each school to learn what they offer. Some schools only offer video game art, or only programming or design. Some only offer undergraduate degrees, or only certificates.
- Research to find out whether each school has a good reputation. Not all schools are equal. Some have better reputations in the industry, and some have better success in placing graduates in game companies. See the Top 10 lists below.
- Look on LinkedIn to see where their alumni work. If a school’s graduating students have jobs at game companies you love, it’s a vote of confidence for the school – it means the school teaches skills that game studios need.
Top Video Game Design Schools – Undergraduate
1. University of Southern California
2. University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
At the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, you’ll find a well-rounded video game design education. The stunning mountain views and outdoor activities surrounding the campus provide a perfect balance for students studying both the technical and artistic aspects of game creation.
3. DigiPen Institute of Technology
Redmond, WA
DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, WA, specializes in video game design education. Located near Seattle, you’ll be close to major game studios like Microsoft, giving you valuable networking opportunities. Dive deep into game development and work on real-world projects in this immersive program.
4. Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, offers a collaborative video game design program. With its campus in the heart of the city, you’ll be surrounded by rich history, culture, and a thriving tech scene. Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and learn from industry professionals.
5. Hampshire College
Amherst, MA
Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, provides a unique approach to video game design education. Located in the picturesque Pioneer Valley, you’ll be inspired by the beautiful New England setting. Create your own curriculum, focusing on your interests and goals, while working closely with faculty mentors.
6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, combines technology and art in their video game design program. The campus offers easy access to Boston and its vibrant gaming community. Learn the ins and outs of game development, from coding to storytelling, in this immersive experience.
7. Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, provides a comprehensive video game design program. The campus, situated near the scenic Finger Lakes, offers a mix of natural beauty and urban amenities. Develop a strong foundation in both the technical and artistic aspects of game creation, preparing you for a successful career.
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, is renowned for its cutting-edge video game design program. The campus is just across the river from Boston, giving you access to the city’s rich gaming and tech industries. Learn from world-class faculty and gain valuable experience working on innovative projects.
9. New York University
Brooklyn, NY
New York University in Brooklyn, NY, offers a creative and collaborative video game design program. With the campus situated in one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll be inspired by the city’s bustling arts and tech scenes. Work with a diverse group of students, learning the skills needed to succeed in the game industry.
Top Video Game Design Schools – Graduate
1. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, offers a top-ranked graduate video game design program. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be surrounded by a thriving entertainment industry and a vibrant arts scene. Learn advanced techniques and work on real-world projects, preparing you for leadership roles in the gaming world.
2. University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
The University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL, provides a graduate video game design program that focuses on cutting-edge technology. With its campus near the world-famous theme parks, you’ll experience the magic of the city while gaining the skills needed to excel in the fast-paced gaming industry.
3. Southern Methodist University
Plano, TX
Southern Methodist University in Plano, TX, offers a graduate video game design program with a strong emphasis on teamwork. Located in the Dallas metropolitan area, you’ll have access to a growing tech scene and networking opportunities. Collaborate with other students to create innovative games and learn valuable project management skills.
4. University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, has an advanced video game design program for graduate students. With its campus surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, you’ll find inspiration in the natural beauty while building on your existing skills and learning new techniques to succeed in the gaming industry.
5. DigiPen Institute of Technology
Redmond, WA
DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, WA, provides a specialized graduate video game design program. Located near Seattle, you’ll benefit from close proximity to major game studios like Microsoft and Valve. Deepen your knowledge of game development and work on challenging projects that prepare you for a successful career.
6. Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, offers a graduate video game design program that combines theory and practice. With its campus in the city’s vibrant center, you’ll be immersed in history, culture, and a thriving tech scene. Learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience with the latest technology.
7. University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
University of California, Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA, has a graduate video game design program focused on innovation. The campus is nestled between the beach and the redwood forests, offering a perfect setting for creative inspiration. Develop the skills needed to create groundbreaking games that push the boundaries of the industry.
8. Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, offers an advanced video game design program for graduate students. The campus, close to the scenic Finger Lakes, provides a mix of natural beauty and urban amenities. Learn cutting-edge techniques and work on real-world projects that prepare you for success in the gaming industry.
9. New York University
Brooklyn, NY
New York University in Brooklyn, NY, provides a graduate video game design program that fosters creativity and collaboration. Situated in one of NYC’s most dynamic neighborhoods, you’ll be inspired by the bustling arts and tech scenes. Work with diverse students and learn the skills needed to excel in the gaming world.
10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, is renowned for its innovative graduate video game design program. Just across the river from Boston, you’ll have access to the city’s thriving gaming and tech industries. Learn from world-class faculty and gain valuable experience working on cutting-edge projects.
Traditional schools for non-traditional game degrees
Many traditional schools like the University of Southern California, the University of Utah and dozens of others, also offer certificates, Bachelor’s degrees, or even Master’s degrees in video game related coursework.
I’ve done a bunch of legwork for you, and compiled a list of over 100 different video game degree programs available in the United States. The list is below. It’s a work in progress, so the list isn’t complete – but I’ll keep working on it. In the meantime, I hope it opens your eyes to opportunities you might not have found otherwise.
There’s a lot of info in these tables, so here are some hints for finding what you need:
- You can use the Search box to filter down to whatever you’re interested in. For example try searching for things like “art”, “bachelors” or “certificate.”
- If you’re on a mobile phone, try viewing the table in landscape mode for more columns.
Video Game Design Degrees
A variety of certificates and degrees are available to teach you the basics and not-so-basics of game design. With courses including topics like psychology, economics, 3D graphics fundamentals, and even intros to computer programming, the “generalist” discipline of Game Design is likely the most well-covered by US schools.
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Video Game Art Degrees
When it comes to game art, there’s a seemingly limitless number of specializations available. 3D modeling, character animation, environment art, 2D art and user interface, motion graphics, and more are covered in dozens of US game art curricula to get your career started. From certificate to Master’s Degrees, the sky is the limit.
| School | Website | Program Name | Program Type | Program Website | Program Hours | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood College | http://www.westwood.edu | Graphic Design | Bachelor’s Degree Major in Game Art | http://www.westwood.edu/request-info/schools/school-of-design/game-art-degree | 3 Years | 01/01/1970 |
| West Georgia Technical College | http://www.westgatech.edu/ | Animation and Game Design | Certificate | http://westgatech.edu/academics/CIS/AnimationAndGameSpecCert.pdf | 14 credit hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Virginia College | http://www.vc.edu | 3D Imaging and Animation | Bachelor's degree in 3D Imaging and Animation | http://www.vc.edu/bachelor-degrees/computer-animation-huntsville.cfm | 165 weeks | 01/01/1970 |
| Utah Valley University | http://www.uvu.edu | Gaming and Animation | Bachelor of Science in Digital Media - Gaming and Animation | http://www.uvu.edu/catalog/current/departments/digital-media/digital-media-gaming-and-animation-emphasis-bs/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| University of Wisconsin | http://www.uwstout.edu/ | Graphic Design and Interactive | B.F.A. in Graphic Design and Interactive Media | http://www.uwstout.edu/programs/bfagdim/index.cfm | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| University of Utah | http://www.utah.edu/ | Game Arts, | Certificate | http://eae.utah.edu/admissions/masters-program/arts-track/ | 2 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| University of Southern California | http://www.usc.edu | Game Animation | M.F.A. in Interactive Media Minor in Game Animation | http://games.usc.edu/main/degree-programs/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| University of Phoenix, Inc | http://www.phoenix.edu | Advanced Multimedia Development | Certificate | http://www.phoenix.edu/programs/continuing-education/certificate-programs/technology/cert-ammd.html | 18 credits | 01/01/1970 |
| University of Phoenix, Inc | http://www.phoenix.edu | The Multimedia Development | Certificate | http://www.phoenix.edu/programs/continuing-education/certificate-programs/technology/cert-mmd.html | 18 credits | 01/01/1970 |
| University of Advancing Technology | http://www.uat.edu/ | Game Art And Animation Online | Bachelor Of Arts Game Art And Animation Online | http://majors.uat.edu/Game-Art/?_ga=1.15657590.1944184727.1427061360 | 8 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| The University of Denver | http://www.du.edu/ | Animation and Game Development | Bachelor of Art in Animation and Game Development | http://gamedev.cs.du.edu/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| The University of Denver | http://www.du.edu/ | Animation and Game Development | Bachelor of Science in Animation and Game Development | http://gamedev.cs.du.edu/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School. | http://www.daveschool.com/ | Game Production and Visual Effects Production | Certificate Program | http://www.daveschool.com/?page_id=81 | 12 months | 01/01/1970 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | http://www.scad.edu | Digital Media | B.A. in digital media | http://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/interactive-design-and-game-development/degrees/ba | 180 hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | http://www.scad.edu | Game Development | B.F.A. in interactive design and game development | http://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/interactive-design-and-game-development/degrees/bfa | 180 hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | http://www.scad.edu | Game Development | M.A. in interactive design and game development | http://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/interactive-design-and-game-development/degrees/ma | 45 hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | http://www.scad.edu | Game Development | M.F.A. in interactive design and game development | http://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/interactive-design-and-game-development | 90 hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Sanford-Brown College | http://www.sanfordbrown.edu | Graphic Design | Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design | http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/areas-of-study/design/graphic-design/associate-of-applied-science-in-graphic-design?campus=sbc%20-%20seattle | 20 months | 01/01/1970 |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design | http://www.rmcad.edu/ | Animation with a concentration in 3D | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation with a concentration in 3D | http://www.rmcad.edu/academics/animation | 123 credit hour program is conducted completely online | 01/01/1970 |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design | http://www.rmcad.edu/ | 3D Animation - Character Animation | Certificate | http://www.rmcad.edu/academics/3d-animation-character-animation | 18 credit hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design | http://www.rmcad.edu/ | Design Strategy + Innovation | Master of Arts in Design Strategy + Innovation | http://www.rmcad.edu/academics/design-strategy-innovation | 33-credit-hours online | 01/01/1970 |
| Ringling College of Art + Design | http://www.ringling.edu/ | Game Art | B.F.A in Game Art | http://www.ringling.edu/learn/majors/game-art/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Ringling College of Art + Design | http://www.ringling.edu/ | Game Art & Design | B.F.A in Game Art & Design | http://www.ringling.edu/learn/majors/game-art-design/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) | www.rpi.edu | Game and Simulation Arts | Bachelor of Science in games and simulation arts degree. | http://www.hass.rpi.edu/pl/bs-degree-games-simulation-arts-science | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Rasmussen, Inc | http://www.rasmussen.edu | Animation and Motion Graphics Specialization | Associate’s Degree | http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/animation-motion-graphics/ | 18 Months | 01/01/1970 |
| Rasmussen, Inc | http://www.rasmussen.edu | Web and Interactive Design Specialization | Associate’s Degree | http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/web-interactive-design/ | 18 Months | 01/01/1970 |
| Rasmussen, Inc | http://www.rasmussen.edu | Animation and Motion Graphics Specialization | Bachelor’s Degree | http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/animation-motion-graphics/ | 36 Months | 01/01/1970 |
| Rasmussen, Inc | http://www.rasmussen.edu | Web and Interactive Design Specialization | Bachelor’s Degree | http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/web-interactive-design/ | 36 Months | 01/01/1970 |
| Rasmussen, Inc | http://www.rasmussen.edu | Animation and Motion Graphics Specialization | Diploma | http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/animation-motion-graphics/ | 15 Months | 01/01/1970 |
| Rasmussen, Inc | http://www.rasmussen.edu | Web and Interactive Design Specialization | Diploma | http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/web-interactive-design/ | 15 Months | 01/01/1970 |
| Quinnipiac University | www.quinnipiac.edu | Game Design + Development | BA in Game Design + Development | http://www.quinnipiac.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/department-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ba-in-game-design-and-development-and-minor/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Quinnipiac University | www.quinnipiac.edu | Interactive Digital Design | BA in Interactive Digital Design | http://www.quinnipiac.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/department-of-visual-and-performing-arts/ba-in-interactive-digital-design/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Provo College | http://www.provocollege.edu | Visual Media & Graphic Design | Associate in Visual Media & Graphic Design | http://www.provocollege.edu/programs/design-technology/graphic-and-web-design/ | 2 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Provo College | http://www.provocollege.edu | Visual Media & Graphic Design | Bachelors in Visual Media & Graphic Design | http://www.provocollege.edu/programs/justice/graphic-design-bachelors-degree/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Post University | http://www.post.edu | Online Game Design & Animation | Certificate | http://www.post.edu/online/degrees/game-design-certificate/index.shtml | 18 months | 01/01/1970 |
| Nashville State Community College | http://www.nscc.edu | 3-D Design and Graphics Technical | The 3-D Design and Graphics Technical Certificate | http://www.nscc.edu/programs/c/computer-and-engineering-technologies/3-d-design-and-graphics/ | 2 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Manatee Technical College | http://manateetech.edu | 3-D Animation Technology | Certificate | http://manateetech.edu/career-prep/3-d-animation-technology/ | 1050 hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Los Angeles Film School | http://www.lafilm.edu | Animation and Visual Effects | Bachelor of Science in Animation and Visual Effects | http://www.lafilm.edu/programs/animation-vfx/ | 36 months | 01/01/1970 |
| Los Angeles Film School | http://www.lafilm.edu | Computer Animation | Associate of Science in Computer Animation | http://www.lafilm.edu/programs/animation-vfx/ | 18 months | 01/01/1970 |
| Grand Canyon University | http://www.gcu.edu | Web Design | Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design | http://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/bachelor-of-science-in-computer-science-with-an-emphasis-in-game-and-simulation-development | 48 months | 01/01/1970 |
| Full Sail University | http://www.fullsail.edu | Computer Animation | B. S. Computer Animation | http://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/campus/computer-animation-bachelors | 5.25 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Full Sail University | http://www.fullsail.edu | Digital Arts and Design | B.S Digital Arts and Design | http://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/campus/digital-arts-design-bachelors | 5.25 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Full Sail University | http://www.fullsail.edu | Game Art | B.S Game Art | http://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/campus/game-art-bachelors | 5.25 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Ex’pression College | http://www.expression.edu/ | Animation & Visual Effects | Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Animation & Visual Effects | http://www.expression.edu/animation-visual-effects/curriculum/ | 120 total semester credit units | 01/01/1970 |
| Ex’pression College | http://www.expression.edu/ | Game Art & Design | Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Game Art & Design | http://www.expression.edu/game-art-design/curriculum/ | 120 total semester credit units | 01/01/1970 |
| Ex’pression College | http://www.expression.edu/ | Graphic Design & Motion | Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design & Motion | http://www.expression.edu/motion-graphic-design/curriculum/ | 120 total semester credit units | 01/01/1970 |
| Eastern Washington University | http://www.ewu.edu | 3D Animation/Game Development | BA in 3D Animation/Game Development | http://www.ewu.edu/cstem/programs/computer-science/cs-degrees-learning-outcomes-statistics/ba3d | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Digital Media Arts College | http://www.dmac.edu/ | Computer Animation Game Art Concentration | Certificate Program | http://www.dmac.edu/Programs.aspx | less than 300 clock hours | 01/01/1970 |
| Digital Media Arts College | http://www.dmac.edu/ | Visual Effects Animation | Graduate | http://www.dmac.edu/Programs.aspx | 5 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Digital Media Arts College | http://www.dmac.edu/ | Computer Animation Game Art Concentration | Undergraduate | http://www.dmac.edu/Programs.aspx | 10.5 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Columbia College - Chicago | http://www.colum.edu/ | Game Art | Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, Game Art | http://www.colum.edu/academics/media-arts/interactive-arts-and-media/majors-and-programs.html | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Columbia College - Chicago | http://www.colum.edu/ | Game Art | Minor in Game Art | http://www.colum.edu/academics/media-arts/interactive-arts-and-media/majors-and-programs.html | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Chattanooga State Community College | https://www.chattanoogastate.edu | Game Art Concentration | Associate of Applied Science Digital Media Design & Production | https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/program/BIT/game-art | 2 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| California State University Chico | http://www.csuchico.edu/ | Computer Animation and Game Development | BS in Applied Computer Graphics, Computer Animation and Game Development | http://www.csuchico.edu/apr/program_portfolios/engineering_comp-sci_construc-manage/appl_comp_graph/index.shtml | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Ashford University | http://www.ashford.edu | Computer Graphic Design | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Graphic Design | http://www.ashford.edu/degrees/campus/ba-graphic-design.htm | 208 weeks | 01/01/1970 |
| Abilene Christian University | http://www.acu.edu | Digital Entertainment Technology (DET) | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Digital Entertainment Technology (DET) | http://www.acu.edu/academics/sitc/majors/det.html | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| Oklahoma Christian University | http://www.oc.edu/ | Gaming and Animation | B.F.A. Gaming and Animation | http://www.oc.edu/academics/art-design/degrees/gaming-animation/ | 2.5 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| DigiPen | https://www.digipen.edu | Digital Art and Animation | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation | https://www.digipen.edu/academics/degree-programs/digital-art-and-animation/ | 4 semesters | 01/01/1970 |
| AIE, Academy of Interactive Entertainment | http://www.theaie.us | Game Art and Animation | Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development | http://www.theaie.us/courses/game_art_animation/Game_art_and_animation_specializing_in_art | 2 years | 01/01/1970 |
| AIE, Academy of Interactive Entertainment | http://www.theaie.us | 3D Animation & VFX for Film | Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media | http://www.theaie.us/courses/3d_animation_for_film_tv/ad_dip_screen_vfx.html | 2 years | 01/01/1970 |
Video Game Programming Degrees
Any computer programming degree can get you started toward a specialization in game programming, but these courses take it to the next level. Learn game-specific areas like 3D graphics, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction to start your career in video games or even “serious applications” like medical or industrial simulation.
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Video Game General Degrees
Some game-related degrees are hard to put into a specific category, such as these programs for video game production and management, or high-level views of the game development process across disciplines.
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If you know of a school that’s missing from the list, please let me know and I’ll add it.
Image: hywards/freedigitalphotos.net, guest starring Volgaar the Viking
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