Nashville is not only known for being the epicenter of country music in the world, but it is also positioning itself as a rising player in the video game industry. Universities and other game design schools in the city increasingly feature programs related to game design and the like, ensuring that students find multiple pathways into the gaming space. Although the studios in the area are limited to Good Measure Games, others can arise once the local scene grows further.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Nashville, Tennessee, we reviewed publicly available information and program offerings, and we relied on EduRank to select the best options in the city. 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.
Top Game Design Schools in Nashville, Tennessee (2026)
Belmont University
Belmont University’s game design offering is devised as a pre-college program. In particular, it is a four-day Game Design and Programming camp. The program is designed to teach every participant about basic data structures, coding, conditionals, creativity, logic, looping, random numbers, sequencing, variables, and physics-based game design. One of the main purposes of the camp is to make students perform exercises and hone their skills to create an original computer game. Everyone who completes the camp experience will be more ready for higher education in game design.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 2474 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 620 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Nashville: 4 of 12
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at Belmont University range from about $26,000 to over $36,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University is allowing computer science and information technology students to take a game design and development concentration. It is a specialized track that enables students to understand game theory and enhance skills in game technologies. In-charge faculty members will also help them put their learnings into application. With courses like 3D Game Design, Game Design Principles, and Game Programming, graduates will develop the skills necessary for roles in game design, game development, and UX/UI design.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 5687 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 1493 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Nashville: 7 of 12
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation rate: 55%
Tuition and fees at Trevecca Nazarene University range from about $11,000 to over $28,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Nossi College of Art
Nossi College of Art might not have a standalone game design program, but it offers game development and advanced UX design courses that deliver relevant skills. With the game development offerings, students will explore C#, JavaScript, and Unity. In contrast, the UX design course combines artificial intelligence in studying the process of designing user experience. Towards the end, students will create feature-rich, cross-platform games and a comprehensive case study, respectively. The completion of the courses can help students pursue roles in game development, UX design, and more.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 9638 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 2179 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Nashville: 10 of 12
- Control: Private for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Bachelor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Graduation rate: 35%
Tuition and fees at Nossi College of Art are over $20,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Lipscomb University and Nashville State Community College.
Why Study Game Design in Nashville, Tennessee?
The presence of game design schools in the city that create new learning opportunities for students backs up the data from the Entertainment Software Association. More specifically, the figures reveal that Tennessee is expanding its video game industry, with a current economic impact of $268.8 million. Consequently, Nashville’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning ensures that graduates enter the gaming industry with exemplary credentials, while the booming sector is an indicator of favorable career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in Nashville?
A: Yes. Many schools in and around the city have programs connected to game design and other areas of game development.
Q: What is the most direct game design-focused program in Music City?
A: As of now, the dedicated game design option for programs is the game design and development concentration at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Q: Does Nashville offer online programs in the field?
A: Yes, an online game design course is accessible through Nashville State Community College.
Note: This article incorporates the latest available data and information at the time of writing. Please note that statistics can fluctuate over time due to updates and real-world changes.
