North Dakota produces skilled, industry-ready game designers through meaningful alternative pathways, as it does not yet have a long list of game design schools that offer formal game design degree programs. With the availability of certificates and relevant tracks, students in the state who are passionate about the gaming industry have viable options to gain expertise in the field. In line with this, the independent studio Beach Interactive also exists in the region, providing entry-level professional experience to graduates.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in North Dakota, 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.
Three Game Design Schools in North Dakota (2026)
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University does not have a dedicated game design degree program. As of this writing, the only options available are online certificate training programs in digital game art and video game design and development. For the first one, students will learn asset animation, 2D/3D modeling, texturing techniques, and art fundamentals. The second option helps in understanding programming languages, designing video games, and more. Both curricula prepare students for roles in the gaming, simulation, and interactive media industries, such as a game artist and a video game designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 572 of 14,131
- US ranking: 177 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $13,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota does not deliver a standalone game design program, but it has alternatives to acquire expertise or build foundational skills. Those who want to cultivate their skills in designing and developing video games can leverage an online game design course, which concentrates on programming, mathematics for game development, game modeling and texturing, and skills in game engines. Meanwhile, the university also offers a Bachelor of Science in Esports degree, which includes courses like Introduction to Game Studies and Game Design for Esports. Moreover, both programs equip students with the necessary skills to qualify for roles in the gaming space.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 691 of 14,131
- US ranking: 200 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $17,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Minot State University
Minot State University offers an interdisciplinary game design and development certificate. Particularly, it allows students to explore game and software development. The program covers digital art design, game systems’ rhetorical structures, and game engines. Additionally, some of the courses in the curriculum are Computer Science, Algorithms and Data Structures, Windows Programming, Cognition and Games, and more. To top it off, learners will be required to design, develop, and publish a video game as their capstone project. With the help of a hands-on approach, completers will be ready for careers in the gaming industry, including game design, UI/UX design, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 3797 of 14,131
- US ranking: 986 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Post-master’s certificate
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 to over $9,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mention: North Dakota State College of Science (Offers a video game design and development online course).
Why Study Game Design in North Dakota?
The lack of standalone game design degrees in North Dakota is often viewed as a deal breaker. However, if you look at the bright side, it is balanced by accessible training options. Specifically, it mainly includes certificates, interdisciplinary courses, and technical foundations. All of which allows students to tailor their education through different programs. In other words, the state’s educational landscape in the field is niche but practical. Overall, the game design education in North Carolina banks on experiential learning and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to learn game design in North Dakota?
A: While traditional game design programs are not available, there are game-aligned certificates and relevant coursework.
Q: What is the best game-related program in the state?
A: All options are essentially equal, considering the situation of game design education in the area.
Q: Are there online training options for game design in North Dakota?
A: Online video game design certificates are available through career training programs.
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.
