Beyond its reputation for having a rich history, Boston also champions a remarkable game design scene. Thanks to world-class game design schools, students have access to top-tier game design education. At the same time, the developing game companies and studios in the city ensure that learners have guaranteed career destinations at the likes of ROTU Entertainment and Fablevision once they graduate.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Boston, Massachusetts, 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 Boston, Massachusetts (2026)
Boston University
Boston University offers relevant coursework in game design through its Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree programs. In these options, learners can take elective courses, such as Artificial Intelligence for Video Games and Advanced Game Graphics. The AI course allows students to explore the scripting and languages that make AI possible, how this smart technology influences game aspects, and how player actions are used to train game programs. On the other hand, the game graphics elective covers computer graphics fundamentals and geometrical techniques. These courses assist graduates in pursuing careers in the gaming industry.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 48 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 37 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Boston: 1 of 24
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Graduation rate: 90%
Tuition and fees at Boston University are over $63,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University ensures that game design students are provided with programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design, they can take courses like Foundations of Game Design, Rapid Idea Prototyping for Games, Game Studio, Experimental Game Design, Generative Game Design, and many more. In contrast, the Master of Science in Game Science and Design program’s curriculum includes courses such as Game Design and Analysis, Business Models in the Game Industry, Applied Game Design, and others. Graduating in both programs means students can become game artists, game designers, game scientists, level designers, producers, QA testers, and more.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 216 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 94 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Boston: 2 of 24
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Graduation rate: 90%
Tuition and fees at Northeastern University range from about $27,000 per year for in-state students to over $62,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Massachusetts – Boston
The University of Massachusetts in Boston may not have a dedicated game design offering, but it has relevant coursework in its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. Its curriculum offers the Computer Games Programming elective course, which tackles the entire pipeline of game development. Some of the areas of focus are virtual environments modeling, interactive rendering, real-time physics-based simulation, and beyond. The course also requires students to use a game engine and develop original games. In connection, several career opportunities are waiting for graduates, including but not limited to game developer, mobile app developer, and UI/UX designer.
General Information:
- Current ranking in the world: 626 of 14,131
- Current ranking in the United States: 191 of 2,496
- Current ranking in Boston: 4 of 24
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- Graduation rate: 51%
Tuition and fees at the University of Massachusetts – Boston range from about $14,000 per year for in-state students to over $37,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mention: Bunker Hill Community College, Emerson College, Fisher College, Suffolk University, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Why Study Game Design in Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston is commonly considered one of the most education-focused cities in the world. This reputation further underlines why students will not regret opting to study game design in the capital of Massachusetts. While not all options are standalone game design programs, they are still comprehensive offerings that prepare students for professional roles in the sector. The Entertainment Software Association also reported that the city’s video game industry sits at over a billion in terms of economic impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there universities in Boston that support game design education?
A: Yes, many educational institutions in the city provide game design programs.
Q: What is the most popular dedicated game design offering in the city?
A: One of the premier full-pledged programs in the field is Northeastern University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design program.
Q: Is there an online alternative available in Massachusetts’ capital?
A: Yes. Students can apply for the online course in game design at Bunker Hill 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.
