Discover the best universities for studying game design, including their programs, admission requirements, and career options.
The gaming industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, with revenue projections estimated to reach $300 billion by 2025. With such a rapidly growing market, it’s no surprise that game design has become a sought-after field of study.
Game design involves creating the visual and interactive aspects of video games, from the characters and environments to the game mechanics and user interface.
As the demand for talented game designers continues to rise, many universities have developed robust game design programs to meet this need. In this article, we will provide a list of the top 10 universities for game design.
This guide is intended to help prospective students and industry professionals make informed decisions about where to study or recruit talent. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in game design or just curious about the best programs out there, this list has got you covered.
Criteria for selection best universites for game design
The selection process for our top 10 universities for game design involved a thorough review of various factors that we believe are essential in determining the quality and effectiveness of a game design program. We considered multiple criteria, such as:
- Faculty: We looked at the qualifications and experience of the faculty members teaching in the game design programs. We considered the ratio of faculty to students, as well as their industry experience, research, and publications in the field.
- Facilities: We examined the availability and quality of the facilities and resources provided to students for game design. This includes access to software, hardware, equipment, and technology that are necessary for game design.
- Curriculum: We reviewed the course offerings and the curriculum for the game design programs, including the variety, depth, and relevance of the courses offered, as well as the overall learning outcomes and objectives of the program.
- Industry connections: We looked at the industry partnerships, internships, and other opportunities available for students to gain hands-on experience and build connections with industry professionals.
- Reputation and ranking: We considered the reputation and ranking of the university and its game design program, both within the academic community and the gaming industry.
By considering these factors, we were able to identify the top universities that are leading the way in game design education. It’s worth noting that these criteria are not the only factors that make a game design program great, but they are a good starting point for evaluating the overall quality of a program.
The Top 10 Universities for Game Design
Sure, here are the top 10 universities for game design, listed in ascending order:
1. University of Southern California
Located in Los Angeles, California, USC is home to the USC Games program, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in game design. USC Games has won multiple awards and is consistently ranked as one of the top game design programs in the United States.
2. Carnegie Mellon University
CMU is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is home to the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC), which offers a Master of Entertainment Technology. The ETC is a collaborative program between the College of Fine Arts and the School of Computer Science, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top game design programs in the world.
3. University of California, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, California, and is home to the Center for Games and Playable Media. The center offers a Master of Science in Games and Playable Media and a PhD in Computational Media, with a focus on game design and development. UC Santa Cruz is known for its innovative and experimental approach to game design education.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is home to the Comparative Media Studies and Writing program. This program offers a Bachelor of Science in Comparative Media Studies and a Master of Science in Comparative Media Studies with a concentration in game design. MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research in technology and game design.
5. New York University
NYU is located in New York City and offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and a Master of Science in Game Design. NYU’s game design program is highly regarded in the industry and has produced multiple award-winning games.
6. University of Central Florida
UCF is located in Orlando, Florida, and is home to the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), which offers a Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment. FIEA has been ranked as one of the top game design programs in the world and is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and industry connections.
7. Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT is located in Rochester, New York, and is home to the School of Interactive Games and Media. RIT offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, a Master of Science in Game Design and Development, and a PhD in Game Design and Development. RIT’s game design program has been consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country.
8. University of Southern California
USC is located in Los Angeles, California, and is home to the USC Games program, which offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in game design. USC Games has won multiple awards and is consistently ranked as one of the top game design programs in the United States.
9. University of Utah
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, offers a Bachelor of Science in Games and a Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering, with specializations in game design, engineering, and production. The university is home to the EAE (Entertainment Arts and Engineering) program, which has consistently been ranked as one of the top game design programs in the country.
10. DigiPen Institute of Technology
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private college specializing in computer science and game design. DigiPen offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in game design, animation, and computer science, and has won numerous awards for its student projects.
Honorable mentions 11-15
Here are some notable universities with strong game design programs that did not make it into our top 10 list, but are still worth considering:
11. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech offers a Master of Science in Digital Media with a focus on game design, and also offers a PhD in Digital Media. The program is highly interdisciplinary, drawing from areas such as computer science, engineering, and the humanities.
12. University of Wisconsin-Stou
UW-Stout offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design and Development, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Game Design. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and collaboration, with students working on real-world projects and engaging with industry professionals.
13. DePaul University
Located in Chicago, DePaul University offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design, a Master of Fine Arts in Game Design, and a Graduate Certificate in Game Design. DePaul’s game design program is known for its focus on experiential learning and its close ties to the Chicago gaming industry.
14. Full Sail University
Full Sail is a private university located in Winter Park, Florida, specializing in creative media and entertainment. Full Sail offers a range of programs in game design, including a Bachelor of Science in Game Design, a Master of Science in Game Design, and various specialized certificate programs.
15. University of California, Irvine
UC Irvine offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Game Science and a Master of Science in Computer Game Science, with a focus on game design, development, and programming. The program emphasizes the technical aspects of game design and is known for its strong industry connections.
These universities may not have made our top 10 list, but they are still notable for their game design programs and have produced talented graduates who have made an impact in the gaming industry. Prospective students should consider these universities as potential options for their game design education.
Conclusion
In conclusion, game design is a critical component of the fast-growing gaming industry, and these top 10 universities for game design are leading the way in producing talented and skilled game designers. From the University of Southern California to Carnegie Mellon University, each university on our list offers outstanding programs in game design with dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry connections.
These universities are not only providing quality education but are also shaping the future of the gaming industry by producing graduates who are pushing the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and technology. By collaborating with industry professionals, conducting cutting-edge research, and exploring emerging trends, these universities are helping to prepare students for the rapidly evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
If you’re considering a career in game design or want to learn more about the field, these universities are a great place to start. By attending one of these top universities, you will have access to the best resources, connections, and opportunities to help you succeed in the world of game design.