Searching for game design schools in Maryland? This guide highlights the best programs available, helping you choose the right school to kickstart your game design career.
- The University of Baltimore’s Simulation and Game Design program is Maryland’s oldest and largest, offering specializations in Technical Art or Coding and Development, and featuring GameLab, an advanced research facility.
- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) provides diverse game design courses, including interactive storytelling, traditional tabletop game design, and sound art, with a focus on real-world expertise from industry-active faculty and visiting artists.
- The University System of Maryland at Shady Grove focuses on transfer students, offering advanced game design courses with support for credit transfers and dual capstone seminars for hands-on experience.
University of Baltimore’s Game Design Program
The University of Baltimore’s Simulation and Game Design program is a pioneer in the field, being the oldest and largest game design program in Maryland, established in 2003. This program has earned recognition, ranking #7 on Intelligent.com’s list of The Best Game Design Degree Programs of 2022. At UBalt, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Simulation and Game Design, with classes available both at the main campus and the Universities at Shady Grove.
Emphasizing applied game design theory, computer programming fundamentals, 3-D modeling and animation, usability design, and multiplayer game design, the computer science curriculum is robust. Students can choose to specialize in Technical Art or Coding and Development, allowing them to tailor their education to their career goals. The program takes students through a comprehensive journey from 2D to 3D game design, equipping them with the skills to build games in immersive 3D environments.
UBalt’s GameLab is a standout feature, providing an educational research facility equipped with the latest in immersive, visualization, and interactive game technologies. This lab supports interdisciplinary research and serves as a training ground for students, helping them apply their classroom knowledge to real-world projects. With its strong focus on both technical and creative aspects, the University of Baltimore’s game design program prepares students to become adept computer game developers ready to tackle the industry’s challenges.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) offers an exciting array of courses and paths in game design, making it a prime choice for aspiring game designers. The program includes creative coding courses that introduce students to programming fundamentals through the open-source language Processing. Developing the technical skills needed in game design and development relies heavily on this foundational knowledge.
MICA’s curriculum is diverse, covering everything from:
- interactive storytelling using Twine software
- immersive experience design that balances theory and practice
- traditional tabletop game design, learning the intricacies of creating engaging board and card games
- sound art
- interactive installations
- networked art projects using new media methods and technologies
The program offers a wide range of courses to explore different areas of game design and game development, including game engines and multiplayer games, providing students with the necessary skills to become a game developer and create their own games.
One of MICA’s strengths is its faculty and visiting artists who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Courses like Haptics and Optics, Narrative Design, and Virtual Reality for Artists benefit from the expertise of professionals actively engaged in the industry. The involvement of artists like Sam Sheffield, who explores the body as an interface between social, physical, and digital spaces, enriches the learning experience.
Thanks to MICA’s comprehensive approach, students are well-equipped to create, innovate, and excel in the game design industry.
University System of Maryland at Shady Grove
The University System of Maryland at Shady Grove (USG) offers a unique opportunity for students pursuing game design, particularly through the University of Baltimore’s Simulation and Game Design program. This dual-campus setup allows students to take advantage of resources at both the Baltimore campus and Shady Grove in Rockville. The program at USG is specifically designed for transfer students, offering only 300 and 400 level courses, which means students must complete their lower-level prerequisites before transferring.
USG provides a seamless transition for students from community colleges and other institutions, thanks to numerous articulation agreements that ensure smooth credit transfers. Program representatives from the nine partner universities assist students in navigating the transfer process, helping them integrate into the new academic environment.
The program’s dual capstone seminars, where students collaborate with professionals to test and build games and simulations, provide invaluable hands-on experience. This collaborative and supportive environment makes USG an excellent choice for aspiring game designers looking to complete their education in Maryland.
Towson University’s Simulation and Game Design Program
Towson University’s Simulation and Game Design program offers a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) degree with a concentration in Digital Art and Design. Offering an integration of a strong traditional foundations program with a thorough design primer and practical investigation of digital design applications, this program provides a comprehensive education. Students can choose focus areas that best match their interests, such as Design Studies or Fine Arts, allowing for a tailored educational experience.
The program emphasizes digital media as a vehicle for content and design, focusing on interactivity, media-rich digital environments, and motion graphics. Courses in user experience design are also part of the curriculum, ensuring that students learn to create engaging and effective video game spaces. With its blend of traditional art education and modern digital techniques, Towson University prepares students for a dynamic career in game design and development.
Notable Faculty and Visiting Artists
The dedicated faculty and visiting artists who bring their industry experience and mentorship to the classroom largely contribute to the success of Maryland’s game design programs. Matteo Uguzzoni, currently the Interim Chair of Interactive Arts at MICA, is a prime example of this dedication. His background as a game designer in residence has provided students with invaluable insights and expertise.
The learning experience is greatly enriched by the role visiting artists play. They bring fresh perspectives and real-world experience that help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. Courses are often enhanced by the contributions of these professionals, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the dynamic field of game design.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
A plethora of career opportunities await the graduates of Maryland’s game design programs. They are well-prepared for entry-level positions in:
- web design
- multimedia design
- broadcast design
- interactive design
- digital imaging
- digital illustration
- animation
Companies like Big Huge Games value the blend of technical skills and teamwork that Maryland graduates bring to the table, providing a solid foundation for their success.
In addition to creative roles, graduates can pursue the following career paths in game design:
- Business management positions within game design companies, blending their creative and administrative skills
- Media roles in content creation, marketing, and public relations, leveraging the skills cultivated during their education
- Specialized roles as data scientists and analysts in the entertainment industry
The GEM degree further positions graduates for these diverse career paths in Maryland.
Campus Life and Facilities
For game design students, a vibrant and supportive environment is offered by the campus life at the University of Baltimore and other Maryland institutions. The University of Baltimore’s GameLab is an educational research facility. It is equipped with immersive visualization and interactive game technologies. This lab provides a space for students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world projects, fostering a hands-on learning experience.
Beyond academic facilities, the University of Baltimore offers ample support services to its students, including library services, tutoring, and career advising. Financial aid is available to help students manage their education costs, ensuring they can focus on their studies. With a variety of extracurricular activities and student organizations, game design students can enjoy a well-rounded campus life while pursuing their academic goals.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Careful attention to the specifics of each institution is required when applying to undergraduate game design programs in Maryland. Students must apply directly to the university offering their desired program and can select Shady Grove as their preferred campus if they wish. The concentration in Digital Art and Design at Towson University is competitive and requires a separate application process, reflecting the program’s high standards.
Each institution may have unique requirements, but generally, prospective students need to demonstrate their foundational skills and academic readiness. This often includes submitting portfolios, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. For a successful application, understanding these requirements and preparing accordingly is of utmost importance.
Transfer Students and Articulation Agreements
Maryland’s game design programs are well-equipped to support transfer students, thanks to robust articulation agreements that facilitate smooth credit transfers. These agreements ensure that credits earned at community colleges are accepted at four-year institutions, minimizing redundant coursework and maximizing credit transfer. Some of the articulation agreements that the University of Baltimore has with area community colleges include:
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Baltimore City Community College
- Carroll Community College
- Community College of Baltimore County
- Harford Community College
These agreements promote seamless transitions for students.
Predefined pathways that guide their academic journey, ensuring they meet all necessary prerequisites and core requirements, are beneficial to transfer students. Support services like academic advising and orientation programs help transfer students integrate into their new academic environment, making the transition as smooth as possible.
Capstone Projects and Class Projects
Providing students with hands-on learning experiences that showcase their skills, capstone projects and class projects are integral parts of game design programs in Maryland. The University of Baltimore’s program incorporates dual capstone seminars where students collaborate with professionals to test and build games and simulations. These projects are often supported by the GameLab, which provides the necessary resources and environment for successful project development.
At MICA, the UX Design Capstone involves creating a thesis project from concept to a fully realized prototype, guided by a faculty advisor. These capstone projects, along with other class projects, allow students to leave the program with a portfolio that demonstrates their technical and creative abilities. Notable projects like ‘Specter Inspector’ and ‘Horrific Halls’ highlight the innovative ideas and skills that students bring to their work.
Graduate Study Opportunities
Several advanced degree options in game design are available in Maryland for those interested in furthering their education. The Maryland Institute College of Art provides the following advanced degrees and certificates:
- MA
- MFA
- MBA
- MPS
- Post-baccalaureate certificates
These programs allow students to deepen their expertise and expand their career opportunities.
The University of Maryland’s GEM program is another excellent option, offering a Master of Professional Studies in Game, Entertainment, and Media Analytics. Designed in consultation with industry leaders, the GEM program equips students with advanced skills in analytics, data science, and entertainment industry applications. The program is flexible, allowing students to complete their degree fully online and tailor their education to their specific interests through elective courses. This advanced study option positions graduates for specialized roles in the rapidly evolving game design industry.