Wisconsin may not be one of the ace performers when it comes to the video game industry. However, some things make it a significant emerging player in the space. To paint the picture, the state’s video game sector currently contributes $486.6 million to the economy, which also comes with over a thousand supported jobs, said the Entertainment Software Association. From this, it is safe to say that one of the main contributing factors to the growth is the availability of game design schools that facilitate education in the field, which then produces game design talent.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin (2026)
University of Wisconsin – Madison
The University of Wisconsin – Madison offers a Game Design certificate. It focuses on understanding games and game design, specifically on how to create and test. In this interdisciplinary program, participants will learn how to produce board games and video games. The curriculum also includes courses like Topics in Game Design, Game Design I & II, and Introduction to Digital Forms, along with elective courses to expand their skills. Completion of this certificate program and their chosen undergraduate degree enables them to pursue game design careers where they can utilize their acquired design and technical skills.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 17 of 14,131
- US ranking: 13 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $39,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee fosters game design learning through a Game Art & Design undergraduate certificate. In particular, the curriculum includes interdisciplinary courses, such as Computer Games and Interactive Art, Game Design & Interactive Art, and Scripting for Games. These required courses and several other electives aim to give students creative and technical skills that are necessary in designing game assets. With this certificate program, completers can become game artists, character designers, environment designers, game designers, and others.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 416 of 14,131
- US ranking: 133 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $24,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Marquette University
Marquette University’s College of Communication houses a minor in Games and Interactive Media. This pathway helps students master industry-related hardware, software, and media equipment. Likewise, they will study the implications of video games through different lenses. Some of the courses covered in the curriculum are Basic Game Design, Game Studies and Aesthetics, and Script & Story. Accordingly, students who complete the program can take advantage of their learning and training for future employment in the video game industry.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 576 of 14,131
- US ranking: 180 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $23,000 to over $47,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater presents two degree programs that are game design-relevant: a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Game Development. Students who enroll in one of these programs will have three emphases to choose from: Media Arts, Communication/Gaming, and Gaming Technology. Across these focus areas, the major courses include Introduction to Media Arts & Game Development, Visual Design for Digital Media, and Drawing for Digital Media. Moreover, these four-year programs enable graduates to establish careers as 3D artists, animators, game developers, interface designers, mobile app developers, and much more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1842 of 14,131
- US ranking: 451 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $6,000 per year for in-state students to over $19,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Wisconsin – Stout
The University of Wisconsin – Stout champions a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design & Development program. This offering allows learners to experience hands-on learning to develop their skills in 3D modeling, animation, game art, and game design. In terms of its curriculum, there are courses like Introduction to Game Design, Introduction to Video Game Development, Exploratory Game Design and Development, and Game Art, Design and Development Capstones. After developing a strong foundation and mastering industry-standard software and hardware, graduates will be ready to become professional game designers for game studios.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2421 of 14,131
- US ranking: 605 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $16,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Moraine Park Technical College.
Why Study Game Design in Wisconsin?
While the options of game design schools in Wisconsin are mostly part of one university system, students still benefit from diverse campuses, specialized programs, and industry-aligned curricula. At the same time, the region does feature a balanced game design ecosystem that includes promising educational institutions and game studios, such as Filament Games and Raven Software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Wisconsin a good place to learn game design?
A: Yes, as it is mainly driven by the University of Wisconsin system, which consists of several campuses that offer game design programs.
Q: What is the best game design option in Wisconsin?
A: One of the most comprehensive picks for game design learning is the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design & Development at the University of Wisconsin – Stout.
Q: Are there online game design programs in Wisconsin?
A: A fully online game design course is available at Moraine Park Technical College.
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.
