| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia |
| 2 | Arkansas Tech University | Russellville |
Our 2022 ranking of the top game design school programs in Arkansas. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
In 2013, a year before establishing SAU Engineering (the only Arkansas such program south of Little Rock), Southern Arkansas University (SAU) launched the state’s first Computer Game and Animation Programs. Today, the programs have evolved into two options offered in two separate colleges
A Game, Animation, and Simulation BFA is housed in the College of Liberal & Performing Arts-Department of Art & Design) and a BS in Computer Science (CS) (Computer Game & Animation Design) is offered in the College of Science & Engineering-Department of Mathematics & Computer Science.
Game, Animation, and Simulation BFA consists of 121 credit hours of study. Course examples include Game Development, World Creation and Design, Graphic Software Applications, Simulation Development, Animation, Virtual Reality Workshop, Character Design and Sculpture, Game Studio Workshop, Computer Science Lab, and Game Design Management. BFA students may complete an optional internship, and a Game Development Senior Project is required to graduate.
The Southern Arkansas University BS CS (Computer Game & Animation Design) requires 123 credit hours of study. Students in the program will learn how to develop video games and create animations. The program is project-based, and includes courses such as Programming Languages and Compilers, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Game Development, Mobile Applications Development, 3D Modeling Tools, 2D Design, Technical Writing, and Computer Graphics. Like the BFA, the BS Program includes workshops, labs and studios, design management courses, and a Senior Project in Games. An optional internship is also part of the program.
Graduates of the Game Design Programs at Southern Arkansas University are prepared to pursue positions in game design and development, game programming, game art, animation, software design, software programming, software engineering, simulations, computer graphics, AI, and mobile app development, among other fields.
Southern Arkansas University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Established in 1909 as the Third District Agricultural School, SAU serves 4,100 students enrolled in 80 degree programs in four colleges and the School of Graduate Studies.
The Arkansas Tech University BFA in Game and Interactive Media Design is the only program of its kind accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Housed in the Department of Art in the College of Arts & Humanities, the BFA Program provides hands-on learning opportunities through real-world projects, immersive classroom projects, and beta testing. Students will begin the program with an orientation and courses such as Digital 3D Foundations, Digital skills for the Graphic Designer, and Foundations of Computer Programming, before moving into the second year, which consists of a Sophomore Review.
The junior and senior years consist of upper level game design and animation courses and completing the Senior Game Project and Professional Portfolio. Course examples include Game Development I-II, 3D Animation, Animation techniques, 3D modeling, and Game Design Theory.
Graduates of the Arkansas Tech University BFA in Game and Interactive Media Design are prepared to pursue graduate studies in digital media or game design, or enter the games and entertainment, animation, user experience/user interface UX/UI, software programming, simulation, web design, or app development industries, among others.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Founded in 1909 as the Second District Agricultural School, Arkansas Tech serves more than 10,000 students, making it the third largest college in the state. Arkansas Tech University offers more than 150 majors and programs across two campuses, seven colleges, and 30 departments.
