I'm passionate about game design and want to know what types of colleges have the best programs. Should I be looking at art schools, tech schools, or something else?
The specific type of school matters less than the strength and relevancy of the program. Several respected universities, either traditional or arts/tech-focused, have robust game design programs. It comes down to matching your own academic interests and career goals with the schools' offerings.
1. University of Southern California (USC) - Their Interactive Media & Games Division offers a BA in Interactive Entertainment and a BS in Computer Science (Games). USC is renowned for its excellent blend of arts/design and technical rigor, so it would be a great fit if you want a comprehensive understanding of game design.
2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) - This university provides a Bachelor's in Computational Biology – Computer Game Design, focusing on the technical aspects of game design. CMU is well-known for its strong STEM programs.
3. New York University (NYU) - The Tisch School of the Arts at NYU runs a BFA in Game Design. The program is art and design-centric, but also covers technical areas of game development.
4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - Their Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) program offers a BS degree and is well-regarded.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - While not a traditional game design program, their Comparative Media Studies program has a major track in Games and Interactive Media.
6. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - While this school doesn't have a dedicated game design major, it's excellent for students interested in the artistic aspect of game design. You could learn a lot of valuable skills in programs like illustration or graphic design.
When choosing a program, consider factors beyond the classroom — like faculty expertise, opportunities for internships or cooperative education, partnerships with gaming companies, alumni network, and playable games produced by students.
As you evaluate your options, visiting the schools' websites, reaching out to current students or faculty, and considering how well the curriculum aligns with your own interests will also be beneficial. Also, remember to factor in other parts of your college decision, like location, size of the school, and financial aid opportunities.
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