| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte |
For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
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).
