Choosing a college with a strong game design major

I'm really passionate about game design and want to make a career out of it. I've started looking at potential colleges with game design majors, but I'm not sure which schools have the strongest programs. Can anyone recommend schools with great game design majors to help me decide where to apply?

It's excellent that you're passionate about game design and want to pursue it in college! There are several colleges known for their strong game design programs. Here's a list of some well-regarded schools for game design programs:

1. University of Southern California (USC): USC's Interactive Media & Games division within the School of Cinematic Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interactive Entertainment, providing an interdisciplinary approach to game design with a focus on programming, visual design, and storytelling.

2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): CMU's Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) program offers a Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA) degree with a concentration in Game Design. This program combines computer science, fine arts, and various electives to provide an in-depth understanding of game design principles.

3. New York University (NYU): NYU's Tisch School of the Arts has a Game Design BFA program focusing on game development, design, and programming. Students can also explore game design as a cultural and artistic medium.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT offers a Comparative Media Studies (CMS) concentration with a focus on game design. This program encourages students to explore the intersecting domains of technology, culture, and art.

5. Digipen Institute of Technology: Digipen offers a number of degrees related to game design, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation. The school emphasizes a project-based curriculum, allowing students to build portfolios of their work.

6. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): RIT's School of Interactive Games and Media offers a Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development. This program allows students to explore a variety of topics such as artificial intelligence, gameplay mechanics, and game economics.

When considering where to apply, it's essential to not only look at the strength of the program but also the campus culture, location, and other factors important to you. You may also want to check if schools have game design clubs or organizations and career networking opportunities in the gaming industry. Lastly, don't forget to consider financial aid and scholarships to help make your choice more affordable. Good luck with your applications!