Among the 50 states in the United States, California might be one of the top, if not the best, gaming hubs. Nonetheless, it is definitely a powerhouse in the gaming scene. There is no reason to doubt this, as it is home to industry giants, such as Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Naughty Dog, Riot Games, Legion Gaming Studios, and many more. Considering the thriving gaming ecosystem in the state, it continues to develop next-generation developers by having game design schools offer a range of programs that prepare them for careers in the sector. With all the studios within California, job opportunities are exploding for aspiring game designers, making it the best time to get involved.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in California, 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 California (2026)
Stanford University
Stanford University, despite not having a game design major, sits at the top of the best game design schools in the state. It positioned itself as a standout option by offering game design through different computer science courses, summer programs, and specialized tracks. The curriculum covers game design philosophies and approaches. Among many things, students will learn how to assess player behavior, prototype, playtest, and ethical monetization. With all these, every graduate is guaranteed to have the necessary skill set to fit in every development team.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2 of 14,131
- US ranking: 2 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $58,000 per year for in-state students to over $61,000 per year for out-of-state students.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California consistently ranks among the best in the country. At the university’s School of Cinematic Arts, learners can opt for a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interaction Design. This unique four-year program blends comprehensive specialization with a liberal arts background. Additionally, some of the units involve game development principles, intermediate game design and production, game prototyping, interactive systems design, and much more. Moreover, at the graduate level, students can apply for a degree in Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media & Games or Master of Science in Game Design and Development. Similarly, completing a degree like this ensures a competitive edge in landing a game design-related career.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 27 of 14,131
- US ranking: 22 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 10%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $66,000 per year for in-state students and out-of-state students.
University of California
The University of California, Santa Cruz, has programs dedicated to students looking to study game design. First, it offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: Computer Game Design degree that focuses on the creation and design of interactive video games. Second, the school has an interdisciplinary undergraduate program called the Art & Design: Games & Playable Media. This one puts emphasis on the artistic, narrative, and technical aspects of computer games. More importantly, the university is led by notable professors who have years of experience either teaching game design or making games. Through these options, graduates will be ready to take on roles including game programmer, gameplay engineer, or technical designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 13 of 14,131
- US ranking: 11 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $11,000 per year for in-state students to over $42,000 per year for out-of-state students.
California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts, also known as CalArts, delivers extended studies with concentration on game design through Coursera. The learning experience involves hands-on, instructor-led, online and on-campus courses. Moreover, students will be able to tackle narrative development, world design, character design, and more advanced courses to understand concepts of gaming. On the other hand, instead of the generic approach to game design, at CalArts, you can concentrate on Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees focused on Graphic Design, Experimental Animation, Character Animation as well as Master’s programs in Creative Writing, Art and Technology, and Sound Design. Aspiring game designers can use this to their advantage and focus on a niche, which can help separate them from the pack.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 3466 of 14,131
- US ranking: 899 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 26%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $41,000 per year for in-state students to over $56,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Art Center College of Design
Art Center College of Design, simply known as the Art Center, is a fully accredited design school has been operational since the 1930s. It provides students the choice to take a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Design degree with a track major in game design. More concretely, the program includes the study and training in programming, design languages, production process, and user experience. It also prepares learners for future careers by exposing them in gaming business models and economics. Consequently, graduates of this degree can become a narrative designer, game director, or a level designer.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 3955 of 14,131
- US ranking: 1039 of 2,496
- Control: Private not-for-profit
- Highest degree offered: Master’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $50,000 per year for in-state students to over $53,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Academy of Art University, California College of the Arts, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Laguna College of Art & Design, Otis College of Art and Design, Platt College, The Los Angeles Film School, and Platt College.
Why Study Game Design in California?
Maybe a better question is, why not California? The state is a global leader in game creation. With dozens of accredited colleges offering some video game design concentration, you have plenty of options available. On top of that, the West Coast territory is home to some of the largest gaming and entertainment companies in the entire world.
Combine this with the plethora of world-class video game design schools sprinkled throughout California, and you will quickly realize why aspiring students love it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I study game design in California?
A: Definitely! Studying in California is probably the best choice, as it holds some of the best game design schools. Plus, the post-graduate options are excellent with all the top gaming companies in the state.
Q: What game design degree is the most ideal to take?
A: Although you can apply for many other comprehensive programs, one thing that you can consider is the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Development and Interaction Design at the University of Southern California.
Q: Are there online options in California?
A: While most universities prioritize an in-campus or hands-on approach, there are select options that offer online programs or at least a hybrid setup.
