Virginia presents a developing gaming landscape. In fact, it currently has an economic impact of $402.5 million on the video game industry, as reported by the Entertainment Software Association. More than that, its local industry supports 920 direct jobs and 724 indirect jobs. The state’s reputation in the field is also anchored by strong academic programs at various game design schools in the state, allowing students to experience top-ranked game design education.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Virginia, 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 Virginia (2026)
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia primarily guides students who want to pursue game design through a Computer Game Design course within its Computer Science department. To be specific, it concentrates on the design and technical areas of the process of making a video game. It means that students will experience every step from conceptualization all the way to playtesting. As part of the course, they will be familiarized with the tools and concepts involved in 2D and 3D computer video games development. Completion of the course can be of help in landing jobs in game design and development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 55 of 14,131
- US ranking: 40 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $17,000 per year for in-state students to over $53,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly referred to as Virginia Tech, offers a way to learn game design through its College of Engineering. Particularly, students can take a Video Game Design and Engineering course, which focuses on multiple aspects of contemporary interactive video games for PC. It includes artificial intelligence, game architecture, computer graphics, game design principles, game mechanics, play testing, and user interaction. By the end of the course, students will know how to develop game assets, construct 2D graphics, design player interaction and collision detection, and analyze computational theory used in video game design — all of which prepare them for careers in the gaming industry.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 95 of 14,131
- US ranking: 57 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $12,000 per year for in-state students to over $33,000 per year for out-of-state students.
George Mason University
George Mason University provides a structured pathway towards game design with its Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Game Design degree program. The focus areas of this program are the creative elements of computer game design. Students will also gain technical skills essential to the field thanks to the curriculum, with major courses such as Applied Coding for Game Designers, Introduction to Game Design, Basic Game Design, Digital Game Design, Advanced Game Design Studio, and beyond. As promised by the university, graduates of this program will be ready for employment in the game design and game development field.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 219 of 14,131
- US ranking: 96 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $10,000 per year for in-state students to over $35,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University champions game design preparation via a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging with an interaction and game design concentration. This 121-credit program assists students in learning emergent systems, game design, and virtual interactive worlds. More concretely, the interaction and game design emphasis allows learners to master the integration of interactive elements with narrative and world-building techniques in gamification environments. At the same time, they are expected to make projects that engage with contemporary issues in the field. The possible career pathways for graduates include game designer, interactive media designer, and other roles in the specific space.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 256 of 14,131
- US ranking: 103 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $12,000 per year for in-state students to over $34,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University delivers a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Game Studies & Design major. The game design highlights of the curriculum are Visual Design Fundamentals for Game Design, Technologies for Game Design and Development, and Game Design and Rhetoric courses. As students complete the program, they will learn how to adapt game development and game design principles in response to technological advancements. Furthermore, degree completion indicates that students are formally trained for roles like character or environmental designer, game designer, game developer, gameplay engineer, game producer, game programmer, game tester, and level designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 557 of 14,131
- US ranking: 171 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $30,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Averett University, Christopher Newport University, Marymount University, Shenandoah University, University of Richmond, Virginia Peninsula Community College, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Washington and Lee University.
Why Study Game Design in Virginia?
The state of Virginia boasts universities with game design programs and relevant coursework that offer project-focused experiences, internships, and portfolio development. Students will also gain all the essentials for stepping into careers in game studios. Plus, the area hosts a couple of gaming companies that may serve as career destinations for graduates, before they decide to apply for major AAA studios based in other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I find game design schools in Virginia?
A: Absolutely. There are many game design schools in the state with programs emphasizing real projects and portfolio preparation.
Q: What is the ideal game design program in the region?
A: One of the top programs for game design is the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design at George Mason University.
Q: Is it possible for students to enroll in online game design programs in Virginia?
A: Yes, specifically through the online courses provided by the University of Richmond and Virginia Wesleyan 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.
