North Carolina has emerged as a genuine destination for game design. Thanks in part to a growing game industry presence, including Epic Games and Red Storm Entertainment. As reported by CBS 17, the state ranked seventh in the number of jobs created in the gaming industry at 2.63 jobs for every 10,000 residents in 2023. In light of this, it can be concluded that the state also provides game design schools that present a diverse set of degree and concentration options to hone game design students.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina (2026)
Duke University
Duke University allows game design students to pursue higher education by offering a Master of Engineering in Game Design, Development, and Innovation degree. Within four semesters, the curriculum will focus on teaching students about programming, game engines, game development and design principles, and the creative aspect of user experience. Hands-on learning is also a priority, which prepares graduates for careers in game design, game development, programming, and UI/UX.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 33 of 14,131
- US ranking: 27 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $62,000 to over $63,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
North Carolina State University
The North Carolina State University offers game design opportunities through a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree with a game development concentration. In detail, students will understand the principles of the design and development process of both PC and console games. Learners who enroll in this concentration will have to complete the Computer Graphics and the Game Design and Development courses. After taking 21 hours of games-focused courses, graduates can choose from the possible career paths, including computer programmer, computer developer, and video game designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 68 of 14,131
- US ranking: 46 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $6,000 per year for in-state students to over $29,000 per year for out-of-state students.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University lists two ways to pursue game design education. The first one is a Computer Game Development certificate within the College of Engineering and Technology. It enables students to gain skills in character and narrative development, content creation, level design, real-time rendering, sound augmentation, and user interface. This helps them learn how to design and develop video games and simulations. On the other hand, there is an option to take an Animation/Interactive Design concentration under the School of Art & Design. This program equips students with experience in crafting digital environments, emphasizing 2D animation, character design, and game design. Upon graduation, learners have the chance to land jobs in game design and game development areas.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 540 of 14,131
- US ranking: 165 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $4,000 per year for in-state students to over $20,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has three routes to learn game design. Students can opt for the Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development, in which they can take Advanced Game Design and Development and Game Design and Development Studio courses. They can also pursue a Graduate Certificate in Game Design and Development, which helps attain a higher level of competence in the field. Meanwhile, applicants can join an online Game Design Boot camp, which includes a curriculum that focuses on game design essentials and foundations. Accordingly, the certificates can be used for credit towards the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science, while the online alternative can help them become game artists, game designers, and level designers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 570 of 14,131
- US ranking: 176 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $3,000 per year for in-state students to over $19,000 per year for out-of-state students.
High Point University
High Point University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design degree. In the curriculum, there are courses, such as Introduction to Game Design, AAA Game Development Tools, Collaborative Game Design and Development, Game Publishing, Promotion, and Portfolio, and much more. The program also ensures that students acquire a comprehensive understanding of the topics to create and assess games and interactive media. Furthermore, the career areas through this degree include 3D modeling and animation, level design, user-interface and user-experience design, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2504 of 14,131
- US ranking: 631 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $31,000 to over $38,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Davidson College, Elon University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wake Technical Community College, and William Peace University.
Why Study Game Design in North Carolina?
Similar to other top-tier game design states such as New York, North Carolina offers both education and career opportunities. Specifically, students have multiple tailored routes to enter the game industry thanks to top-ranked programs at different universities. In addition, graduates will have access to a booming industry, with many companies enhancing internship and employment prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How good is North Carolina for game design?
A: The Tar Heel State champions universities offering game design programs and houses several industry-leading studios, making it a top place for game design education and career.
Q: Which program in North Carolina is best for game design?
A: One of the strongest options is the Game Design undergraduate certificate at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Q: Does North Carolina offer online game design programs?
A: Yes, students can find online courses for game design in some of the universities in the state.
Note: This article incorporates the latest available data and information at the time of writing. Keep in mind that statistics can vary over time due to updates and real-world changes.
