The Inner Harbor is a historic seaport in Baltimore, and one of the landmarks that helped the place gain its nickname, Charm City. Yet the city’s charm goes well beyond its history and cultural attractions. Today, it has also quietly developed into a promising place for students interested in game design. Baltimore is home to a dense concentration of game design schools that build creative and technical skills needed for the gaming industry.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore, Maryland (2026)
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University’s computer science programs focus its game design coverage through the course, Advanced Game Design and Development Engines. In this, learners will explore topics, including game engine element subtopics, visualization methods, and game design concepts. The course also features lectures and hands-on activities, so students can learn how to use Unreal and Unity in understanding game design concepts and game development. Beyond the academic track, the university is home to the Johns Hopkins Game Development Society, which aims to foster a community for everyone interested in the field. With this ecosystem, students will gain an edge when applying for jobs in the game design and development industry.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 11 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 9 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Baltimore: 1 of 13
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 8%
- Graduation rate: 95%
Tuition and fees at Johns Hopkins University are over $62,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
The University of Maryland in Baltimore County offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Game Design track. In detail, the featured courses in its curriculum are Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Games Group Project, Graphical User Interface Programming, and many more. At the same time, the university’s Institute for Extended Learning provides an online game design training course. The areas of study include game asset creation, game engines, programming, and mathematical skills. Upon completion of the BS program, graduates will be ready for technical positions in the game industry, while the training program prepares them for other types of positions in the game design and development field.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 516 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 160 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Baltimore: 3 of 13
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County range from about $9,000 per year for in-state students to over $26,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Baltimore
The University of Baltimore’s Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design begins by making students choose between two specializations, Technical Arts and Coding & Development. Both tracks will help students build skills in the specific areas. But, in general, the program teaches them through coursework in game design theory, computer programming, 3D modeling and animation, usability design, simulation, and multiplayer games design. The common roles that graduates usually launch their creative careers with include game designer, game artist, game programmer, game developer, level designer, simulation developer, and others.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 946 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 253 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Baltimore: 4 of 13
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Graduation rate: 47%
Tuition and fees at the University of Baltimore range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $21,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Loyola University Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Morgan State University.
Why Study Game Design in Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore is simply an appealing place for game design. In particular, the city houses universities that blend game design, computer science, and immersive media, which helps students become well-rounded. Plus, Charm City sits in the state of Maryland, which hosts numerous game studios, including Sparkypants Studios and Starcaster Games, located in the city itself. It makes the area more attractive due to the presence of career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there game design schools available in Baltimore?
A: Yes, there are many universities to study game design in the city.
Q: What is the best game design program in Charm City?
A: In terms of standalone options, the best pick would be the Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design at the University of Baltimore.
Q: Are there online alternatives for learning game design in the area?
A: Yes, online courses are available at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Loyola University Maryland.
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.
