Best Bachelor’s in Game Design

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, The University of Utah is part of the Utah System of Higher Education. Students benefit from a broad range of facilities, including several recreational fields, sport courts, an outdoor leisure pool, and disc golf course. There is also a student leadership and involvement program designed to encourage personal and academic skills growth. 

Offered via the entertainment arts and engineering teaching program, this university offers a B.S. in games. The curriculum draws on many years’ worth of experience in various forms of digital media, with this degree specifically intended for students who want to enter the professional games industry. 

You’ll gain the skills needed to develop video game software for entertainment, health, and scientific research purposes. There’s also an element of study in the areas of math, computer skills, and design to ensure that you are ready to tackle the unique challenges of designing a game from the ground up. For state residents living on campus, tuition and fees cost around $9,286 for a total cost of attendance of around $26,642 annually. Out-of-state students pay tuition and fees of around $29,996 for a total cost of attendance of around $47,352.

Part of the University of North Carolina System, North Carolina State University is a public research institution that was founded in 1887. Around 36,000 students attend annually, taking programs in areas of specialty that include sciences, engineering, technology, and math. The university has been named the No. 1 college in North Carolina for your money by Money magazine. 

This computer science degree provides a concentration in game development. Upon passing certain prerequisite courses, you’ll be eligible to apply for the concentration. You’ll gain a strong understanding of the necessary technologies and processes used to create game engines, while also developing a strong knowledge of general computer science, leaving you numerous career options after graduation. 

Some of the course courses included in the curriculum include Computer Graphics, Advanced Graphics Projects, Advanced Game Development Projects, and Game Design and Development. There will also be an opportunity to explore topics that include artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and building game AI depending on your own areas of interest. 

Full-time students enrolled in a program requiring 12 or more credits per semester pay tuition of around $3,267.50, in addition to fees of around $1,267.80. Including a campus security fee, that’s around $4,550.30 per semester for state residents. Non-residents pay around $14,609.80, which includes all tuition and fees mentioned above. 

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology is also known as Georgia Tech or simply “Tech” to locals. With a student body of around 40,000 students, people come from every state and 149 international countries to earn their degree here or at campuses in both France and China. 

Under the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech, students can enroll in a bachelor’s degree in computational media. This program explores all facets of the computer, from history and technology through to applications. Focus areas include media, film, and more specifically, games. Courses also include topics such as Game Design as a Cultural Practice and Computer Animation. 

As one of the fastest-growing programs at this university, Georgia Tech has seen the intake grow from a single student in 2004 to around 300 in present times, so competition can be fierce. But graduates enjoy careers in areas that include games design and development, animation, special effects, and other software-driven careers. Alumni have secured positions in major games studios and other media organizations. The estimated cost of attendance for a Georgia resident is around $29,158 annually, which includes tuition of around $10,258 and fees of around $2,594. Non-Georgia residents will pay around $50,270, including tuition of around $31,370 and the same fees as state residents. Bear in mind that these are freshman costs.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is part of the University of Texas System. Attracting around 51,000 students annually, the institution offers more than 15 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs that have been ranked within the top 10 nationally. The university has also been ranked among the top 20 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 

Computer science majors at UT Austin can choose a game development concentration on a program that has been ranked among the top 10 by Animation Career Review. Austin has also been named a Top Game Development City by the Game Industry Career Guide and Texas a Best State for Game Development too. 

The curriculum in this concentration draws together courses in design, production, and computer engineering. You’ll also take capstone courses in 2D Game Development and 3D Game Development, in addition to having the opportunity to gain internships in game development and other interactive media. UT Austin has been recognized for its value by Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review. It has also been recognized for providing some of the most employable graduates. Traditional undergraduate tuition costs around $14,480 for state residents, with non-residents paying around $28,677.

Michigan State University was founded in 1855 and is located in East Lansing, Michigan. Nearly 50,000 students attend annually, studying on a campus that spans a huge 5,300 acres. There are more than 200 academic programs to choose from, with students also benefiting from around 275 study-abroad programs. 

This B.A. in games and interactive media has a core in computer science and provides a foundation knowledge of areas required to drive a career in games design. These include basic art and design, programming fundamentals, and a commercial and social aspect of game development that’s required to understand how this fast-growing industry operates. 

Through collaborative projects with your peers, you will develop your communication skills while you work on creating your own media and honing your craft. There are also partnerships between the university and game studios that will help you to gain real-world experience that’s integrated into your coursework. According to the Office of Admissions, in-state freshmen pay tuition and fees of around $14,524. Out-of-state students pay around $39,830. Tuition for international students runs slightly higher at around $41,330.

Indiana University Bloomington welcomes around 40,000 students annually. It is a public research institution and the flagship university of the Indiana University System. Founded in 1820, the institution has several programs ranked No. 1 in their field and within the top 10 in the nation. 

Whether you want to become a games designer for the entertainment industry, teach others about computer science, or contribute toward solving problems through computer software development, this B.S. in game design could help you get there. You’ll take a balanced look at both the creative and technical sides of game development, learning the skills needed to make your ideas come alive. 

You’ll study topics like concept creation, game art, sound effects, and progressive design. You’ll also learn about the final stage of production, in addition to developing your own final project, which will be an original game that you’ve contributed to as part of a collaborative project with your peers. 

Indiana University Bloomington has been recognized for its value in publications that include the Fiske Guide to Colleges, Washington Monthly, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Indiana residents pay tuition and fees of around $11,220 per year, while non-residents pay around $37,600. The estimated cost of attendance for each classification of student is around $26,186 and $52,566, respectively.

The University of California at Irvine (UCI), founded in 1965, is a public institution based in Irvine, California. The student body comprises around 36,000 students who choose from 82 academic majors and 75 minors. The official mascot is Peter the Anteater, and the institution has been ranked the 8th-best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. 

This B.S. in game design and interactive media is suited to students who are interested in becoming a game developer or designer, or a leader in the games industry. Hands-on programming courses are integrated into the curriculum from the offset, with other courses teaching essential knowledge like visual design, animation, and storytelling. The program includes a two-quarter capstone project. 

As the program takes place in Silicon Beach, you’ll have access to resources and university partnerships in the local area, with connections to companies like Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Riot, some of the biggest names in the industry right now. There are also connections with companies who specialize in development for learning and scientific purposes. The University of California at Irvine charges undergraduate tuition of around $11,442 for state residents. Students from out of state will pay supplemental tuition of around $29,754. In total, the cost of attendance is estimated at around $15,835.93 and $45,589.93, respectively.

Located in Stony Brook, New York, Stony Brook University is part of the University of New York System. It has been named a top 40 public university by U.S. News & World Report, in addition to one of America’s Best Value Colleges by Forbes.

The major in computer science at Stony Brook offers a specialization in game programming, preparing students for careers in games development and research. Core courses include Operating Systems, Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, Computer Game Programming, and Advanced Game Programming. You’ll also select two electives, in addition to completing a group project. 

When you select your electives, there’s an opportunity to specialize further into the areas that are most relevant to your desired career. Options include Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Robotics, Computer Security Fundamentals, and Advanced Multimedia Techniques. So, there’s scope to focus more heavily toward AI, machine learning, IT security, and design. The average undergraduate cost of attendance is around $7,060 for New York residents and around $24,740 for non-residents. This does not include fees of around $3,020, room costs of around $9,532, and meal plan costs of around $5,352.

Worcester State University focuses on liberal arts and sciences, welcoming around 6,500 students annually, most of whom are undergraduates. There are around 60 undergraduate majors and minors to choose from, with an additional 29 master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates available. Students also have access to study-away opportunities both at home and abroad. 

Worcester State University offers a unique opportunity to pair courses in game design, coding, programming, and IT regardless of your chosen major. Offered fully online to fit into your schedule, you can enroll in these courses to supplement your chosen major, and while they offer no credits, they’re completely free to students. 

For those with an interest in games development, courses like Game Design Introduction, Game Development, and the Game Design Basics Certificate can perfectly complement a bachelor’s in computer science, for example. There are a range of other courses too, including many recognized CompTIA certifications that are highly sought-after by the industry. In terms of tuition and costs, Worcester State University has been ranked a Best Value college by The Princeton Review. Undergraduate tuition costs around $10,586 annually for state residents and around $16,666 for non-residents. It is also the only Massachusetts State University to have been named a “Best in the Northeast” institution for 16 years in a row.

Located in the Dallas area and the largest public university in the region, The University of Texas at Dallas is a research institution that attracts around 28,000 students annually. Studying across 8 different academic schools and colleges, students choose from over 140 academic degree programs in business, sciences, and engineering. 

The School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) at UT Dallas has been recognized within the top 20 in a ranking of the best game design schools in the U.S. Several programs have also been ranked highly by The Princeton Review, so you know you’re in good hands at ATEC. 

With this Bachelor of Arts degree, you’ll be introduced to the basic concepts of game design and development, before delving deeper into the processes and systems behind these concepts using ATEC’s game research labs. There are also industry connections to some big-name developers including Naughty Dog, Nerve Software, and more, which will see you benefit from guest speakers and more. 

Tuition at UT Dallas varies based on course load and program. You’ll also have the choice of a guaranteed tuition plan or variable tuition plan. The variable rate changes each year, while the guaranteed plan locks in your rates for the length of your program. Before aid, the average undergraduate cost of attendance is around $29,964.

George Mason University was founded in 1957 and is located nearby Fairfax City, Virginia. More than 37,000 students attend annually, with over 130 countries represented. Around 6,200 students live on-campus and 80% of graduates are employed within six months following graduation. The university also spends around $150 million on research annually. 

George Mason University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer game design. Lasting for four years and comprising 120 credits, the program will allow you to focus on the art and visual design behind games development, in addition to giving you the skills needed to contribute to this process. 

You’ll gain a foundation-level knowledge in English and math, including geometry and calculus, before moving onto courses related to your craft. These include Computer Animation for Games, Music for Film and Video, Game Design Studio, and Online and Mobile Gaming. The program ends with a capstone course and a 3 to 4-credit internship. 

At George Mason University, tuition is charged on a per-credit basis. Residents of Virginia pay around $396.25 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay around $1,373.75 per credit hour. There’s a mandatory student fee of $146 applied to each credit hour too. New students also pay a student fee of $335 as undergraduates.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) was founded in 1881 and is located in Newark. Students can choose from around 125 undergraduate and graduate programs across six highly regarded academic schools. The university has been awarded the highest research rating possible by the Carnegie Classification. 

This game development program spans numerous academic colleges, with your study location depending upon your interest area. You’ll have the opportunity to take courses in the areas of game design, game programming, and game production. What’s more, if you’re ambitious in your course load, then there’s the opportunity to study for a dual degree. 

Depending on your choices, you’ll graduate with one of four degree options—or potentially a dual degree, as mentioned above—which are the B.A. in digital design, the B.S. in science information technology, and the B.S. in computer science. The awards are designed in this way to ensure that you graduate with a broad degree that can lead to many careers rather than pushing you into a single emphasis area. NJIT tuition is charged at a rate of around $14,448 for New Jersey residents, with fees costing around $3,226. Non-residents pay around $33,386 with the same applicable fees. Room and board costs around $12,995 and books and supplies are estimated at around $2,900.

New York University was founded in 1831 and is located in the heart of New York. For 14 consecutive years, this highly competitive institution has been breaking its admissions records, with recent applications exceeding 100,000. The student body is representative of 133 countries around the world and every state in the nation. 

NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts offers a BFA in game design. This four-year program focuses on video games as a creative art form, with students looking at all aspects of the medium’s development. You’ll be introduced to a foundation-level knowledge in design, technology, and how video games fit into our culture. 

As you progress through your courses, you’ll be encouraged to specialize in areas that interest you, whether that’s critical analysis, sound effect design, visual design, or something else entirely. And at the end of the program, you will participate in a group project, though you’ll also have the option to go it alone. 

Tuition at New York University varies between programs and academic schools and colleges. Studying under the famous Tisch School of the Arts, you’ll pay undergraduate tuition of around $28,802 and fees of around $1,338. Including housing and other costs, your cost of attendance will be around $39,762 annually.

The University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university located in Santa Cruz, California. Founded in 1965 with just 650 students, the university today attracts around 20,000 learners, with a heavier emphasis toward undergraduate study. Undergraduate students have a selection of around 59 majors across five divisions. 

UC Santa Cruz’s offering is a Bachelor of Arts in art & design: games & playable media (or AGPM for short). Much of the curriculum draws on the teachings of the B.S. in computer science, with both cohorts participating in coursework and group projects together. 

Through this collaborative group work, you will create a game over the course of a year that is in a production-ready state by the end of the project. Meanwhile, you’ll learn about all facets of game development, the history of video games development, and artistic innovation. 

Undergraduate students pay around $14,025 in tuition and fees annually, with room and board costing around $18,864 and books and supplies around $1,161. As a resident, your estimated cost of attendance is around $39,243, or $68,997 for non-residents.

The University of Pennsylvania dates back to 1740 as one of the nine colonial colleges that was founded prior to the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The university boasts some of the smallest class sizes around, with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 6:1. 

As an interdisciplinary major at the University of Pennsylvania, the digital media design program brings together coursework in computer graphics from both the fine arts and computer & information science programs at the School of Design. Running for more than 20 years, it’s a well-developed program that has produced graduates who have gone on to work for DreamWorks, Disney, Google, Microsoft, and many other big-name brands. 

Unlike other programs that touch on the area of fine arts, this program is more heavily weighted toward technical prowess. The curriculum includes 9 courses in math and natural science areas, 14 computer science and engineering courses, and 7 social science and humanities courses. The estimated cost of attendance for students living on-campus is around $79,635, which includes tuition of around $53,166 annually. The cost of attendance for those living off-campus with family is slightly lower, at around $68,274.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public institution located in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Founded in 1891, the university attracts around 9,500 students annually and offers around 50 undergraduate and 22 graduate programs. Students also benefit from more than 150 student organizations and reasonable class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. 

UW-Stout’s BFA in game design was the first program of its type to be created in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and currently retains that status. This degree program focuses on the visual aspects of game development, with a Bachelor of Science available that focuses more on the functional aspects of game development. 

Students in this program benefit from opportunities that include study-abroad courses and the chance to participate in industry projects with organizations that include the National Park Service. As the only program of its type in the state, students of course benefit from the latest technologies and resources, including VR (virtual reality) equipment and 3D printers. 

Tuition rates differ for residents and non-residents. Wisconsin residents pay tuition and fees of around $9,488 annually, with an estimated cost of attendance of around $17,086. Minnesota residents also pay a reduced rate of around $10,333 annually for tuition. Non-residents pay around $17,455 tuition annually, with an estimated cost of attendance of around $25,053.

Shawnee State University is located in Portsmouth, Ohio. Founded in 1986, it is part of the University System of Ohio and features small class sizes and close, one-to-one support from instructors. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in campus activities, including 21 varsity sports teams. 

Two bachelor’s programs are offered at Shawnee, depending on whether you’d rather specialize in game programming or game arts. However, the cohort of each program will work with one another to collaborate on course assignments and other projects in the university’s Senior Studio. 

The B.S. in gaming engineering technology is suited to students who want to build the systems and algorithms that make games playable. You’ll learn the necessary programming and development skills to bring projects to life. Students on the B.A. in game & simulation arts will spend more time gaining digital and traditional art skills, developing 3D models, animations, and interfaces. 

Students at this university benefit from the Shawnee Advantage, which locks in your tuition cost for the duration of your degree. New students can expect to pay annual tuition and fees of around $8,604-$14,647 annually, depending on residency status. Including housing, meal plans, and other program fees, the average cost of attendance is $19,466 for residents and $25,509 for non-residents.

Drexel University was founded in 1891 and is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s one of the 15 largest private universities in the nation, with around 25,000 students attending annually. The institution recognizes over 350 student clubs and organizations, with numerous other opportunities including Greek Life, a leadership development program, and diversity and inclusion training programs. 

Ranked as a top program nationally, Drexel University’s major in game design & production structures its curriculum around a team project environment. You’ll wear many hats as you experience various roles in the game development industry, learning programming, design, and production skills as you progress through the program. 

Thanks to this broad introduction to the industry, the university claims that graduates are ready for roles in a variety of areas related to video gaming, including marketing, training, education, and communications. You will also be ready to enter organizations that range from small start-ups to large, AAA blockbuster games companies. Tuition rates vary depending on program type, with four and five-year degree programs charged at a rate of $17,956 per term. There’s also a general fee of around $790 due per term.

Welcoming around 70,000 students annually, the University of Central Florida has one of the largest student bodies in the country. Campus is located in Orange County, Florida and was founded in 1963. Much like the student body, the prospectus of programs is large, with more than 230 degrees available to choose from. 

Offered by the College of Sciences, this BA in digital media draws together knowledge from all facets of game design and development, including art, storytelling, and technology. It offers two specializations, with one in game design and web, and another in social platforms. There are three start dates in fall, spring, and summer. 

Comprising 120 credit hours, the program starts with a 36-credit grounding in general education. You’ll also complete 9 credit hours in communication foundations and 9 credit hours in cultural and historical foundations. These courses will ensure you have the skills and background needed to succeed in this highly technical program. Florida residents pay undergraduate tuition of around $6,379, while non-residents pay around $22,478. Around 70% or more of undergraduates receive some form of student aid, and around 44% of recent graduates had no student debt (compared to the national average of around 34% of graduates). In fact, UCF has been named a Best Buy College by Forbes.

Bradley University was founded in 1897 and is located in Peoria, Illinois. Around 6,000 students attend annually, selecting from a range of around 185 academic programs. Students participate in a range of more than 240 students clubs and organizations, with around 90% of freshman year students living on-campus. 

In this program, you’ll develop all the technical and non-technical skills needed to develop your own games from concept to production, including storytelling, narrative, art, and programming domains. And if you’re curious about the kind of work you’ll be producing in this program, just check out the program page to see some examples of past students’ projects in action. 

You’ll cover courses that include key concepts such as game design, game scripting, and interactive media. You could also complete an internship with a partnered game design company, in addition to showcasing your own work at the yearly FUSE exhibition. Recent graduates have found work with big-name brands like Blizzard and Warner Bros. 

Undergraduates studying full-time will pay tuition of around $35,060; full-time students are considered to be those taking 12-16 credits per semester. Room and board is estimated at around $10,680, with an additional $420 due to cover an activity fee and health fee. This makes for a total cost of attendance of around $46,760 annually.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is based in Rochester, New York, and was founded in 1829. The student body comprises around 19,000 students who represent every state in the nation and more than 100 nations worldwide. Campus is comprised of 11 different academic schools and colleges, and students benefit from more than 300 clubs and organizations. 

RIT is a nationally ranked university for games design according to The Princeton Review, with graduates earning around $65,000 annually in their first year of work. Their B.S. in game design and development also offers an accelerated track that could see you earn your degree sooner or even a master’s level award. 

You’ll study design and development for video games, simulation, modeling, and training. You’ll also study a curriculum that’s broad enough to lead into other careers, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and logistics. The curriculum also follows a cooperative education format, meaning you’ll gain full-time, paid work experience and early exposure to the games—or other—industry. 

Full-time undergraduate students will pay around $25,282 per semester in tuition, or $50,564 annually. Room rates are charged at around $8,140 annually, with board costing around $5,836. There’s also a $306 student activity fee and $370 student health services fee due. Finally, books and supplies will cost approximately $2,088.

Around 7,000 students attend Columbia College Chicago annually, which was founded in 1890. More than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered, focusing on areas such as creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business. Around 90% of graduates are employed within twelve months of graduation. 

As a student enrolled in this game design major, you will complete courses in both game design and interactive arts and media. Courses focus on key areas including design theory, storytelling, and concept development. Depending on your interests, you can specialize in one of two concentrations: sound design or game development. 

Your core courses will prepare you for the rigor of the curriculum, giving you a foundation knowledge in game culture, the fundamentals of interaction, and an introduction to programming. As you progress through the program, you’ll have the opportunity to choose between two game projects. You’ll be able to either complete a large team game project or an indie project. Full-time undergraduate students at Columbia College Chicago pay tuition of around $13,305 annually. For greater than 16 credit hours per semester, you’ll be charged $673 per credit hour. Fees include a $50 application fee and $50 registration fee.

Northeastern University is a private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Undergraduates can benefit from study-abroad programs, with more than 3,000 students participating in a global learning experience in one recent year. Prospects for graduates are strong, with around 97% of recent graduates employed full-time or enrolled in a graduate program within nine months of graduation. 

This degree in game art and animation is suited to students who have an interest in the concepts and models that are used in creating interactive, digital worlds and characters. You’ll work collaboratively as part of a team comprising both design experts and game programmers, creating team projects. 

Most of your coursework will be completed within the College of Arts, Media, and Design, but you’ll also take at least four interdisciplinary courses alongside your peers. The Northeastern program will also impart you with hands-on experiential training to ensure that you’re ready to enter the games industry. Undergraduate students at Northeastern University can expect to pay annual tuition charges of around $54,360. Fees come to around $1,092, with an additional $17,500 for room and board.

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a private higher education institution based in Highland Park Michigan. Founded in 1932, the university offers more than 100 academic programs and provides a laptop or tablet to all incoming students. Around 85% of new students also receive financial aid, and many choose to join one of the institution’s 10 fraternities and sororities. 

LTU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in game design is a multidisciplinary program that utilizes team projects throughout the curriculum. Students will focus on areas that include game design and mechanics, development of video game assets, and algorithms and scripting. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own production-ready game before you’ve even graduated. 

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be ready to take on a career in game design, motion graphics and animation, game writing, and more, with some graduates entering project management. Alumni have been known to work for companies including Ford, Fiat, and Jackbox Games. As a game design major under the College of Art and Design, you’ll pay tuition of around $1,155 as a freshman. In sophomore and junior year, tuition rises to around $1,205 per credit hour. A number of fees and other non-billed expenses also apply.

Located in Chicago, Illinois, DePaul University was founded in 1898 and is the largest Catholic university in the nation by enrollment figures, with a student body around 23,000-strong. There are more than 300 undergraduate minors and graduate-level programs to choose from, and the university offers thousands of internships. 

This bachelor’s degree in game design also utilizes the interdisciplinary approach, bringing together students who specialize in programming, design, and sound to complete team projects. You’ll develop your own portfolio throughout the course, which will showcase your skills and serve you well as you seek a professional role after graduation. 

DePaul’s programs have been ranked nationally, including in rankings by The Princeton Review and Animation Career Review. Some alumni have found work at companies including Disney, Firaxis, and many more. Some have also formed their own game studios using the end-to-end knowledge gained of the game development lifecycle. 

Undergraduate tuition varies depending on your academic school. As a student of the College of Computing & Digital Media, you’ll pay tuition of around $655 per credit hour. This makes for a cost of attendance totaling around $40,500 annually. For more information on fees and costs, check out this page on the university’s website.