South Carolina builds game industry talent through its select but meaningful game design schools. With programs combining artistic and technical skills with portfolio development, aspiring game designers have concrete paths to achieve their goals in the state.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina (2026)
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina makes game design studies available through a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts program. Specifically, it ensures that students will gain analytical and practical skills in digital animation, game design, augmented reality, virtual reality, and more. Utilizing a flexible curriculum, learners explore courses like Advanced Game Design and New Media Art that leverage hands-on learning. On top of that, they will benefit from internship opportunities and cutting-edge facilities and equipment.
At the same time, the University of South Carolina System’s satellite campus in Union delivers an online game design training. Its curriculum includes courses that will teach students how to design and create video games.
These options prepare students for roles as an animator, game designer, and game producer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 204 of 14,131
- US ranking: 89 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
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.
Clemson University
Clemson University’s Center for Corporate Learning hosts an online video game design and development course. This option relies on a comprehensive approach to the architecture of a game engine in teaching learners how to design and develop video games. The included curriculum also trains students in asset creation, programming languages, and much more. Upon successful completion of this online course, students can expect to be qualified for positions in game design and game development areas.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 254 of 14,131
- US ranking: 102 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 per year for in-state students to over $37,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Furman University
Furman University extends its academic offerings through its Center for Innovative Leadership, which offers an online game design boot camp. The curriculum features three complementary courses that last 12 weeks each. Students will begin with the essentials of game design, then move on to game design principles and prototyping, and finish with professional game design and implementation. To summarize, they will first study the game design theory before designing and building games. As students learn from industry experts, they are being equipped with skills to become game artists, game designers, and level designers.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1790 of 14,131
- US ranking: 436 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Post-master’s certificate
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 to over $57,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Anderson University
Anderson University positions its Bachelor of Science in Coding: Game Development program as part of its academic offerings for students interested in entering the gaming sector. At the core of the program is the focus on instilling students with a robust programming background that emphasizes the design and development of games. The curriculum also ensures that, at the end of the program, learners will be able to create games using the theoretical principles of game design and development, analyze every aspect of a video game, and master programming, among others. With this, graduates will be able to pursue careers as a game designer, game developer, quality assurance tester, and UX designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2272 of 14,131
- US ranking: 566 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 to over $32,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Winthrop University
Winthrop University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design degree, which explores an interdisciplinary approach to learning character design, storytelling, user experience, world building, and other principles connected to game design. Additionally, some of the major courses in the curriculum are Design Fundamentals, Game Graphics, Beginning Game Design, Intermediate Game Design, and Advanced Game Design. Once the program is completed, graduates will have career opportunities in multiple areas of game design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2404 of 14,131
- US ranking: 602 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Post-master’s certificate
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 per year for in-state students to over $30,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Coastal Carolina University, Coker University, Lander University, Limestone University, Trident Technical College, and USC Upstate.
Why Study Game Design in South Carolina?
Game design programs at the universities in South Carolina excel in interdisciplinary approaches, blending creative media production, technical development, and experiential learning. Take note, all of these are key factors for breaking into game studios or interactive media roles. In line with this, careers in the state are somewhat generous, with companies like Atmos Games and Kiz Studios providing working opportunities to graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does South Carolina provide solid opportunities to study game design?
A: Indeed. Many educational institutions that offer game design programs are present in the region.
Q: What program is best for game design in South Carolina?
A: Some of the top choices are Winthrop University’s bachelor’s degree in game design and the Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts at the University of South Carolina.
Q: Can you study game design online through South Carolina schools?
A: Yes, specifically through the online video game design training at the University of South Carolina Union, Clemson University, and Furman 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.
