Recommendations for Schools Specializing in Video Game Design

Hey guys, currently in my junior year and exploring college options. I'm really interested in video game design. So, anyone know of any good schools that specialize in this area?

Definitely! There are a few colleges well-known for their strong programs in video game design:

1. University of Southern California (USC): USC has both an undergraduate and graduate program for game design, all under the USC Games banner—known to be some of the best in the country. It provides students with a mix of theoretical coursework and hands-on experience.

2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): The Game Design and Development program at RIT is quite comprehensive, offering a strong technical grounding along with an emphasis on design, art, and business aspects of game development.

3. University of Utah: The University of Utah's Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) program is one of the top video game design programs and is aimed at providing students with the artistic and technical skills required in the video gaming industry.

4. DigiPen Institute of Technology: This school specializes in technology and art degrees, including a Bachelor’s in Game Design. DigiPen's students get ample opportunities to work in teams on game projects, which is a valuable experience.

5. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): While CMU is renowned for its computer science program, it also offers a unique Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts degree, which combines study from the School of Computer Science and the College of Fine Arts, providing a great footing for game development.

Remember that opportunities for internships, networking, and hands-on experience are important assessment factors, and not just the curriculum. Additionally, check out each school's alumni presence in the gaming industry. I hope this helps provide a good starting point for your college research! Good luck!