Maryland champions a dynamic and thriving gaming and game design ecosystem. To be specific, the state boasts a significant cluster of game development companies, including BreakAway Games, Pure Bang Games, and others. Not only that, but it is also home to major studios like ZeniMax Online Studios. At the same time, Maryland offers strong academic pathways for students pursuing game design careers through game design schools that build hands-on projects, portfolios, and industry-aligned skills.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Maryland, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings and relied on EduRank to select the best options in the state. Our focus was on identifying schools that provide the strongest preparation for professional game design careers. This approach ensures a consistent evaluation while prioritizing choices that equip students with knowledge and practical skills for the evolving gaming industry.
How to Use Our Criteria
While our list is based on statistics and facts, we acknowledge that it is not absolute and is open to interpretation. We also recognize that each student has varying needs regarding program focus, campus culture, cost, lifestyle, and the like. With that said, our rankings are solely intended to provide guidance and highlight programs that can help students land a career in game design.
Five Game Design Schools in Maryland (2026)
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, through its Whiting School of Engineering, delivers a computer science program with an Advanced Game Design and Development Engines course. In detail, this option enables students to learn about game design concepts, visualization methods with 3D objects and scenes, and game engine element subtopics through hands-on exercises, lectures, theoretical research, and more. Apart from the academic track, the university houses the Hopkins Game Development Society, which is a community of students that hosts workshops about game development. The apparent game design scene in this institution ensures that graduates can pursue careers as game designers or other roles in the gaming industry.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 11 of 14,131
- US ranking: 9 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
Tuition and fees at the school are over $62,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Maryland – Baltimore County
The University of Maryland at Baltimore County presents two pathways to study game design. For the first option, the university has a Computer Science program with a Game Development track. This one includes courses, such as Computer Graphics, Graphical User Interface Programming, Graphics for Games, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, along with a Capstone Games Group Project towards the end. Meanwhile, the second option is an online video game design and development course, focusing on programming, modeling, game engines, and more. After taking the program, graduates are ready to take on roles in animation, simulation and visualization, and game design and development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 516 of 14,131
- US ranking: 160 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $26,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Baltimore
The University of Baltimore offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Simulation and Game Design. Specifically, the curriculum’s areas of study are 3D modeling and animation, applied game design theory, computer programming basics, design of multiplayer games, and usability design. Plus, students can opt for a technical art or coding and development specialization that both end with learners having a career-ready portfolio. Among the common possible roles upon graduation are concept artist, game artist, game designer, game developer, game programmer, level designer, and simulation developer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 946 of 14,131
- US ranking: 253 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $21,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland features two online alternatives to learn game design for those who prefer remote learning. If the students aim to study how to design and develop games effectively, they can choose the online game design course. On the other hand, if they want to explore 3D art, character design, digital art, environmental art, and modeling, learners can select the online digital game artist certificate. Either way, completers will be equipped with the skills necessary to land jobs in the gaming space.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1670 of 14,131
- US ranking: 405 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $19,000 to over $55,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art delivers instruction through a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design program. Particularly, it concentrates on the artistic and technical aspects of games. The program also aims to teach students about art, coding, design, and narrative in the process of making a cohesive game experience with original elements. Furthermore, the university boasts a collaborative media arts ecosystem and extensive production and post-production resources. With that said, graduates are qualified to become 3D animators, game designers, game developers, level designers, narrative designers, quest designers, and more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 3659 of 14,131
- US ranking: 948 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school are over $53,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Montgomery College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Towson University, and University of Maryland – College Park.
Why Study Game Design in Maryland?
Maryland positions itself as an optimistic venue for game design education and career. More concretely, the state has a strong industry presence with several game developers and studios in the area. In addition, it provides many educational institutions to gain expertise and practical experience in the field. Above all, Maryland is in a strategic location. Maryland’s proximity to tech hubs provides promising opportunities for game design graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to gain expertise in game design in Maryland?
A: Indeed. The state houses several university options that provide programs and relevant courses in game design.
Q: What game design program is considered the strongest in the area?
A: While all programs and courses are solid choices, the Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design at the University of Baltimore is one of the most robust options.
Q: Are there online alternatives to studying game design in the state?
A: Yes, Loyola University Maryland, among many others, offers an online video game design training course.
