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What are the recommended colleges for game design?

I have a good list of places I want to go and have already applied to several colleges, but I wanted to get a second opinion and reinforce what I already knew. Are USC, NYU, UCF, and NC State good options? Why or why not?

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Fasi Uddin’s Answer

Hi Noah,

It's great that you've already made a list and applied to schools, showing you're serious and planning ahead.

The schools you mentioned—USC, NYU, UCF, and NC State—are all good choices with strong game development programs. You're on the right track.

Remember, the best college isn't just about its name. It's about how well the program helps you develop skills and a portfolio.

Here's a simple breakdown:

- USC/NYU: Known for storytelling, design, and creative direction. Ideal if you're into narrative or experimental games.
- UCF/NC State: Focus more on technical skills and production, with strong ties to programming and industry.

All these options can lead to great opportunities. What's important is what you do while you're there.

When comparing colleges, consider:

- Do students regularly create playable games?
- Are there team projects with designers, programmers, and artists?
- Does the program offer internships or industry connections?
- Are there game jams, clubs, or communities to join?

Keep in mind:

Great game designers come from various schools. What matters to studios is your portfolio, teamwork experience, and communication skills.

You've done more than many students by researching, comparing, and seeking advice. That's a positive sign.

Whichever school you pick, stay curious, keep creating projects, and work with others. This will set you on a strong path in game design.

A practical step you can take now:

Fasi Uddin recommends the following next steps:

Look up student portfolios or projects from each school (many are available online).
Watch gameplay videos or demos — ask yourself, “Would I be proud to make something like this?”
If possible, attend virtual info sessions or talk to current students.
Thank you comment icon Fasi Uddin, thank you! Noah
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Rafael’s Answer

Hey Noah, those are some solid picks! I can speak from personal experience here since I actually went to one of those schools on your list for a graduate degree in engineering, and the program was incredible. The faculty, resources, and connections you build there are top-notch, and being in a city with a huge entertainment and tech industry really opens doors for networking and internships. That alone made a massive difference in my career trajectory. From what I've seen in the industry, all four of those schools have strong reputations, but for slightly different reasons. One is legendary for its interactive media and games program and sits right in the heart of the entertainment capital, so you're literally surrounded by studios and industry professionals. Another, based in one of the world's most creative cities, has a fantastic game center that's known for its experimental and indie approach to game design, which is awesome if you're into pushing boundaries. Then you've got a school in Florida that's a powerhouse for game dev thanks to its FIEA program and proximity to a ton of simulation and tech companies, and lastly, there's a strong public university option in North Carolina. I also attended a school in that state for my MBA, and I can tell you the tech and research scene there is booming, especially around the Research Triangle area, which is great for landing internships and jobs. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them because it really comes down to what vibe you want, whether that's big city vs. college town, experimental vs. industry-pipeline, cost of living, and what specific flavor of game design excites you most. Good luck with your applications!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Rafael! Noah
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Kevin’s Answer

I’m going to echo what Rafael said. Those are all highly rated programs in places with access to the industry. I would even add Michigan State to your list. They just celebrated the 25th anniversary of their game dev program and it’s firing on all cylinders.

I do want to say that no matter where you go, there is no magic ticket. Every program is only as good as you make it. The video game industry is a small, tight, competitive microverse. You will need to mark your territory and stick out before you graduate. Go to events on campus and nearby. Get involved with the local IGDA chapter (there’s one for each of these campus metro areas).

I’d also ask you to make darn sure of the terms you use when looking at schools and your career. Game design is a subset of tasks involved in the preparation of the overall game development. Very few schools actually offer a degree in game design. Often the degrees are focused on programming, art, production or writing with aspects of design thrown in. Just make sure you and the school are on the same page.
Thank you comment icon Kevin, thank you! Noah
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