Massachusetts is one of the best when it comes to game design schools and is also home to several recognizable video game studios. It is also home to Boston, one of the most prominent game developer-rich cities in the world. Another thing worth mentioning is that students will have the opportunity to attend PAX East, arguably one of the biggest video game industry conferences in the country, while studying in the state.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts (2026)
Harvard University
Harvard University delivers an online Introduction to Game Development course through its Harvard Extension School. This course teaches students how to develop 2D and 3D interactive games. Also, they will analyze how video games are implemented by exploring popular titles, such as Angry Birds, Pokémon, and Super Mario Bros. Likewise, the course includes lectures and hands-on projects related to 2D graphics, animation, collision detection, and sound, using frameworks and languages. By the end of the program, students will have a strong background in game design and development fundamentals, making them qualified for professional roles in the gaming industry.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1 of 14,131
- US ranking: 1 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 3%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
Tuition and fees at the school are over $54,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Boston University
Boston University offers two specialized courses relevant to game design under the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems programs. In particular, students can choose the Artificial Intelligence for Video Games elective course, which exposes them to languages and scripting that enable AI in game play and how game programs learn responses based on players’ actions. At the same time, they can choose to take the Advanced Game Graphics elective, wherein they learn extensively about computer graphics and explore geometrical techniques for specific areas of games. Accordingly, these options enable students to pursue careers relevant to their field of expertise.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 48 of 14,131
- US ranking: 37 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
Tuition and fees at the school are over $63,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design program, which seeks to enhance the ability of students to make top-notch games. By employing critical analysis and reflective practice, students in the program can study games as an aesthetic and expressive form. The curriculum’s learning outcomes range from conceptualizing games to researching new markets, including everything in between. Meanwhile, the school also has a Master of Science in Game Science and Design program, which teaches students design and technical skills in developing a game and understanding analytics to thrive in a competitive gaming market. Accordingly, completion ensures career opportunities as a game artist, game designer, level designer, play tester, project manager, and more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 216 of 14,131
- US ranking: 94 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $27,000 to over $62,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute features an expansive selection of game design degrees within its Interactive Media & Game Development program. The choices include a Bachelor of Science degree in Interactive Media & Game Development, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interactive Media & Game Development, a Master of Science in Interactive Media & Game Development, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interactive Media & Game Design. This nationally ranked selection combines design, music, production management, music, programming, storytelling, user experience, and visual and technical arts. Upon graduation, graduates can apply for positions, such as a game designer, interactive media developer, technical artist, UX designer, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 721 of 14,131
- US ranking: 209 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $28,000 to over $57,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
The University of Massachusetts equips students with a Video Game Design & Development program, in which learners benefit from a curriculum that has courses like Game Design: Narrative, Interactive Media, 2D Animation, 3D Modeling and Animation, and more. With an active community and presence of advanced facilities, students taking this course will be prepared for jobs in areas like animation, game design and creation, programming, hardware development, and VR & AR.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 754 of 14,131
- US ranking: 216 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 per year for in-state students to over $34,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg State University, Hampshire College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Montserrat College of Art, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Salem State University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, University of Massachusetts – Boston, and University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth.
Why Study Game Design in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts combines top-tier academic education, hands-on experience, and industry connections. Since the state is a significant hub for gaming and game design, it allows for networking opportunities, internships, and partnerships with independent studios, leading to direct career placement. Being home to PAX East also enhances the area’s appeal for students, as it takes its gaming scene to a global standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get video game design education in Massachusetts?
A: Yes! With a plethora of game design schools available, anyone can study game design in the state.
Q: What is the best game design program in Massachusetts?
A: You can’t go wrong with any of the programs in every university, but you would want to consider the ones offered in Worcester Polytechnic Institute, since some of them are among the pioneers in the nation.
Q: Is there an online course for game design in Massachusetts?
A: Yes, there are many online alternatives available in the area, including the one provided by Harvard University.
