Best Game Design Degrees 2021

Overview

One of 10 campuses in the University of California system, UC Santa Cruz is home to over 18,000 students. With over 65 undergraduate majors and over 50 concentrations, this university is abuzz with activity and excitement. Interested in gaming? UC Santa Cruz now offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game Design.

Program Features

The game design program at UC Santa Cruz focuses on the technical, narrative, and artistic foundations of computer games. Your course schedule may include the following classes:

• History of Digital Games
• Modern Art: Pop to Present
• Video Games as Visual Culture
• Computer Systems & Assembly Language

While other game degree programs are art and design-focused, UC Santa Cruz offers a more technology focused curriculum. Students will leave with a strong computer science foundation, preparing them for a multitude of gaming careers.

Notables

The School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz hosts the undergraduate Game Design Studio. This studio is home to high-end computer game development workstations with high performance graphics cards and dual displays at each workstation. From the latest gaming consoles to a large library of books about game technology, design and art, the Game Design Studio is an enriching way to build skills outside of the classroom.

Overview

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is located in the charming town of Burlington, Vermont. Champlain is home to the best and brightest. In fact, the college was named a Most Innovative School in the North by U.S. News & World Report. One of the 29 undergraduate degrees now offered at Champlain College is in Game Design.

Program Features

What makes Champlain’s gaming program unique? The fact that they flip the norm! Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum allows students to begin taking Game Design classes during their first semester. Undergraduate courses may include:

• Visual Communication for Game Design
• Game History and Development
• Aesthetic Interactions
• Foundations of Human Communication

All students must also complete a capstone project. Looking to make the most of your undergraduate journey? You can also pursue an optional Sonic Arts specialization with courses like Film Scoring, Audio Production, and Sound Design for Interactivity & Games.

Notables

With Champlain’s career-focused gaming curriculum, students will be prepared for exciting careers within the industry. Looking to study abroad? Game design majors can study on Champlain’s campus in Montréal, Canada. Montréal is the third-largest game development city in the world! Game design students can also participate in a summer program in Tokyo, Japan through Sophia University.

Overview

Cogswell Polytechnical College is located in San Jose, California. With just over 600 students enrolled, Cogswell is one of the smallest school’s on this list. But what it lacks in population, it makes up for in curriculum. In fact, if you don’t mind a smaller college, Cogswell now offers an excellent program in Game Design & Development.

Program Features

Cogswell prepares students for real-world jobs through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum. Undergraduate core courses may include:

• Game Production
• Character Rigging
• Intro to 3D Modeling
• Intro to Scripting: Python
• Digital Imaging Concepts

Students can choose to pursue a B.A. in Game Design Art or a B.S. in Game Design Engineering. The differences lie in your area of interest. Are you more artistic and creative? Or do you prefer to learn all of the science and technology that goes into creating unique games? Cogswell caters to both mindsets – it’s truly your choice!

Notables

Cogswell allows students to learn game design using professional tools like Maya, Unity and Unreal Engine. It’s no surprise that graduates of this program have gone on to work at many prestigious companies, including: Activision, Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts and Sony.

Overview

This public research university in Orlando, Florida offers more than 200 degree programs in 13 colleges. Innovation and diversity are core values at UCF– in fact, UCF was listed as the No. 25 Most Innovative University out of nearly 1,400 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Now, UCF’s School of Visual Arts & Design offers a B.A. in Digital Media with a concentration in Game Design.

Program Features

In the Game Design specialization, students will learn about the history, culture, design, and implementation of video games and video game technologies. Students will complete courses including:

• Modeling for Realtime Systems
• Digital Cultures and Narratives
• Casual Game Production
• Illustration

UCF prepares students for careers as game designers, 3D modelers, lighting artists, game producers, animators, and more. Professors teach students to build games, both in groups and as individuals, throughout their undergraduate journey.

Notables

In 2016, UCF’s graduate school was ranked as having the best video game program in North America by The Princeton Review and PC Gamer Magazine. The school was ranked against 150 institutions offering game design coursework. UCF graduates have gone on to work at prestigious companies, including: Google, Electronic Arts, Blizzard, Bungie, Zynga, Ubisoft, Disney, and many more.

Overview

DePaul University is a private university in Chicago, Illinois that was founded in 1898. The university is named after the 17th-century French priest, Saint Vincent de Paul. Now home to nearly 24,000 students, DePaul is the largest Catholic university in the country. DePaul’s College of Computing and Digital Media now offers a B.S. in Game Design.

Program Features

DePaul’s Game Design curriculum focuses on the entire development cycle from ideation to documentation, prototyping, implementation, iteration, and testing to create stunning gaming experiences. Courses may include:

• Practical Scripting for Games
• Advanced Game Design
• Game Sound Design
• Evolution of Games

All students must complete a minimum of 192 credit hours to receive their diploma. Every student will also have to complete a comprehensive capstone project that will be showcased to both industrial professionals, as well as to family and friends.

Notables

Interested in studying abroad? DePaul offers a two-week trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Nagoya where students will learn more about computer games and animation around the world. Students can also study at Abertay University in Scotland for five weeks at the Dare Academy Summer School for Game Design. The program ends with the DiGRA/FDG conference and Dare to be Digital game festival.

Overview

Columbia College Chicago is an independent liberal arts college with more than 100 undergraduate and 15 graduate degree programs. Founded in 1890, Columbia College currently enrolls more than 8,000 students. Now, the School of Media Arts offers a variety of game-related majors fit for any virtual world fanatic.

Program Features

The Interactive Arts and Media Department at Columbia College is home to the following bachelor’s degrees:

• Game Art
• Animation
• Programming
• Game Design
• Interaction Design
• Computer Animation
• Traditional Animation

Depending on where your interests lie, any one of the above majors will provide you with the foundation for an incredible career in the gaming industry. If you are more artistic, go for Game Art or Design. Tend to enjoy the more technical side of things? Apply for the Programming or Animation major!

Notables

What makes Columbia College unique is the state-of-the-art facilities in which students can work and interact. From the computer lab classrooms and Motion Capture Studio, to the Game Lab and Fabrication Lab, there are plenty of opportunities to get playful and further develop your skills. All of these facilities are held in a 35,500-square-foot Media Production Center, making it easy for students to collaborate and innovate.

Overview

Founded just over 30 years ago, Shawnee State University is located in Portsmouth, Ohio and is home to about 3,800 students. With 80 bachelor’s and associate degree programs, Shawnee provides students with the foundation they need to succeed in their careers. Now, Shawnee offers a B.S. in Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology, as well as a BFA in Gaming and Simulation.

Program Features

For those who want to focus on computer science and gain a more technical background, the B.S. degree is the way to go. Courses may include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Graphics
• Concepts of 3D Graphics & Math
• Game Programming Foundations

With a state-of-the-art Motion Capture Studio lab, students will learn skills that will make them extremely marketable outside of the classroom. It’s strongly recommended that students in this program have a recent Macbook Air or Macbook Pro to complete their coursework on.

Notables

Shawnee’s gaming program has been recognized by The Princeton Review as a Top Game Design Program six years in a row. Shawnee also hosts an annual interactive digital technology conference that brings together game developers, students, and industry leaders from all over the country.

Overview

This private research university located in Worcester, MA is home to mascot Gompei the Goat and nearly 6,000 students. Founded in 1865, WPI now offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students can now participate in WPI’s close-knit and top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media & Game Development (IMGD) degree.

Program Features

At WPI, every student will choose to focus on either the artistic or technical side of the game development. All students will develop a core background in computer science, mathematics, science, art, music, and English. Courses may include:

• Game Audio
• Digital Imaging & Computer Art
• Philosophy & Ethics of Computer Games
• Advanced Storytelling: Quest Logic & Level Design

WPI is also a very hands-on, project-based learning environment. You’ll complete several projects during your undergraduate experience; from designing short computer animations to creating innovative board games. Early on, students will learn how to think with an entrepreneurial spirit, helping them to succeed in any job within the gaming industry.

Notables

Looking for a program that doesn’t require you to submit an SAT or ACT score? Ten years ago, WPI became the first nationally-ranked science and engineering university to adopt a test-optional admissions policy. As long as you can demonstrate a passion for the industry, there’s no need to fret over your test scores when applying to WPI.

Overview

While this school does have ties to the Sarasota circus magnate, John Ringling, there’s no clowning around here when it comes to quality degrees! Founded in 1931, the Ringling College of Art and Design has an enrollment of over 1,300 creative students. Now, you can study game design mechanics, meaningful play, and interactivity through the school’s Game Art major.

Program Features

The Game Art major at Ringling is all about designing, creating, and analyzing the visual components of games in a highly collaborative environment. Courses may include:

• 2D/3D Design
• History of Game Art
• Programming for Artists
• Development of Art & Ideas

All students will also participate in a thesis project during their fourth and final year. Ringling also brings in renowned, successful visiting artists to participate in milestone critiques. The  real-world perspective from these artists brings student thinking out of the classroom and into the professional arena.

Notables

Graduates of Ringling’s Game Art program will be well-prepared for a career in game design and programming. In fact, past graduates have gone on to work at a number of prestigious companies, including: Zynga, Warner Bros, Microsoft Game Studios, Hasbro, and many more!

Overview

The University of California at Irvine is a public, land-grant research institution. Known as UC Irvine to students and faculty, this school is often considered a Public Ivy. With over 175 degrees offered within 15 schools, UC Irvine is home to researchers, innovators, and go-getters. Now, the university offers a unique Computer Game Science undergraduate degree for those interested in creating virtual worlds.

Program Features

If you want to learn how computer games work on the inside or you want to learn how to use computer games for social good, UC Irvine is the place for you. Students will receive a comprehensive core foundation, including the fundamentals of computer science, math, and games. Courses may include:

• Modeling and World Building
• New Media and Digital Technologies
• Introduction to Software Engineering
• Requirements Analysis and Engineering

Not only will you learn how to build games at UC Irvine, you’ll analyze the impact games have on our society for their use in education, art, and social change.

Notables

CGS graduates are well-trained in computer science, and go on to pursue careers that involve designing, implementing, evaluating, or interacting with computer-based systems. UC Irvine’s game design program was ranked #7 among the Top 10 West Coast Game Design Schools. It  was also ranked 27th among the Top 50 Schools Nationwide for Game Design.

Overview

With an enrollment of just under 2,000 students, Becker College is a small school with a lot to offer. Located in Worcester, MA, Becker has been ranked #2 out of all small colleges in the United States. Now, those interested in game design should take a look at Becker’s School of Design & Technology. Students can now pursue a variety of degrees that will prepare them for careers in gaming.

Program Features

Students at Becker can choose between a few avenues to study game design. For example, you could pursue a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science with a concentration in Game Programming. Or, you could earn a B.A. in Interactive Media Design or a B.A. in Design with a unique concentration. Areas of interest include:

• Game Arts
• Graphic Design Concentration
• Game Production and Management Concentration
• Interactive Media Design: Game Design Concentration
• Interactive Media Design: Game Development and Programming Concentration

Notables

Becker’s undergraduate video game design program was ranked #5 in the world and #1 in New England by The Princeton Review. In fact, the program has been top-ranked for eight consecutive years! Becker is also home to the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDiGI). This statewide center was developed to foster growth of the game industry and innovation economy in the state.

Overview

Bradley University was founded in the late 1800’s and is now home to nearly 5,500 students. Located in Peoria, Illinois, Bradley provides folks with over 185 undergraduate and graduate academic programs to choose from. Now, Bradley’s Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Game Design.

Program Features

Bradley’s game design program focuses on the development of games, including gameplay, storytelling and conception, visual and audio media, and teamwork among artists, programmers, and storytellers. Courses may include:

• Critical Game Studies
• Two-Dimensional Animation
• Quality Assurance in Games
• Concepting and Storytelling for Interactive Media

All students must complete 124 semester hours, including a capstone project. Prospective students should also be aware that all Interactive Media students are required to have a 13 or 15-inch Macbook Pro to complete their coursework.

Notables

Bradley’s game design program was ranked #12 in the nation and #1 in the midwest by The Princeton Review. It’s no surprise that graduates of this program have gone on to work at prestigious companies, including: DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures, Microsoft Game Studios, f84 Games, Deep Silver Volition Games, Fuse FX, and Williams Interactive.

Overview

Founded in 1929, the Academy of Art University is located in San Francisco, California. With students from over 112 countries, this art academy is thriving with new and innovative ideas. From design and fine art, to entertainment and liberal arts, there is something for every student. Now, the university offers two excellent gaming degrees: Video Game Programming and Video Game Development.

Program Features

Students of this university will have access to the very best technology to better understand pre-production and production gaming environments. Common areas of interests include:

• Game Design
• UI/UX Design
• Character Concept Art
• 3D Character Modeling
• Environment Concept Art
• 3D Environment Modeling

You can take courses like History and Techniques of Games, Computer Graphics for Animation, and Motion Quick Sketching. This program allows students the flexibility to mix and match courses that best suit their individual interests and career goals.

Notables

Graduates of the Academy of Art University have gone on to work for prestigious companies, including: Sony, Riot Games, Zynga, EA, and Crystal Dynamics. Whether you wish to be a character concept artist or a 3D environment modeler, the Academy of Art will help you to succeed.

Overview

Originally founded as a branch of UVA, George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA and is home to nearly 34,000 students. Consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the nation, George Mason offers plenty of unique degree options. In fact, students can now study Computer Game Design through the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Program Features

What makes George Mason unique is that their game design course work draws from a number of fields of study, including computer science, visual arts, digital arts and computer music. This 120-credit degree includes courses like:

• Music for Film and Video
• Online and Mobile Gaming
• New Media in the Creative Arts
• Writing and Editing Music and Sound

All students must also participate in an internship during their undergraduate studies. This required internship provides students with practical experience that greatly enhances their job outlook after graduation.

Notables

The GMU Computer Game Design program hosts the only U.S. Serious Game Institute that focuses on game-related applied research and new innovative game company cultivation. The Institute was founded in 2014 as one of just six in the world (Coventry UK, MDA Singapore, Northwestern South Africa, Mexico, and Australia).

Overview

Founded in the 1930’s, Lawrence Technological University is a private university that’s located in Southfield, Michigan. While the campus is small, the learning opportunities are big at LTU. With over 100 degree programs offered, LTU is all about combining theory with practice. Many students choose LTU’s Game Art program within their College of Architecture and Design.

Program Features

This program is perfect for those passionate about design, storytelling, and using cutting edge technology to build unique worlds. All students must complete a 125-credit-hour program to receive their degree. Courses may include:

• Scripting for Game Design
• History of Game Design
• 3D Animation
• Life Drawing

Applicants are expected to submit a design portfolio with at least 10, but no more than 20, pieces. The pieces could include still life, figurative drawing, perspective, and feature objects found in everyday life.

Notables

Lawrence Technological University has been named one of the best school’s in the Midwest, according to The Princeton Review. The school also offers another way to study game development; if you’d rather build a strong background in computer science, you can study CS with a concentration in game software development. It’s a good alternative if your background is less artsy and more tech-related.