Exploring Game Design Programs at the University of North Carolina and Beyond
The gaming industry is booming, and with it, the demand for skilled game designers is higher than ever. For aspiring game developers in the South, several universities offer comprehensive programs to hone their skills and prepare them for a successful career. While this article focuses on the University of North Carolina (UNC) system, it also highlights other top game design schools in the region.
Game Design Programs within the University of North Carolina System
The University of North Carolina (UNC) system provides various avenues for students interested in pursuing game design.
UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte offers options for students interested in a computer science-based approach to game design. These programs are housed in the College of Computing and Informatics’ Department of Computer Science (CS). The options include a Computer Science BS with an AI, Robotics, and Gaming Concentration, a Computer Science with an optional AI, Robotics, and Gaming Concentration, and Game Design and Development (GDD) Certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For designers seeking a digital media-based game design program, the College of Arts and Architecture at UNC Charlotte offers an Art BFA, which requires successful completion of the Senior Experience.
UNC Charlotte, founded in 1946, is a public research university and the third largest school in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. It serves approximately 29,550 students enrolled in more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across nine colleges. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
NC State University
North Carolina State University (NC State) is home to the College of Engineering, which houses the Department of Computer Science (CSC). Within the Department is the CSC BS Program with a Game Development Track, and an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) degree in CSC. The CSC BS program begins with computing, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and humanities. Once core requirements are complete, students may advance to the Game Development Concentration, which consists of 21 credit hours of games-focused courses and electives. All CSC BS students must complete a team project in Senior Design.
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Students in all NC State CSC programs have access to The Digital Games Research center (DGRc). Launched in May 2007, The DGRc engages in education and research in games and games technologies. In a collaborative environment, students can work on projects with game developers and games studio teams that focus on everything from mobile games to artificial intelligence (AI).
NC State employs more than 9,000 faculty and staff members serving 36,000+ students, making it the largest university in the University of North Carolina System. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State offers more than 300 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School.
UNC-Chapel Hill
The Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is one of seven divisions within the Department of Health Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The division offers a Master of Science program in Occupational Therapy as well as a PhD in Occupational Science. The division also conducts multiple research, clinical, and service projects through our faculty collaborations. Nationally and internationally recognized faculty on the cutting edge of research, practice, and community service. Our division resources include a 1,100-square-foot model apartment, used as lab and meeting space for student coursework, and a 300-square-foot assistive technology and materials lab. Classrooms include state-of-the-art teaching technologies and are shared with students from other allied health disciplines and the medical school. The Health Sciences Library is situated next door to Bondurant Hall and contains over 290,000 texts, 4,000 current serial titles, and more than 8,900 audiovisual and microcomputer software programs. A large computer lab and media design labs are available for student use.
UNC Online
The University of North Carolina Online System offers full degree programs for online students. More commonly called UNC Online, it allows students to take individual classes and to finish the degrees they previously started as well as start and finish programs online. More than 90 degrees programs are available for undergrads that take as little as 18 months to finish. Students can choose from majors such as agricultural education, criminal justice, environmental health and safety, and sociology. Graduate degree programs are available from schools such as UNC Charlotte too. That campus offers multiple education programs, including special education and middle grades education. While the first programs help students work with those who have learning and other types of disabilities, the second program focuses on working with kids before they reach high school. The criminal justice program is available from Fayetteville State University and allows graduate students to study criminal justice administration and related fields. There is also a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program available online. There are 12 online doctoral programs too that require up to 24 months of work. Some of these programs are add-ons that students can complete without earning a full degree. Western Carolina University offers a program for teachers to help them work with gifted and talented students. The accounting program offered by North Carolina State University takes up to 72 months to finish and accepts students with accounting undergrad degrees and those who do not have any accounting experience.
The University of North Carolina Online System also offers several advanced certificate programs online for students from different campuses. These programs accept students who have either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. The business analytics program takes up to 12 months to complete, but many of the programs allow students to finish in around nine months. The University of North Carolina Online System is a system that consists of college and university campuses from across the state. All of the campus that participate in this program are state or public schools. Also called UNC Online, it allows students to access information and find out more about online programs in one convenient place. Not only can students view all the programs that are available at any level, but they can see which schools are part of the system. UNC Online has the same accreditation that all of the participating schools have. This includes the regional accreditation held by many of those campuses from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Any student who needs financial aid can get help when they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because of that accreditation, but it also allows them to transfer credits to and from the online system.
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The application process for online undergrads will usually include an application that students complete online. Graduate students generally need to submit an application but will need to meet more requirements too. Some programs only accept those with a college/undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0 or higher and students who have a bachelor’s degree in a similar field. They also need to meet any application requirements that the college or university has, which can include letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references, a personal essay or goals statement, a copy of the student’s most recent resume and a GRE score. Some of the online programs may request an interview with faculty members from that department too. To find out how much they will pay for an online program, students should look at what each campus charges. All the campuses that are part of UNC Online charge different rates. Some programs charge rates of between $2,300 and $3,400 per year for North Carolina undergrads, but the cost can rise to more than $13,000 a year in some programs. Undergrads who are not in-state residents can pay as much as $21,000 a year or more.
The NCU Online System does not offer standard financial aid because students get that aid from the schools they attend. Once they apply to those campuses, they can submit the FAFSA. The financial aid that they get will depend on whether they enroll on a part-time or full-time basis and how much help they need. Most of these schools offer financial aid packages that include the same loans and grants that traditional students get from the federal government such as a Pell grant and a direct loan. Online students can qualify for scholarships from those schools too.
Top Game Design Schools in the South
While UNC offers valuable programs, the South boasts other noteworthy institutions for game design. Here's a glimpse at some of the top contenders:
- University of Central Florida (UCF): Located in Orlando, UCF's College of Sciences houses the Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM). NSCM offers a Digital Media BA Program with a Game Design Track, an Interactive Entertainment MS, a Digital Media MA, and a Digital Media Minor. Also part of Florida Interactive Academy (FIEA), the MS has Specializations in Programming, Animation, Technical Art, Level Design, 3D Modeling, and Project Management. Students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, including a 3,300 square feet MOCAP studio. UCF opened in 1968 and has grown to be one of the nation’s largest universities.
- Full Sail University: Full Sail University is home to The Gaming School which houses production studios and classrooms that look and feel like major production studios. Degree options here include the Game Design BS and MS and BS degrees in Game Art, Game Development, Simulation & Visualization, and Game Business & Esports. Undergraduate Certificates in 3-D Arts, Game Design, and Game Business & Esports are also available. Gaming students have opportunities to work off campus at local and national studios through the internship program. Course examples across all programs include Motion Capture, Game Mechanics, Game Production Tools, Engine Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Visualization & Modeling. Full Sail University’s Career Development Department provides 24/7 access to job opportunities, along with workshops and presentations that cover branding, networking, research strategies, and interviewing techniques. Full Sail University graduates have worked on many popular games, films, and ad campaigns. Games include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Overwatch 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Apex Legends, Destiny 2, and Fortnite. Full Sail University offers graduate certificates and programs at all degree levels in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Technology.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): The School of Digital Media at SCAD has a number of pathways to study game design. Undergraduate options include a Digital Media BA with Game Development and Interactive Design Tracks, an Interactive Design and Game Development (IDGD) BFA, and Minors in Concept Design for Animation and Games, Game UX, Interactive Design and Game Development, Concept Art for Games, and Mobile and Interactive Design. At the graduate level, SCAD’s School of Digital Media has MA and MFA degrees in IDGD. The School of Digital Media at SCAD provides opportunities for game design students to gain hands-on experience through internships with local and national studios. Each quarter, students have the opportunity to interview and present their portfolios to professionals in the industry. Past visitors have been affiliated with studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Zynga, and Activision Blizzard.
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): Georgia Tech provides a number of pathways to study game design across several colleges and schools. The College of Computing and the School of Literature, Media, and Communication in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts offer a Computational Media BS (BSCM), MS and PhD degrees in Digital Media and a Computing & Media Minor. A dual Computer Science BS/MS is available as well as a unique undergraduate Certificate in Scenarios, Models, and Military Games. This program explores the use of scenarios, models, and gaming in the analysis of national security issues. The BSCM Program at Georgia Tech launched in 2004 with just one student. Today, the program serves more than 300 students, making it one of Georgia Tech’s fastest growing programs. The BSCM Program provides the opportunity to focus in areas such as Games, Interaction, and Narrative. Georgia Tech’s Computing & Media Minor requires 19 credit hours of study, with elective course options such as Video Game Design and Programming, Digital Video Special Effects, and Information Visualization. Across all graduate level programs, courses may include Special Topics in Game Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interactive Fiction, Experimental Media, Principles of Interactive Design, Pro-Seminar, and Project Studio.
- Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD): RCAD has a Game Art BFA Program that attracts recruiters from major studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, and Riot Games. The program explores topics such as environmental design, professional practices, methods and technologies, and concept and creative problem-solving. The RCAD Game Art BFA requires 48 credit hours in the major. This accounts for 40% of the coursework. Course examples for the program include 3D for Games I-IV, Game Design I-II, Programming for Artists, and Visual Development for Games.
- University of Florida (UF): The College of the Arts at UF houses the Digital Worlds Institute, home to the Digital Arts & Sciences (DAS) Program. Digital Worlds Institute highlights include the DAS Mentorship Program, guest lecturers, access to LUMA at Digital World Studios, Portfolio Open House events, and participation in the internship program. In addition, all UF Digital Worlds Programs are interdisciplinary and combine arts, engineering, communications, and science.
- Clemson University: The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences at Clemson University is home to the School of Computing, which houses the Division of Visual Computing. Within the Division is the Digital Production Arts (DPA) Program. Specific DPA options for game designers include the DPA MFA/MS (MFA DPA/MS DPA) and the DPA Minor. Other Computer Science and DPA highlights include visits from representatives of major studios such as DreamWorks, internship opportunities, high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art production studios and facilities, study abroad experiences, collaboration spaces and participation in the SIGGRAPH Conference.
- Georgia State University (GSU): GSU houses the College of Arts and Sciences, home to the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), which has several paths to study game design. The BA combines the study of art with the development of software platforms for games. The BS explores coding, programming, and software design for students interested in game development or other areas such as app development, animation, and motion graphics.
- Louisiana State University (LSU): LSU has a Digital Media Arts & Engineering (DMAET) Program, which has several options for game designers. At the undergraduate level students can enroll in the DMAET or Digital Media Arts & Engineering Minor in Art (DMART). The minor programs are a collaboration between seven campus units at LSU.
Summer Camp Programs
For younger students interested in exploring game design, iD Tech offers summer camps at both NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. These camps provide a blend of learning and fun, with students learning in small groups from expert instructors. Campers have the opportunity to explore the university campus, participate in recreational activities, and develop STEM skills. Courses frequently sell out, so early registration is recommended.
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