Game design degrees are university programs that prepare students for careers in the video game industry by teaching coding, animation, game mechanics, and design principles. Top colleges like New York University, the University of Utah, and the University of Southern California offer industry-focused courses where students work in environments that closely mimic AAA studios.
Game design degrees provide structure and networking opportunities but aren’t necessary for everyone who wants to pursue a career in game design. Many successful game designers develop skills through self-learning, game jams, and independent projects. It’s important to weigh the costs, curriculum, and job prospects before committing to a program.
A question I get asked a lot is – What universities offer the best game design programs and are these programs worth it? Each student is unique and game design skills are proven through demonstrable work more than educational achievements. That said, specific programs stand out for their approach, facilities, and faculty. Learn about the top-rated game design degree programs, the colleges that offer them, and the requirements you must meet to apply.
What is a video game design degree?
A video game design degree is a bachelor’s program combining theory, creativity, and technical skills to prepare graduates for diverse roles in the game industry. Video game design degrees teach coding, animation, mechanics, modeling, math, and artistic concepts to give students an overview of all aspects of video game development.
A video game design degree allows students to develop their ideas, teaching the skills needed to turn concepts into interactive gameplay experiences. These programs emphasize the theory that underpins gameplay, allowing students to gain a high-level familiarity with the tools and software used in game creation.
Video game design degrees differ from those in computer science or software engineering. The former focuses exclusively on designing video games while the latter teaches skills that apply to a range of roles, including game development.
What are the top-rated colleges to get a game design degree?
The top-rated colleges to get a game design degree focus on technical execution and game design. A school that features project-based programs with teams working together for 1-2 years on games prepares students for the realities of working in the world of game design.
I don’t have enough information to recommend or veto any game design degree program but I have made a list as a starting point for those who want the full educational package. The list contains top-rated schools recommended by The Princeton Review’s 2024 study, polls on Reddit, and the input of our community. Below are a few colleges with established game design programs listed per their duration, average in-state tuition, graduate employment success rate, and whether they teach game design (as distinct from “game development”).
| College | Duration | Average in-state tuition | Average out-of-state tuition | Graduate employment success rate | Do they teach game design? |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 3-4 years | $65,636 | $65,636 | Excellent | Yes |
| University of Southern California | 3-4 years | $69,904 | $69,904 | Excellent | Yes |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 3-4 years | $12,058 | $34,174 | Excellent | No |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 3-4 years | $61,000 | $61,000 | Good | Yes |
| New York University | 3-4 years | $62,796 | $62,796 | Excellent | Yes |
| University of Utah | 3-4 years | $12,424 | $32,976. | Excellent | Yes |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 3-4 years | $61,990 | $61,990 | Excellent | No |
| Purdue University | 3-4 years | $9,992 | $28,794 | Good | No |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 3-4 years | $62,500 | $62,500 | Average | No |
| University of California Santa Cruz | 3-4 years | $15,983 | $46,283 | Excellent | Yes |
| Cornell University | 3-4 years | $68,380 | $68,380 | Good | No |
| University of Central Florida | 3-4 years | $6,916 | $25,759 | Good | Yes |
What are the top-rated game design degree programs?
The top-rated game design degree programs are offered at the University of Southern California, New York University, and the University of Utah. Game design degree programs at these schools feature knowledgeable industry veterans and give students access to a network of game developers who regularly visit and guest lecture.
The University of Southern California’s (USC) Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interaction Design is highly rated because its program’s coursework closely mimics the AAA development studio experience. USC engages the entire class on a single project, meaning students collaborate as artists and engineers, level and narrative designers. This type of experience helps you find your niche in game development and prepares you for working at a AAA game studio. USC’s game design program helps students publish a game on Steam as a commercially available portfolio piece.
The University of Utah’s B.S. in Games and Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering degree programs feature group-focused coursework that prepares students for the AAA industry. The programs’ scale, resources, and execution mirror the AAA development style. Utah’s program helps students to ship a game on Steam. A commercially available game helps graduates stand out at interviews and demonstrate their ability to execute a project from idea to finished product.
The Game Design BFA at New York University features smaller, indie-style projects, and accepts fewer students than USC or Utah. New York University’s degree program focuses on experimentation and creativity in addition to traditional AAA-style games. This program suits those wanting to create indie games or found studios and those looking to work in the AAA industry.
What are the requirements for a game design degree?
The requirements for a game design degree include a high school diploma or GED, prior programming experience, knowledge of software engineering, communication skills, and familiarity with UX and UI systems, graphics, and scripting. A portfolio isn’t a hard requirement for a game design degree but having one helps you stand out and demonstrates your commitment to game design. While the requirements don’t demand understanding the fundamentals of game development, students who have absorbed this knowledge through self-learning focus on creative design once the coursework begins.
The requirements for applying for a game design degree include the following items.
- High school diploma or GED: Colleges offering bachelor’s degree programs require you to graduate high school or have an equivalent GED.
- Math and science: Knowledge of mathematics or computer science is a requirement for some courses.
- English and communication: Degree programs presented in English demand a certain level of the language, and communication skills are required for collaborative projects.
- Programming fundamentals: Many colleges emphasize prior coding experience.
- Art and design skills: A background in design, animation, or art demonstrates your visual design abilities.
- College Application and Fees: A common application form or school-specific application plus fees are required to apply to college.
- SAT/ACT Scores: Most schools require these scores, while others are test-optional.
- Transcripts: Transcripts from your high school and/or previous college.
- Portfolio: Art, game prototypes, characters, animations, essays or design documents show your talents.
- Personal Statement: This statement shows your interest in game design, career goals, and creative vision.
- Letters of Recommendation: From teachers, mentors, or previous employers.
How long do you need to study for a game design degree?
You need two years to study for an associate degree in game design from a community college or technical school, four years for a bachelor’s degree in game design, and one to two years to study for a master’s in game design.
Is a game design degree worth it?
No, a game design degree is not worth it for self-motivated learners. Game design degrees are worth it for students who need structure and regularly scheduled learning to pursue their goals, but not those who learn independently. You don’t need a game design degree, a computer science diploma, or even a bachelor’s degree or one of many online degree programs—you need the game design experience, not the piece of paper itself, and be able to effectively showcase through your portfolio, design tests, and interviews.
Game design degrees cost the same as computer science or software engineering degrees without teaching the same level of hard, applicable skills. Get a computer science degree rather than a game design degree if you insist on getting a degree.
Many game designers have successful careers without ever obtaining a game design degree. The gaming industry follows the trends of the wider business world, where the requirements for degrees are becoming obsolete. According to a study from the Federal Reserve Bank of NY, only 27% of college graduates work in a field related to their major. Spending three to four years studying for an obsolete qualification when you could be building projects for your portfolio isn’t worth it for everyone.
I was working in the industry, gaining experience, and building my own projects before studying for a computer science degree. Find projects you’re passionate about and work on them in your spare time before committing to a costly four-year game design degree. Game design and development exist at an amateur level in the form of modding, game jams, and indie projects. Get involved first to see if game design is the right fit for you.
Here is how I got hired for my first paid game design gig at 13 years old and later got hired by Blizzard through modding:
