Michigan is highly regarded for gaming and game design, as it has a growing ecosystem of indie studios, with names like Azure Ravens Entertainment and Denovo Studios. Likewise, it is one of the best places to study in the United States, especially for aspiring game designers. With several game design schools in the Great Lakes State, students have access to a wide range of programs in animation, simulation, and interactive media.
Our Criteria
To determine the top game design schools in Michigan, 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 Michigan (2026)
Michigan State University
Michigan State University supports a Bachelor of Arts in Games and Interactive Media program that provides students with in-depth knowledge in various games and interactive media areas. Additionally, the curriculum ensures that learners are developing soft skills and are equipped with technical skills in art and visuals, design, programming, and project management. In line with this, those who complete the program can have careers as a 2D or 3D artist, community manager, game designer, game scenario writer, programmer, technical artist, and much more.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 39 of 14,131
- US ranking: 31 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 per year for in-state students to over $43,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University lists two pathways to enter the gaming industry. At the forefront is the Digital Art concentration within the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. This option instills analytical and pioneering skills by teaching them 3D modeling, animation, game design, and user experience art and design from a contemporary fine arts perspective. On the other hand, students can opt for the Coding for Gaming and Gamification online course, which educates students about the fundamentals of game programming. Graduates of these programs will have job opportunities in character design, game design, motion graphics, and the like.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 210 of 14,131
- US ranking: 92 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $12,000 per year for in-state students to over $39,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University also has two routes to learn game design. The first option is a Game Design Thinking Minor. It allows students to benefit from an interdisciplinary approach in studying games and game design. The curriculum requires courses like Introduction to Animation and Advanced Multimedia Design. Learners will also have a Computer Game Design capstone towards the end. Meanwhile, those who do not like on-campus learning can choose an online game design course through the Innovation and Online initiative of the university. Moreover, some of the possible career outcomes include art director, digital designer, software developer, and special effects artist and animator.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 930 of 14,131
- US ranking: 250 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $13,000 to over $15,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University, through its School of Art & Design, houses a Bachelor of Science degree in simulation, animation, and gaming. In this program, learners delve into animation, creative writing, modeling, programming, and story development. At the same time, the university’s Professional Programs and Training offers a video game design and development online course for those who prefer a remote setup. A few of the career paths available to graduates are character designer, computer animator, concept artist, and storyboard assistant.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 1196 of 14,131
- US ranking: 305 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $15,000 per year for in-state students to over $29,000 per year for out-of-state students.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University provides a bachelor’s degree in Digital Animation and Game Design with game development and 3D animation specialization options. A student enrolled in the program will learn how to author games, create 2D graphics, design game level mods, render 3D characters and scenes, and much more. In terms of career opportunities, degree holders will gain an advantage in industries like Game Design and Asset Creation or Independent Game and Animation Development.
Quick Facts
- World ranking: 2193 of 14,131
- US ranking: 537 of 2,496
- Control: Public
- Highest degree offered: Doctor’s degree
- Acceptance rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Tuition and fees at the school range from about $8,000 to over $13,000 per year for in-state and out-of-state students.
Honorable Mentions: Baker College, College for Creative Studies – Detroit, Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, Lawrence Technological University, Siena Heights University, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and Western Michigan University.
Why Study Game Design in Michigan?
Michigan is one of the best places to study if you want a future in the gaming industry, thanks to its variety of excellent game design schools. The number of reputable schools with game design programs is impressive, as is the variety you’ll find in these programs. Whether you want to tackle the technical or artistic side of game creation, you have a good number of selections to choose from. With numerous options, Michigan is a strong, underrated, and cost-effective choice for education and training in the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it feasible to learn game design in Michigan?
A: Yes. The Great Lakes State houses multiple game design schools that offer programs to gain expertise in the field.
Q: What game design program is the most ideal to take in the area?
A: One of the most robust choices to study game design is the Game Design and Development program at Michigan State University.
Q: Are there online formats for game design education in Michigan?
A: Yes, and one of the options is the online course at Central Michigan University.
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.
