Many of us like to play video games. For some, the fascination extends to what goes on behind the scenes in the design and production of a game. The best schools for game design will help you start a career in game design. Game design is a niche field in digital production, and many have built very successful careers in game tech.
The best game design universities and colleges offer top-notch game design bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the best game design schools. The article details what to expect from various game design programs. If you’re looking for a career in the video game industry, we list the best jobs and the potential salaries.
Best Game Design College and University Rankings: Top 10 Game Design Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 25 |
| Clark University | MA | In-person | 103 |
| DePaul University | IL | Hybrid | 127 |
| Drexel University | PA | In-person | 103 |
| Full Sail University | FL | Hybrid | N/A |
| Michigan State University | MI | In-Person | 83 |
| New York University | NY | In-person | 28 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | In-person | 117 |
| University of Southern California | CA | In-person | 27 |
| The University of Utah | UT | In-person | 99 |
Game Design School Rankings: Best Game Design Colleges and Universities
The best game design colleges and universities are discussed below in the same order as listed in the table above. You will find relevant information, such as acceptance rates, accrediting bodies, degrees offered, rankings, and the various video game design programs each school offers. These are important factors to consider when settling for a school.
The Best Schools for Game Design: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
When choosing the best schools for video game design, the list can be daunting. You can select anything from certificates and undergraduate minors to graduate degrees. With advanced technology in design and game programs, the future in game design is limitless. Below are the types of college degrees and university programs offered in game design.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Game Design Schools: Other Game Design University Rankings
The best game design universities and colleges can include private schools, public schools, and online schools. You’ll want to do a careful school search, as this will affect your future career in video game design. Design and technology are advancing to measureless spaces. Many schools give actual job experience to prepare students for the real world in interactive design and game development.
Best Online Game Design Schools
- Academy of Art University. Academy of Art University offers top online programs, from an award of completion to a Master of Fine Arts in Game Development. The school also offers a Bachelor of Science program for more mathematically inclined students. The university’s curricula are up to date so that students learn the current industry standards.
- Full Sail University Online. Full Sail University offers game art and a game design bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students learn the artistic elements of designing video games, such as character rendering in a 3D environment. Students learn how to transfer 2D principles into a 3D space.
- Southern New Hampshire University. Students studying the online game art degree at Southern New Hampshire University have access to technical support 24 hours a day. The 120-credit program teaches 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, digital painting, and character animation.
Best Community Colleges for Game Design
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College. This program allows students to start their careers using edge-cutting technology. Some of these career paths include video game designer and graphic designer.
- Brookdale Community College. Successful game designing students at Brookdale Community College will work with storyboards. They will create scenes, player avatars, and other exciting game features for entertainment design and interactive experiences.
- Monroe County Community College. Students acquire foundational skills to excel in game development careers. Graduates can prepare for entry-level roles in game programming and level design.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Game Design
- Drexel University. Students can build a solid foundation that prepares them for an exciting career in game development. The curriculum is well-rounded and touches all relevant aspects from scripting and storytelling to virtual reality.
- New York University. New York University has a dedicated game center that focuses on game studies and other fun events like exhibitions, playtests, and workshops.
- The University of Utah. This institution is one of the best in the country to learn about designing and developing games. This makes The University of Utah an excellent choice for this program.
Best Graduate Schools for Game Design
- Clark University. Students can customize their graduate learning experience to fully explore their passions. The Master of Fine Arts program is currently ranked number nine globally by The Princeton Review.
- University of Southern California. Students will focus on game designing and current innovations in the industry. They will also consider other electives to boost their knowledge of interactive media. The courses include experiments in interactivity, visual expression, and production.
- The University of Utah. The University of Utah has one of the most extensive structures in the game development master’s program. Students can choose to specialize in any of the four tracks that the school offers.
Best Game Design Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Rochester Institute of Technology | Bachelor and Master of Science in Game Design and Development. This combined program enables students to obtain both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Game Science. Students earn two degrees in the five-year program as they gain valuable knowledge and experience.
- The University of Utah | Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Education. This is a three-year dual degree program with an 84-credit requirement that combines the art of designing games with business. Students learn to design and publish games. The business side of the program gives students entrepreneurial skills to start their own gaming businesses.
- Lewis University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Master of Science in Computer Science with Game Concentration. This four plus one program allows students to complete a bachelor’s and master’s program in five years. Although it is a computer science degree, it includes a game concentration. The program is ideal for science-oriented minds who would like a varied career.
Best Schools With Accelerated Game Design Programs
- Franklin University | Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design. This Franklin University program opens up a wide range of artistic and technical career paths for students. It focuses on both the technical and non-technical aspects of game design.
- Full Sail University | Bachelor of Science in Game Design. This game development and design program at Full Sail University includes game design and production courses. The school offers a 20-month on-campus or 29-month online bachelor’s degree program.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science in Game Design and Development. Rochester Institute of Technology offers an accelerated path to help students obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years. Students will learn all the workings of game design and development at both levels.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Game Design Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for game design is worth it. You will get specialist knowledge to create your own games in contribution to the ever-growing gaming industry. You will work in a collaborative environment creating and designing computer and mobile gaming programs.
Developing a video game design program is both scientific and artistic and would suit a broad range of students. Those who prefer science and math can choose Master of Science and engineering programs. In comparison, those who are more artistic can study for a Master of Fine Arts.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Game Design Degree?
Jobs you can do with a game design degree are game development and design, game production, 3D animation, applications development, and graphic design. Attending a school with an excellent reputation will give you game studio exposure and hands-on experience to build your game design career.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Game Design?
You can earn between $49,000 and $93,000 per year with a degree in game design. According to PayScale, an associate degree will give you an entry-level salary of $53,000, per year. For graduates with a bachelor’s degree, the average salary is $69,000 per year. The annual salary for a master’s degree is an average of $79,000, per year.
Highest-Paying Game Design Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Game Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Creative Game Director | Bachelor’s degree | $90,875 |
| Game Producer | Bachelor’s degree | $79,432 |
| Animator | Bachelor’s degree | $78,790 |
| Game Artist | Bachelor’s degree | $78,790 |
| Video Game Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $67,764 |
| Level Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $60,099 |
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $50,710 |
| Game Audio Engineer | High school diploma | $49,050 |
| Video Game Tester | High school diploma | $41,139 |
Best Jobs With a Game Design Degree
The best jobs with a game design degree are video game tester, video game designer, animator, game artist, and graphic designer. Below are the best jobs in game design available at the different degree levels.
How Can I Pay for Game Design School?
You can pay for game design school with several options, including scholarships, student loans, personal savings, federal aid, and work-study jobs. We will briefly discuss some of these options below.
- Scholarships. Scholarships can go a long way in helping to offset some of the tuition costs. Check for the scholarship opportunities open to you, as you don’t have to repay any financial assistance you receive. Search online for scholarships from schools, government departments, organizations, or employers.
- Federal Funding. Even if you feel your chances are low, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form is essential. It can serve as a ticket to receiving financial aid. Once you submit the form, you put yourself in a position to receive financial assistance if you qualify. Most schools ask prospective students to fill out a FAFSA form during the application process.
- Student Loans. It is best to take out federal loans before private loans because of their lower interest rates. You only need to start repaying a federal loan once you start working. You can also take out a private student loan. There are many to choose from, just check the interest rates and make sure there are no hidden costs.
- Work-Study Program. This arrangement helps a student get a job while they are studying. It provides the students with income, work experience, and valuable connections that may help their future careers.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Game Design School for You
To choose the best game design school for you, you should consider factors such as the accreditation, graduation rate, flexibility, retention rate, career services, and school reputation. We have briefly discussed some of the factors below.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate of a school shows how many students completed its programs. This can indicate that a video game design school is of a good standard. Schools with high graduation rates are usually more exceptional than those with lower ones.
Accreditation
Accredited schools have met a set standard of education. If it’s accredited, it means it has met the requirements of the accrediting body. Studying in an accredited school means that you can transfer credits and apply for scholarships or federal aid.
Retention Rate
The retention rate of a school shows how many students stay to continue their studies after gaining admission. Schools with a high retention rate have top-notch faculty, excellent programs, and student support.
Flexibility
It is important to consider if a school has a learning format that suits your schedule. If you prefer to study from home because of a job or other personal reasons, you should consider an online learning format.
Career Services
Many schools are interested in the welfare of their students and will offer career path guidance in various ways. Make use of career counseling services, as they will help you with your resume, interviews, and job search.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Game Design?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for game design. Going to a highly-ranked school with a good reputation in this discipline can boost your chances of getting employment after graduation. Some schools have a game center where you can pick up practical skills and experiences through the different types of events that they hold. Attending these schools will give you a better learning experience.
Game Design University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Game Design
We ranked the best game design schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our game design university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of game design degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Game Design
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Best Game Design Schools FAQ
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California have the best game design programs. These schools are tied for first place as the best schools for game development, according to US News & World Report.
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California have the best game design programs. These schools are tied for first place as the best schools for game development, according to US News & World Report.
No, it is not hard to code games. There are many design technologies, including game engines, that help to simplify the workflow of game programming. To find it easy, you must be proficient in specific programming languages like C#, C++, and C.
Yes, the demand for video game designers is high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall outlook for video game designers under the category of special effects artists and animators is 16 percent. It predicts that 7,800 jobs will be available annually between 2020 and 2030.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
