Major parts of the identity and branding of Minneapolis are its lakes and an extensive park system. Along with this, the city plays a modest role in the game design field. With a few, but encouraging, game design schools, students in the City of Lakes have robust pathways to pursue education and professional careers in the gaming space.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota (2026)
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not administer a dedicated game design program. However, students can enroll in other programs that provide relevant coursework. One of the choices is a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, whose curriculum includes courses like Programming Interactive Computer Graphics and Games, Animation & Planning in Games, and Fundamentals of Game Design. On the other hand, the second option is a Bachelor of Science in UX Design that focuses on advanced design, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, and user research. These programs allow students to pursue careers in game design and UI/UX design fields.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 18 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 14 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Minneapolis: 1 of 9
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation rate: 85%
Tuition and fees at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities range from about $14,000 per year for in-state students to over $34,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Augsburg University
Augsburg University’s Game Design and Development major within its Communication and Media Studies program is designed to underline the importance of computational problem-solving in society in the context of game-based environments and the game narrative. Students who choose this major are required to take courses, such as Introduction to Game History and Design, Unity I: Working With Unity, Unity II: Advanced Unity, Game Design Studio, Introduction to Computer Programming, and many more. Upon completion, career choices of graduates include game design, game development, and game programming.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 1882 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 462 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Minneapolis: 3 of 9
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation rate: 52%
Tuition and fees at Augsburg University range from about $13,000 to over $43,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Minneapolis College of Art and Design helps students understand the aesthetics, mechanisms, and technologies connected to game design through its Experimental Games minor. Core courses include Experimental Game Theory and Prototyping, Coding Concepts, Game Engines, and Experimental Games Studio. At the same time, the university’s continuing education department offers game-related classes, such as Character Design and Development and Introduction to Video Game Design. In line with this, the potential careers for completers are game developer, narrative designer, and UI designer.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 4708 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 1223 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Minneapolis: 5 of 9
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 48%
- Graduation rate: 69%
Tuition and fees at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are over $43,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Why Study Game Design in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Minneapolis is home to colleges that provide access to legitimate game design, interactive media, and related coursework. Yes, the choices are not as generous as in other cities, but students here are sure to find high-quality ones. While perhaps not as globally recognized for housing massive game studios, the city and the entire state of Minnesota have a growing game development scene, with studios like 7 Generation Games and Space Mace operating in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is game design education attainable in Minneapolis?
A: Yes, through the dedicated programs offered in universities, students can learn game design.
Q: Which school provides a focused game design program in the City of Lakes?
A: One of the institutions that delivers a strong game design program is Augsburg University, which offers a Game Design and Development major.
Q: Are online game design options part of the offerings at the universities in Minneapolis?
A: Yes. Online classes related to game design are available at the continuing education department of Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
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.
