Tennessee has a growing reputation in the gaming industry. According to data provided by the Entertainment Software Association, the state has a $268.8 million economic impact and supports over 600 direct jobs in the sector. These numbers suggest that, from a rich culture and music scene to premier schools and a gorgeous environment, students have plenty of reasons to consider Tennessee as a place to pursue their game design degree. The region boasts a healthy variety of public and private game design schools, many of which offer excellent programs for aspiring video game designers.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee (2026)
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis integrates an online video game design and development course and an online digital game artist certificate program into its academic framework through its Center for Regional Economic Enrichment. In detail, the game design option students will study programming languages, video game design, and 3D work. In contrast, the game artist pathway lets them explore character design, environmental design, and more. Completers will be prepared to step into careers in game art, game design, and game programming.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 581 of 14,131
- US ranking: 183 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $13,000 per year for out-of-state students.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University channels game design focus into a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media program with a concentration in digital game design. Particularly, this track lays a solid foundation through a curriculum that includes courses such as Game Play and Testing, Game Design, Interaction for Game Design, and more. With this specialization opportunity, graduates are essentially preparing for careers in environment design, game design, game development, level design, modeling for games, and scripting for interaction.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 976 of 14,131
- US ranking: 261 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $23,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University’s game design program offerings are limited to online pathways. Similar to the University of Memphis, it offers an online game design course and an online digital game artist program. Likewise, students will learn about 3D work, character design, environmental design, game design, programming languages, and more. In the same way, students completing the courses are qualified for roles, including game artist, game designer, game developer, and others.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1125 of 14,131
- US ranking: 289 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $27,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Belmont University
Belmont University’s game design offering caters to students looking for a pre-college experience in the field. Particularly, learners have the chance to participate in a Game Design and Programming Camp. This year’s edition will be a four-day experience, allowing students to create original interactive video games. Part of the learning experience includes game development and programming fundamentals. The university promises a nationally-recognized education, which would help them better prepare for formal programs in the field once they enter a university.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2474 of 14,131
- US ranking: 620 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $26,000 to over $39,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University offers a game design and development concentration, which is accessible through the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree programs. This specialized track’s curriculum covers essential courses, such as Game Design Principles, 3D Game Design, Game Programming, and a Game Development Capstone Experience. In line with this, alumni commonly find employment in careers related to computer programming, game design, game development, UX/UI design, and more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 5687 of 14,131
- US ranking: 1493 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 to over $28,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Chattanooga State Community College, Lipscomb University, Nashville State Community College, Pellissippi State Community College, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Tennessee – Martin.
Why Study Game Design in Tennessee?
Tennessee is definitely worth considering if students want a decent selection of game design schools that offer degrees useful for a prosperous career in the gaming space. It houses a combination of public and private universities that caters to all levels of financial capabilities. The options also range from formal degrees to certificates and boot camps, which ensures that learners find the best choice that suits their preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tennessee a smart choice for game design?
A: Certainly. The state offers a variety of options to learn game design.
Q: What is the game design program in Tennessee?
A: One that is often ranked high is East Tennessee State University’s Digital Game Design concentration under its Digital Media program.
Q: Are there online pathways to study game design in Tennessee?
A: Yes. Students will find online game design courses at Middle Tennessee State University, Nashville State Community College, and the University of Memphis.
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.
