Looking for the best game design schools in New York? Discover the top institutions, their programs, and what makes each unique based on our 2024 rankings and detailed reviews.
- New York features several top-tier game design schools, including Parsons The New School for Design, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and Rochester Institute of Technology, each offering comprehensive programs that cater to various facets of game creation.
- Parsons The New School for Design emphasizes real-world collaborations with companies like Apple and NASA, providing BFA and MFA programs in Design and Technology that focus on game design and creative technology.
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts offers BFA, MFA, and minor programs in game design, with the NYU Game Center providing extensive industry engagement opportunities, including events, incubator support, and internships with top game companies.
Top Game Design Schools in New York
New York hosts premier universities and institutions specializing in game design, with programs catering to multiple facets of game creation. No matter if you’re drawn to game development, interactive media, or game studies, you can find the right school in New York to fulfill your dreams. Noteworthy institutions such as Cornell University and the New York Film Academy also provide comprehensive programs for enthusiasts in game design and development.
Among the top game design school options, some notable ones for game design education are:
- Parsons The New School for Design, which offers BFA and MFA programs in Design and Technology, focusing on game design and creative technology
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts, which offers comprehensive game design education through its BFA, MFA, and minor programs, with access to the renowned NYU Game Center
- Rochester Institute of Technology, which features strong BS and MS degrees in Game Design and Development, emphasizing programming and opportunities to publish games on various platforms.
Other notable institutions for aspiring game designers in New York include:
- Bramson ORT College
- Long Island University – C.W. Post Campus
- Polytechnic Institute of New York University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- The College of Saint Rose
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Adelphi University
Each of these schools offers unique programs and opportunities, making New York a fantastic place for aspiring game designers to learn and grow.
Parsons The New School for Design
Parsons The New School for Design presents both BFA and MFA programs in Design and Technology, with an emphasis on game design, creative technology, and collaborations on real-world projects. The BFA program features pathways in Game Design and Creative Technology, with courses like Game Design as Play Design, Creative Coding, and Digital Asset Creation. The MFA program includes Collaboration Studio courses, where students work on real-world projects with companies like Apple and NASA, providing invaluable industry experience.
Parsons’ graduates are equipped to venture into diverse fields such as animation, game design, post-production, and visual effects, attributed to the program’s focus on coding, user experience, responsive environments, and immersion technology. The program’s STEM-designated status further highlights its technological focus. With a robust curriculum and opportunities for real-world application, Parsons is a top choice for aspiring game designers.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
The NYU Tisch School of the Arts, celebrated for its exhaustive game design education, provides:
- BFA, MFA, and minor programs in game design
- The NYU Game Center, housed within the Tisch School, provides a vibrant community and state-of-the-art facilities at 370 Jay Street, where students can immerse themselves in the world of game design
- The BFA program covers 128 credit hours, focusing on game design, game development, and game scholarship, culminating in a Senior Capstone project.
One of the standout features of NYU’s program is the NYU Game Center, which hosts events like the No Quarter Exhibition, NYU Game Center Lecture Series, and the PRACTICE conference. These events provide students with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and showcase their work. Additionally, the Game Center’s incubator offers funding and space for projects with commercial potential, giving students a head start in the game industry. The game center open library also serves as a valuable resource for students to access a wide range of gaming materials and tools.
Internships form a crucial part of the NYU Game Center experience, as students secure roles at esteemed companies such as Disney, Ubisoft, and Arkadium. Graduates often find employment at top game companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, and Amazon. With its strong curriculum, industry connections, and hands-on opportunities, NYU Tisch School of the Arts is a premier destination for game design education.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) provides both BS and MS degrees in Game Design and Development, delivering an all-encompassing education with a pronounced focus on programming and algorithmic problem-solving. The program includes courses that cover data structures, algorithms, and interactive media development, equipping students with the technical skills needed to excel in the game industry.
RIT’s School of Interactive Games & Media (IGM) provides students with opportunities to:
- Publish games on platforms like Xbox One
- Develop and commercialize their own games through the MAGIC Spell Studios
- Network with representatives from companies like Walt Disney and Epic Games at Creative Industry Days, forming a valuable media and games network
With its robust curriculum and industry connections, RIT is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in game design and development.
Bramson ORT College
Bramson ORT College provides a two-year Computer Information Systems Associate Degree with a concentration in Game Design. The program covers essential topics such as:
- 3D modeling
- Character development
- Level design
- Interactive storytelling
This specialized education in game design degree programs ensures that students gain a solid foundation in game creation, including essential game concepts.
Courses like Introduction to Game Storytelling and History and Culture of Games provide a well-rounded understanding of the game design process. Additionally, credits from the Game Design Concentration can be transferred to a four-year program at another institution, offering flexibility for students who wish to continue their education.
Long Island University – C.W. Post Campus
Long Island University’s B.F.A. in Digital Game Design & Development program provides a holistic education in game design, encompassing courses such as:
- Introduction to Game Design
- Games Through History
- Digital Game Development
- Level Design for Games
- Audio Design for Games
Group projects are integral to the curriculum, especially in courses like Digital Game Development 3, which includes multi-week group projects.
The program features a Senior Game Project, a capstone course where students create a complete, polished game, demonstrating their skills and creativity. Additionally, the program includes a 15-credit minor designed to complement the major fields of study, offering flexibility in curriculum choices. With its hands-on approach and emphasis on collaboration, Long Island University provides a well-rounded education for aspiring game designers.
Polytechnic Institute of New York University
The Polytechnic Institute of New York University provides BS and MS degrees in Integrated Digital Media, with a focus on game development, app development, and 2D/3D graphics. The IDM program exposes students to upper-level electives, including user experience design, augmented reality, and motion capture, providing a comprehensive education in digital media and new media interactive development.
Students engage in project-based education and are encouraged to develop their own work through classes, capstone projects, and internships. IDM faculty collaborate on research projects that integrate digital media with societal applications, such as using motion capture for theater and virtual reality for health. With its innovative approach and emphasis on real-world applications, the Polytechnic Institute of New York University is a top choice for students interested in game development and digital media.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is home to the Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) program, providing BS, MS, and PhD degrees. The program offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences
- Master of Science in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences
- PhD in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences prepares students for the growing field of game design, emphasizing interdisciplinary study and covering game design, 3D animation, and software engineering.
The GSAS curriculum includes courses on:
- Calculus
- Data Structures
- Introduction to Game Programming
- Physics courses like Physics I or General Physics
Students will learn about game development tools and programming languages, ensuring they have the technical skills needed for the game industry. The program also emphasizes the importance of games as a medium for creative expression and collaboration.
The program culminates with a GSAS Research Project, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Additionally, RPI GSAS students can participate in the Level Upstate Mentorship Program, which includes a yearlong games incubator. With its rigorous curriculum and focus on interdisciplinary study, RPI is a premier institution for game design education.
The College of Saint Rose
The College of Saint Rose provides an undergraduate certificate program in game design, emphasizing the technical elements of game creation to furnish students with practical skills necessary for video game development. The program includes courses like Art for Interactive Media, Introduction to Game Design, and Computer Science I, providing a solid foundation in both the artistic and technical aspects of game design. With such comprehensive game design programs, students can confidently pursue a career in the gaming industry.
With its emphasis on practical skills and technical knowledge, the College of Saint Rose’s game design program prepares students for the challenges of the game industry. Whether you’re interested in art, programming, or game design, this program offers the essential skills needed to succeed.
Fashion Institute of Technology
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides a 2-year BFA in Computer Animation and Interactive Media, highlighting a collaborative environment that reflects the industry’s production pipeline. The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:
- Programming
- Storyboarding
- Modeling
- Rigging
- Lighting
- Camera work
- Compositing
- Sound editing
- Effects
In their final year, students have the opportunity to explore emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and projection mapping, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest industry trends. With its hands-on approach and emphasis on collaboration, FIT provides an excellent education for those interested in computer animation and interactive media.
Adelphi University
Adelphi University’s Video Game Design Minor adopts an interdisciplinary approach, merging computer programming with art and communications to offer a comprehensive education in game design. The program involves the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Department of Art and Art History, and the Department of Communications, ensuring a broad and comprehensive curriculum.
Adelphi offers flexible and responsive course offerings, including small seminars and independent study options tailored to students’ interests. With its emphasis on computer programming and a strong foundation in computer science, Adelphi’s Video Game Design Minor provides students with the technical skills and creative insights needed to excel in the game industry.