Missouri is emerging as a key location for game design. Aside from having major career opportunities at the St. Louis office of Riot Games, it is also recognized for having top-ranked game design schools that offer game design programs or specialized courses.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Missouri, 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 Missouri (2026)
University of Missouri – Columbia
The University of Missouri in Columbia lists two levels to pursue game design. For the undergraduate level, students can take up the Bachelor of Engineering Science in Educational Studies with a major in Educational Games and Simulations Design. The coursework involved here is computer modeling and animation, designing games for learning, game engine skills, and more. Meanwhile, at the graduate level, learners can continue with a Serious Games and Simulation Design certificate, which develops various skills in game and simulation design. Upon completion, graduates’ career prospects include app design and development, computer applications, game or simulation design and development, and more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 122 of 14,131
- US ranking: 67 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 per year for in-state students to over $33,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University may not deliver a full-pledged game design degree, but it boasts three game design-related programs. One of these is the New Media Arts Certificate within the Art and Design Department, which has courses like Introduction to New Media and Video Game Development for Artists and Animators. The second pathway is the Computer Animation Studies major under the Electronics Arts undergraduate program, wherein students gain skills in 2D and 3D animation. Moreover, the last route is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that prepares students for video game design careers. Accordingly, the possible areas to establish careers after taking these programs are computer animation or video game creation and design.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1228 of 14,131
- US ranking: 310 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $7,000 per year for in-state students to over $16,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Webster University
Webster University has established a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Game Design degree, which is prominent for helping students master the entire development lifecycle. The curriculum champions an immersive approach in employing courses, such as Game Art, Narrative Design, Video Game Design, Video Game Production, and much more. Students at Webster University also benefit from real-world learning through state-of-the-art facilities and virtual production labs. In line with this, program graduates often go into careers as an animator, character artist, game designer, game developer, or quality assurance tester.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2161 of 14,131
- US ranking: 526 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 to over $30,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a focus on Game Development. Banking on hands-on learning, the curriculum includes specialized courses such as Game Development, Game Programming, and Video Game Design and Analysis. At the same time, the school features alternatives like an online game design course and an online digital game artist certificate course. Once a program is completed, graduates can pursue careers in the gaming industry, software development, and software engineering.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2316 of 14,131
- US ranking: 577 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Post-Master’s Certificate
- Acceptance rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 per year for in-state students to over $17,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Maryville University
Maryville University structures its game design studies around a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interactive Design with a Game Design concentration. The curriculum is designed to include advanced game design, graphic design, and interactive design coursework. More specifically, there will be courses like 3D Modeling, History of Video Game Design, Principles of Game Design, UX/UI Design, and Game Design Capstones. Furthermore, the program prepares graduates for employment in roles including game artist, game designer, and motion graphics and UX/UI specialist.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2922 of 14,131
- US ranking: 754 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $14,000 to over $24,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Drury University, Lindenwood University, Northwest Missouri State University, and Washington University in St Louis.
Why Study Game Design in Missouri?
Choosing to study game design in Missouri opens the door to an education ecosystem that spans creative design degrees, technical development tracks, and interdisciplinary media programs. The presence of various options allows students to select a pathway that suits their preferences, interests, and strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I learn game design in Missouri?
A: Yes, you can study game design, as the state houses several credible game design schools.
Q: What game design program is considered the best in Missouri?
A: Webster University’s Bachelor of Arts in Games and Game Design is widely cited as the most dedicated game design program in the area.
Q: Is it possible to get online game design education in Missouri?
A: Yes. There is an available online game design course at the University of Central Missouri.
