In recent years, Texas has started to become one of the country’s most exciting tech hubs. This growth has helped fuel innovation and the expansion of both business and education in the field. With startups setting up shop and large companies finding a new home in the state’s cities, the influx of technology has greatly benefited the gaming industry. These days, some of the biggest players in gaming call Texas home, including major AAA studios like Gearbox Software and independent ones such as Certain Affinity. At the same time, the state has become a significant center for game design schools that provide nationally ranked programs and comprehensive certificate pathways.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Texas, 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 Texas (2026)
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin hosts a Game Development and Design program. Its recently expanded curriculum now includes specialization areas to align with the emerging advancements in the digital interactive and immersive media industry. Now, students have the chance to specialize in Arts and Entertainment Technologies, which concentrates on game animation, art, and design. Additionally, the coursework of the program includes Animation for Games, Video Game Scripting, Mobile Game Design, Level Design, Narrative Design, and many more. For career pathways, the university is known for producing graduates who can excel in fields where people who can design and develop games are needed.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 32 of 14,131
- US ranking: 26 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $42,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers a Game Design and Development minor, which can be of help in acquiring a solid foundation in game design and software development principles. A few of the required courses in the curriculum of this 16-credit-hour minor are Computer Graphics or Game Design, Game Development, Advanced Game Design, and Game Level Design. Completion of the minor can lead to professional careers as a game designer or a game developer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 46 of 14,131
- US ranking: 36 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $36,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is giving undergraduate students a chance to gain an advantage in the professional world by giving them the option to earn a Game Design and Culture certificate. Those who grab this opportunity will learn how to use digital and physical interactive media, understand the contexts of games, and enhance practical production skills. In detail, there are five courses involved in this certificate program, namely: Interactive Media Storytelling, Introduction to Game Development, Digital Gaming Culture, Designing for Play, and Writing for Media and Communication. Accordingly, completers are well-suited for careers in game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 292 of 14,131
- US ranking: 113 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $21,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas delivers a Bachelor of Science in Game Studies and Design that is available as a degree or a certificate program. Both are interdisciplinary programs where students benefit from experiential learning using industry tools and processes to understand, design, and create games. Some of the common courses include Games, Play, and Stories, Game Studies: Players, Culture and Industry, Advanced Narrative Design for Gaming, and Introduction to Game Design. In line with this, graduates may pursue professional roles in game criticism, game design, game development, game scripting, and narrative design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 335 of 14,131
- US ranking: 123 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $18,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas has undergraduate and graduate programs for students who would like to pursue game design. For the undergraduate, the school provides a Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Games degree, which explores experimental animation, game mechanics, and visual narrative. Learners in this program can expect to take courses, such as Digital Art and Design Foundations, Animation and Game Fundamentals, and more. Meanwhile, at the graduate level, the university offers a Master of Fine Arts in game development. In this three-year program, students will practice game design and study different aspects of games. Moreover, graduates can find themselves in roles such as animators, character designers, game designers, game developers, and others.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 497 of 14,131
- US ranking: 153 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 per year for in-state students to over $40,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Abilene Christian University, Collin College, East Texas A&M University, Houston Community College, Lamar University, Lee College, Northwest Vista College, Sam Houston State University, Southern Methodist University, Texas State University, University of Houston, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at San Antonio, and University of the Incarnate Word.
Why Study Game Design in Texas?
Aspiring game designers are sure to find a great fit at one of the many Texas game design schools. As the state houses top-tier educational programs in the field, students will gain knowledge, skills, and portfolios. Subsequently, graduates have concrete career destinations since Texas is home to numerous studios, with Austin having the largest concentration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I study game design in Texas?
A: Yes, especially if you want to get a game design education and graduate with a plethora of game studios to choose from to kick off your career.
Q: Which program is considered the best for game design in Texas?
A: One of the strongest options for game design is the Game Development and Design program at the University of Texas at Austin.
Q: Are Texas universities offering online game design courses?
A: Yes. Some of the schools you can choose from are Abilene Christian University and Texas State 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.
