Pennsylvania has a growing reputation for game design, underlined by indie studios such as Aether Studios and Cipher Prime. Based on the data from the Entertainment Software Association, its vibrant ecosystem in the field currently has an impact of about $1 billion on the economy, with more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs provided for people in the video game industry. Meanwhile, the state also hosts a diverse array of game design schools with higher-education programs that assist students pursuing careers in game design.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania (2026)
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania houses a Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Graphics & Game Technology, which is designed to address the demand for computer-generated imagery. Its current curriculum includes courses, such as 3D Computer Modeling, Computer Animation, Game Design and Development, and more. Towards the end, there would also be a Game Design practicum. In line with this, the knowledge and skills acquired in the program prepare students for roles in advertising, entertainment, technology, and game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 16 of 14,131
- US ranking: 12 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $41,000 to over $58,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University provides a game development minor that is available to most degree programs at Penn State Behrend. With a focus on learning animation, game design, game production, game programming, and quality assurance, the curriculum includes courses like Introduction to Game Design, Technical Game Development, Gaming and Interactive Media, Advanced Game Design, and Advanced Game Programming, among others. Moreover, the possible career areas for graduates are animation, game design, game development, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 21 of 14,131
- US ranking: 16 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $19,000 per year for in-state students to over $43,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University’s Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology network offers a game design minor that allows students to be experts in game design, game development, and game assessment. Particularly, learners will take courses including Computer Game Programming, Introduction to Game Design, Game Design, Prototyping, and Production, and Experimental Game Design. Through these, they can acquire skills in game programming, game systems and mechanics design, interface design and user testing, and more that are relevant to the field. Furthermore, graduates will be ready for roles in animation, game design, and game development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 51 of 14,131
- US ranking: 38 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $48,000 to over $62,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Drexel University
Drexel University sustains a Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Production program. With an option to take it in four years or five years, students are guaranteed to gain design and technology skills. Also, this full-time undergraduate program lets students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on experience when completing courses, such as Character Animation for Gaming, Game Development Foundations, Realtime Visualization, and Scripting for Game Design. Consequently, the career paths for degree holders are animator, character designer, game designer, level designer, narrative designer, and many more in entertainment gaming and simulation industries.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 266 of 14,131
- US ranking: 108 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $36,000 to over $58,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Moore College of Art and Design
The Moore College of Art and Design is popular for its Animation & Game Arts major. In this program, learners will work with experts and professional mentors in studying animation and game design. In particular, some of the focus areas are 3D modeling, character design, rigging, stop-motion animation, and storyboarding. Similarly, the core curriculum includes 2D/3D Design, Animation, Game Art & Design, Game Strategies Studio, and much more. More importantly, this program produces versatile graduates who are more than qualified to become 2D or 3D animators, colorists, game designers, motion designers, storyboard artists, and tabletop game designers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 3886 of 14,131
- US ranking: 1018 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $48,000 to over $62,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Albright College, Montgomery County Community College, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Kutztown University, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Why Study Game Design in Pennsylvania?
The game design education in Pennsylvania is especially notable for combining top-tier research institutions and industry-connected programs. From interdisciplinary degrees to studio-oriented design options, the game design universities in the state support a broad range of interests and career objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get formal game design education in Pennsylvania?
A: Yes. In fact, multiple universities deliver game design programs in the area.
Q: What game design program is the most prestigious in the region?
A: One of the most reputable game design offerings in Pennsylvania is the Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Production at Drexler University.
Q: Does Pennsylvania support online game design learning?
A: Yes. For online formats, some of your options would include Pennsylvania College of Technology and Temple University.
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.
