Top 20 Game Design Schools and Colleges in the South – 2024 College Rankings

Visual and Performing Arts is one of the top five undergraduate disciplines at University of Central Florida (UCF). The Interactive Entertainment MS program is one of the school’s top 15 master’s degrees. Housed in the College of Sciences’ Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM), and part of the Florida Interactive Academy (FIEA), the MS lists two sets of specialization options. The first consists of Art, Production, and Programming. Each requires nine credit hours. 

The second set of listed specializations includes Level Design; Tech Design; Modeling; Animation; Programming, Tech Art; and Project Management. Across specializations, students will explore Unreal Engine, Maya, AI programming, Visual Studio, Unity Game Engine, C#, history of animation, process analysis, digital sculpting in ZBrush, Python, visual effects, animation design, 3D Math, and graphics programming. 

The MS requires 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The program has a 12-credit hour core consisting of Production for Media; Experimentation, Application, and Innovation in Games; Rapid Prototype Production; and Preproduction and Prototyping. Course examples across specializations include Digital Asset Creation; Production and Design; and Advanced Game Programming. 

All students will complete the Game Design Practicum (internship/full-time job) or Digital Venture Practicum (creating a start-up company). The MS culminates with the Capstone/Interactive Entertainment Project, where students will work in teams of 15-20 to develop their own games and interactive projects—from start to finish. Many FIEA students publish their games through avenues such as Xbox or Steam, resulting in their first published title. 

For undergraduate students, Nicholson School of Communication and Media at UCF also houses a Digital Media BA program with a Game Design track. Students in this program will complete 45 credit hours of games and digital media coursework. Examples include Evolution of Video Games; Contemporary Topics in Digital Media; Casual Game Production; Game Testing; Game Level Design; Game Optimization and Performance; Game Design Tools and Plugins; Digital Cultures and Narrative; Modeling for Realtime Systems I and II; Post-Production Game FX; and Computer as Medium. 

The Digital Media BA/Game Design culminates with the Game Design Capstone completed across two workshops. This team-based project includes the design, production, and testing of games using professional tools and iterative design techniques.

Students in all FIEA and NSCM Programs at University of Central Florida will work, learn, and collaborate in the Communication and Media Building which houses 112,000 square feet of state-of-the-art studio and classroom space. This includes Studio 500—one of the largest soundstages and motion capture studios on the east coast. Study abroad opportunities and career development resources are also available to all students. 

Graduates of the Games and Interactive Entertainment programs at University of Central Florida are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of game design and development, interactivity, visualization, entertainment, and more. 

Across programs, alumni have been hired by more than 300 companies. Examples include Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Gameloft, Blizzard Entertainment, Nintendo, Apple, Walt Disney Imagineering, Zynga, Cartoon Network, Marvel, Sony, Google, Blur Studio, Lockheed Martin, and Unity Technologies.

University of Central Florida opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University. On the first day of classes, the school had less than 2,000 students. Today, UCF serves more than 69,000 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of the top 10 largest universities in the U.S. The school provides 104 bachelor’s degrees, 97 master’s degrees, and 33 research doctorates, three professional doctorates, and three specialist degree programs across 13 colleges. 

University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Full Sail University is home to The Gaming School, which houses classrooms and production studios that function just like most major production studios. The school also houses nine game design programs at all levels. Students seeking a shorter program can earn a 3D Arts undergraduate certificate; a Game Business & Esports undergraduate certificate; or an associate of applied science (AAS) in Game Art. 

Undergraduate degrees include a BS in Game Development; BS in Simulation & Visualization; Interactive Technology BS completion program with a Game Design concentration; BS in Visual Arts completion program with a Game Art concentration; and the Game Business & Esports BS.  

The Simulation & Visualization BS is available on campus only. All other programs can be completed on campus or online. 

At the graduate level, Full Sail University has a Game Design MS that focuses on production, design, and user experience research. Students may craft a track that matches their career goals and chosen area of expertise. Examples include game design, producing, research, and publishing. The MS program can be completed on campus or online. 

In addition to gaining production experience in a real-world studio environment on the Full Sail University campus, all Gaming School students have opportunities to work off campus at local and national studios through the internship program. Courses in The Gaming School are also immersive. Course examples across all programs include Motion Capture; Prototyping and the User Experience;

Game Mechanics; Data Visualization & Modeling Engine Development; Prototyping and Content Creation; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Game Production Tools. 

All students will explore all roles in the production pipeline; test simulation; video game development for computers, networks, and console; animation; game effects; and narrative design. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles across the games industry, film and animation, advertising, media, simulation for training and development, and many other industries. 

Full Sail University’s Career Development Department provides 24/7 access to job opportunities, with workshops and presentations that cover branding, networking, research strategies, and interviewing techniques. The department also coordinates local hiring events and events in other markets such as Los Angeles and New York. 

Full Sail University graduates have worked on many popular games, films, and ad campaigns. Games include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Overwatch 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and Fortnite. More than 350 Full Sail graduates were credited on 31 projects nominated in 22 categories at the 2023 Game Awards. 

Thirty-five graduates contributed to nine winning projects in 15 categories including Best Narrative and Best Game Direction for Alan Wake 2; Best Score and Music for Final Fantasy XVI, Best Audio Design, Hi-Fi Rush; Innovation in Accessibility, Forza Motorsport; and Best Ongoing Game and Best Community Support for Cyberpunk 2077. 

Full Sail University alumni have also been hired by companies and studios such as DreamWorks, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, HBO, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Universal Studios, Miramax, Nickelodeon, MTV, Bunim Murray, and ESPN. 

Full Sail University opened in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio. Today, the school is located just 35 minutes from downtown Orlando and Universal Studios. Serving approximately 21,000 students, Full Sail provides graduate certificates and degree programs at all levels in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) is the only institution in Florida dedicated exclusively to teaching art and design. For students interested in careers in the game design industry, the school has two options: the Game Art BFA and the Virtual Reality Development BFA. Both programs attract recruiters from major studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, Riot Games, and Bungie. 

The Game Art BFA at RCAD follows the studio model of teaching, which emphasizes learning by doing. Students in this 120-credit hour program will work on projects in teams to develop technical, collaboration, and communication skills. Students will create works in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest software used by AAA and indie studios. Game Art facilities feature Houdini, Unreal Engine, Zbrush, Maya, and Adobe Substance Suite, among others. 

Other program benefits include participation in the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco; industry critiques by successful visiting artists; and access to RCAD’s experiential learning initiative—INDEX. This program provides opportunities to gain hands-on industry experience working on real world projects with real world clients. INDEX activities take place in the classroom, the Design Center, Studio Labs, ART Network, the Maker Space, and through client competitions, immersive experiences, internships, elective courses, and volunteering. 

Of the 120 credit hours required to complete the Game Art BFA, 48 are in the major. Course examples include 2D and 3D Design; Programming for Artists; Visual Development for Games I-II; 3D for Games I-IV; Game Design I-III; Digital Painting for Game Art; and Color and Perspective Drawing. 

The Game Art BFA culminates with the Game Thesis Project completed across four courses including Game Thesis Preproduction; Game Thesis Project 1A; Game Thesis Project 1B; and Game Thesis Project II. The Thesis totals 15 credit hours.

The Virtual Reality Development BFA at Ringling College of Art and Design provides the same access and benefits as the Game Art BFA. This 120-credit hour program focuses on the design, creation, and analyzing of immersive experiences. This includes utilizing game engine technology in the creation of immersive experiences; navigating the production pipeline for 3D VR; utilizing specific software for creating 3D databases; mastering story structures; and innovating VR ideas. 

Students will also develop collaboration and communication skills, as well as advanced knowledge of professional practices. Of the 120 credit hours for the Virtual Reality Development program, 51 credits are dedicated to the major. Course examples include 2D and 3D Design; Concept Development for Virtual Worlds; Immersive Media Design I-IV; 3D Technical Art; Visual Scripting; and Programming for Immersive Media. 

General electives, Art and Design History electives, and open electives allow students to enhance the degree by specializing in an area of interest. Students may select six credit hours of general electives; 12 in Art and Design History; and 12 credit hours of open electives. 

The Virtual Reality Development program at RCAD culminates with the VR Thesis/Capstone, completed across three courses including VR Thesis Preproduction; VR Capstone Project I; and VR Capstone Project II. This culminating experience totals 15 credit hours. 

Graduates of the Game Art and Virtual Reality Development programs at Ringling College of Art and Design are prepared for careers in game art, design, development, and programming; virtual reality design, development, and programming; and user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design; architecture; military and law enforcement; education and training; advertising and marketing; art and design; healthcare and fitness; sports; tourism and travel; wellness; and automotive. 

RCAD Game Art graduates have been hired at major companies and studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Rockstar Games, Microsoft, Riot Games, Hasbro, Epic Games, Netflix, Bethesda, Naughty Dog, and Meta. 

Virtual Reality Development graduates have the opportunity to work at places such as Epic Games, Microsoft, General Motors, Kinetic Vision, 3D Forensic, Meta, Halon Entertainment, Vu Studios, Immersive Health Group, AECOM, Boabab Studios; ILMxLAB; Mote Marine Labs; and Funomena. 

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit college accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Founded in 1931 by Dr. Ludd M. Spivey (then president of Southern College) and circus baron John Ringling, RCAD serves approximately 1,700 students enrolled in 11 different majors leading to a BFA degree, two majors leading to a BA, and minor options in 10 areas.

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University (NC State) houses the Department of Computer Science (CSC). Within the department is a Computer Science BS program with a Game Development concentration. The CSC BS program begins with computing, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and humanities. Next, students will dive into coursework that explores programming languages, computer architectures, software engineering, data structures, and teaming and communication, among other areas. 

Once core requirements are complete, students may advance to the Game Development concentration, where they will complete 21 credit hours of games-focused courses and electives. Examples include Game Engine Foundations; Computer Models of Interactive Narrative; Game Studies; Foundations of Interactive Game Design; Computational Visual Narrative; Building Game AI; Special Topics in Film Styles and Genres; and Computer Graphics. 

All CSC BS students must complete the team project in Senior Design. Projects are supported by the Senior Design Center and industrial sponsors, so student teams will gain experience working with industry representatives. 

Students in all NC State CSC programs have access to The Digital Games Research center (DGRc). Launched in May 2007, The DGRc engages in education and research in games and games technologies. In this collaborative environment, students can work on projects with game developers and games studio teams that focus on everything from mobile games to artificial intelligence (AI). Thanks to partnerships and licensing agreements with game studios and engine providers, NC State graduates are often hired by local game companies. 

Other DGRc features include access to the new Games and Visual Narrative Suite; the Visual Narrative Initiative (VNI)— a research cluster established in 2015; and participation in the Games and Visual Narratives Showcase, and the Game Developers Conference.   

Graduates of the CSC Programs at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions at game design studios, technology firms, and entertainment companies.  

North Carolina State University employs 9,000 faculty and staff members that serve more than 36,000 students. This makes NC State the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides more than 250 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) has several paths to study game design across two colleges including the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) and the College of Arts and Architecture. The CCI houses the Department of Computer Science (CS)—the college’s largest department. Within the department is a Computer Science BS with an AI, Robotics, and Gaming Concentration, a Computer Science MS, and Game Design and Development (GDD) certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Coursework for the certificate programs may be used towards the Computer Science BS or MS programs. 

Course examples across programs include Game Engine Construction; Game Design and Development Studio; Advanced Game Design and Development; Advanced Algorithms; Individual Study in AI, Robotics, and Gaming; Advanced Game Design and Development; AI for Computer Games; Virtual and Augmented Reality; Computer Graphics; Real-Time Rendering Engines; and Game Design and Development Studio. 

The College of Arts and Architecture at UNC Charlotte houses the Department of Art and Art History and the Art BFA with a Digital Media concentration. This program features advanced studio coursework, allowing students to craft a focus from electives such as Game Design and Graphics; 3D Modeling and Animation; Interactive Art and Design; and Advanced 3D Modeling. 

The Art BFA also requires successful completion of the Senior Experience. Consisting of nine credit hours, the Experience includes Senior Seminar; Senior Thesis I: Creative Research; and Senior Thesis II: Advanced Creative Practice. 

Graduates of the Computer Science, Game Design, and Digital Media programs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as games and entertainment, animation, multimedia, computer science, art and design, programming, advertising, software development, advertising, and education. 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university and the third largest school in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. Founded in 1946, the school serves approximately 30,300 students enrolled in more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across nine colleges. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Arts and Sciences at Georgia State University (GSU) is home to the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII). Within the CMII are several paths to study game design. Options include a Game Design BA, a Game Development BS, and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) with a Game Design and Development concentration or minor.

Across programs students have access to the world’s most advanced motion capture system. GSU houses one of just nine of these systems, and the fist commercial installation. Other BA, BS, and BIS program benefits include opportunities to collaborate with partners such as the Georgia Film Academy (GFA); participation in Playtest—an immersive weekly, hourlong gathering that explores game concepts, mechanics, and experiences; lectures, seminars, and workshops; and participation in the Innovative Media Club and the Georgia Game Developers Association. In addition, all students have opportunities to study abroad and/or complete an internship at places such as Hi-Rez Studios, KontrolFreek, and Turner Studios. 

The Game Design BA combines the study of art with the development of software platforms for games. The BS explores coding, programming, and software design for students interested in game development or other areas such as app development, animation, and motion graphics. The BIS/Game Design and Development program has two sequences: one designed for students who are interested in game development and the other for individuals interested in coding games. 

Examples of required courses for Game Design BA students include Game Design I and II; Fundamentals of Game Art; 3D Modeling and Graphics; Writing and Previsualization for Games; 3D Animation and Motion graphics; and Introduction to Games Industries. Students in this program may select 18 credit hours from electives such as Visual Effects for Games; Game Engine Pipeline; and Visual Effects for Games. 

Game Development BS students will take courses such as Programming for Games I and II; Principles of Story Design; and Game Development Fundamentals. Students may select courses from fundamentals, game development pipeline specializations, and other formal areas such as VR, AR, and Visual Effects; Advanced Animation; and Entrepreneurship, Production, and Marketing.

The culminating experiences for the Game Design BA and the Game Development BS include Game Design Studio I and II, and Game Studies, for a total of seven credit hours. The Senior Game Design Portfolio course worth three credits is also required. 

Game Design and Development BIS students have a considerable amount of flexibility in coursework. They may select courses from several areas within the minor or concentration, and electives across the BA, BS, and other programs. Examples include Game Development I and II; Designing Story Experiences; Motion Capture Pipeline; Game Design; 3D Animation and Motion Graphics; 2D and 3D Design; Visual Effects for Games; Interactive Computer Graphics; Sound Design; 3D Modeling and Graphics; Digital Cinematography; and Interactive Design. BIS students will complete a final project to graduate. 

Graduates of the Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State are prepared to purse positions at more than 110 game development studios with headquarters in Georgia, and others across the U.S. and abroad. Program alumni can work in Game Design and Development, Game Programming, Game Art, Game Writing, Game Animation, Multimedia, Software Design, Concept Art, Applications Development, Quality Assurance, and Level Design, and other fields seeking applicants with game design and development skills. 

Georgia State University was founded in 1913 as the Georgia Institute of Technology's Evening School of Commerce. Today, GSU consists of six campuses, 12 colleges and schools, and 50,000 students from nearly 130 nations and territories. GSU provides more than 250 degree programs across 100 fields of study at the Downtown Atlanta Campus alone. Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE) at Kennesaw State University (KSU) houses the Department of Software Engineering and Game Design and Development (SWEGD). Programs within the department are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). 

For game designers, the SWEDG Department has a Computer Game Design and Development BS and a minor; a Software Engineering MS (MSSWE); and Graduate certificates in Software Engineering and Software Foundations. For exceptional students, the SWEGD Department also has a Double Owl Pathway that provides the opportunity to earn the BS and MS at an accelerated pace. 

CCSE and SWEGD Department highlights include computing internships and co-op education opportunities; guest speakers; research assistantships; participation in events such as Game Jams, the Raspberry Pi Workshop, and the computing showcase C-Day; and networking events featuring major companies and studios. Recent participants include Microsoft, Cox Communications, and Infor. 

The SWEGD programs at Kennesaw State University explore emerging areas such as massively multiplayer games (MMOG), artificial intelligence (AI), online games, and human-computer interaction (HCI). Modeling, simulation, software engineering, 2D and 3D graphics, game theory, and digital media are also part of the programs. 

Students may select a track within any concentration area. Examples include Educational-Serious, Computer Science, Media-Production, Creative Content, Simulations-Informatics, and Planning-Management. A custom track within the undergraduate programs allows students to choose nine credit hours of upper-level coursework from any area. 

Course examples across CCSE KSU majors and tracks include 3D Modeling and Animation; Fundamentals of Game Design; Digital Media and Interaction; Mobile and Casual Game Development; 3D Modeling and Animation; Educational and Serious Game Design; Computer Graphics and Multimedia; Game Design Lab; Entertainment Media Production; Application Extension and Scripting; Production Pipeline and Asset Management; Audio Production and Technology; and Professional Practices and Ethics. Students will also complete a final project and portfolio to graduate. 

In any given year, more than 7,100 companies recruit from Kennesaw State University. Across SWEGD programs, graduates are prepared to pursue careers across the technology, engineering, entertainment, education, and research fields, among others. Examples of potential careers include Video Game Designer, Game Developer, Digital Media Artist, Multimedia Programmer, Software Designer, Game Programmer, Simulation Designer, Software Engineer, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Designer, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Developer, Solution Architect, UI/UX Designer, Web Developer, 2D and 3D Graphics Designer, and Program Analyst. 

Serving nearly 45,000 students, Kennesaw State University is the third largest university in Georgia. Founded in 1963 as a junior college, today, KSU provides more than 180 degree and certificate programs across 11 colleges, KSU Journey Honors College, and two suburban campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia. Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is home to the College of Business and Technology. Within the college is the Digital Media Department, which houses a major and minor for students interested in studying games. At the graduate level, the department has a Digital Media MFA.  

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Digital Media Department at ETSU features immersive, hands-on studios; courses taught by industry professionals; and access to state-of-the-art labs, production facilities, and equipment. The department has around 300 students working together through four years of study to create games, productions, and other works. 

Leading to a BS, the Digital Media major has concentrations in Digital Game Design, Asset Development, and Design. The Digital Media minor provides the opportunity to develop skills in all of these areas. All degree-seeking students will take courses such as Principles of Digital Game Design; Principles of Visual Effects and Motion Graphics; Technical Communications; Principles of Digital Animation; Art History; and Topics in Digital Media History. 

Students in the Digital Game Design concentration will take Game Play and Testing. Asset Development students will take courses such as 3D Model Design; High-Fidelity Modeling for Entertainment; Reality Capture for Modeling, and 3D Lighting and Rendering. Course examples for design students include Game Design; Technical Direction; Procedural Modeling and Effects Simulation; and  Interaction for Game Design. All students will also complete 20 credit hours of Game Design Guided Electives. 

The culminating experience for the BS program is the Portfolio Development for Digital Media course, consisting of group projects, lectures and labs, and portfolio development and refinement. 

The Digital Media MFA is a terminal degree program designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in Game Design, Visual Effects (VFX), Animation, and other related areas. The program dedicates 12 credit hours to the student’s chosen specialization; 12 credit hours towards team projects for external and internal clients; and six credit hours in experimenting with new and emerging technologies. Twelve credit hours are dedicated to the Culminating Experience, where students will work solo to further develop and finalize a professional body of work for peer and faculty review. 

Graduates of the Digital Media program at East Tennessee University are Game Developers, Game Level Designers, Entertainment Modelers, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Game Animators, Visualization Artists, Cinematographers. They work at places such as Red Storm Entertainment (a Ubisoft studio), Luma Pictures, Deep Silver Volition, CBS, Idol Minds, Vicious Cycle, and RTT Detroit. 

Digital Media Program alumni have also been credited on films and games such as Lord of the Rings, Halo 5, The Walking Dead, Avatar, Thor, World of Warcraft, The Last Jedi, Guitar Hero, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Kung Fu Panda 3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, The Peanuts Movie, The Avengers, and The Incredible Hulk. 

East Tennessee State University was established in 1911 as East Tennessee State Normal School. With campuses in Johnson City, and centers in Kingsport, Elizabethton, and Bristol, ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students enrolled in more than 160 programs across ten colleges and schools. East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (DAVE School) has several award options: the 12-month Diploma, 18-month Diploma, the 32-month Bachelor’s, and the 36-month Bachelor’s. For game designer’s The DAVE School has a 12-month Diploma and a 32-month Bachelor’s degree in Game Production. DAVE students can earn the Diploma separately or as part of the 120 credit hour Bachelor’s degree program. Students in the Bachelor’s program will receive the Diploma credential after completing 60 credits. 

The DAVE School also has a Virtual Production (VP) Diploma program, which combines the curriculums of the Game Production and Visual Effects Production Diplomas. The flagship VP program takes 18 months to complete. Students in the Game Production Diploma programs have the option to extend their initial 12 months into the Virtual Production program.

Across all options, students will explore areas such as concepts and terminology of game production, game physics and FX, worldbuilding, light and software techniques, asset creation, emerging technologies, and Unreal for AR/VR. Across programs, course and topic examples include Advanced Asset Creation & Look Development; Emerging Real-Time Tech Pipelines; 3D Animation; Character, Prop, and Environment Modeling; 2D/3D Tracking; Digital Modeling and Sculpting; Level Design; Lighting and Texturing; Visual Effects; Real-Time Rendering & Emerging Technologies. 

The programs at The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School emphasize collaboration, so students will complete a three-month residency in Orlando, Florida where they will work in teams to create games across the entire production pipeline. For the final project, DAVE students will complete an in-house game that will become a major component of their professional demo reel and portfolio.    

DAVE school graduates are prepared to pursue positions across the games and entertainment industries. Alumni are Gameplay Animators, Art Coordinators, Pipeline Supervisors, Cinematic Animators, Lighting Artists, Compositors, and Environment Artists. 

In addition, DAVE School graduates (and instructors) have worked on productions and games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold, Game of Thrones, Terminator Genisys, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Deadpool, Green Lantern, Captain America, Dumbo, Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Mandalorian, Conan Exiles, Anthem, The Hunger Games, Jurassic World, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and The Hobbit. 

The Digital Animation & Visual Effects (DAVE) School was founded in 2000. Located on the backlot of Universal Studios, Florida, DAVEl is an academic unit of NUC University, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MCSHE). DAVE serves around 1,000 students enrolled in six programs leading to a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette or UL) is home to the Ray P. Authement College of Arts and Sciences. Within the Ray College is the School of Computing & Informatics, which houses an ABET-accredited Computer Science program. Leading to a BS, the program has an optional Video Game Design and Development concentration. 

The Computer Science BS with a concentration in Video Game Design and Development explores topics such as storytelling, game design, artificial intelligence (AI), programming languages, visual arts and design, and interface design. Course examples for the program include Game Engine Algorithms and Architecture; Computer Graphics; Video Game Design and Development; Programming in .NET/C#; Human-Scientific Computing; Programming in Java; AI; and Computer Interface Design. 

Student in the UL Lafayette Computer Science BS program will have the opportunity to complete an industry internship for practical experience, and work on independent projects under faculty supervision in areas such as AI, computer graphics, and human-computer interaction (HCI). 

The culminating experience for the program is the Senior Project, which includes the design, development, and presentation of an original game. 

Graduates of the Computer Science program at University of Louisiana at Lafayette are prepared to pursue titles such as Game Designer, Game Programmer, me Artist, Game Developer, Software Developer, Software Engineer, HCI Designer, AI Developer, and Software Engineer.

UL Lafayette has an additional option for students seeking a shorter program. Developed by a Unity Authorized Academic Training Partner, the 12 month Video Game Design and Development course consists of 500 self-paced course hours that explore programming languages, video game design for PCs, creating 3D scenes, texturing, and game engines. By the end of the course, students will have built three complete games including a first-person adventure, a 3D arcade game, and a custom game of their own creation. No prior training or experience is required to enroll, and the course can be completed entirely online. 

University of Louisiana at Lafayette was established in 1898 as the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute. The school serves approximately 18,865 students, making UL Lafayette the second largest university in Louisiana. A member of the University of Louisiana System, University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides more than 300 programs across 14 colleges and schools. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).