I'm really into game design and hope to make it my career. I'm looking for colleges with strong game design programs and plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. Any suggestions on where to apply?
Absolutely, there are several colleges well-known for their strong game design programs, offering a mix of technical knowledge and creative skill development.
The University of Southern California (USC) has an exceptional program. Its Interactive Media Division offers a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games). USC has been recognized numerous times for its hands-on approach, which provides you opportunities to develop games in a collaborative environment.
Carnegie Mellon University also has a strong reputation in game design. CMU's Entertainment Technology Center provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines fine arts, computer science, and design.
The University of Utah provides a comprehensive program through the School of Computing and the Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) Program. You can either major in Computer Science with an emphasis on Entertainment Arts and Engineering or Games (offered by Film & Media Arts).
Other notable mentions are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which both offer undergraduate majors in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences, focusing on both the technological and artistic aspects of game design.
Finally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) although not offering a game design degree, has a Comparative Media Studies program with a strong focus on games. Research groups like The MIT Game Lab allows students to explore game design in a broad context that includes social software, and digitally augmented physical games.
Be aware, the workload for these programs can be intense as they often involve significant project work in addition to traditional academic coursework. Students thrive in these programs if they are passionate, creative, and have a strong work ethic. Good luck in your college search!
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