A record 385 schools are teaching future game developers in the United States today.
In the US, 385 colleges and universities offer computer and video game design programs or degrees according to a new report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). This is an increase from 2012 and underscores the growing demand to prepare middle and high school students in critical science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
“Video games are the fastest growing, most dynamic form of entertainment in the word today,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA, the U.S. trade association representing computer and video game publishers. “These students are preparing to join an industry that creates interactive software, innovative hardware, and ecosystems that spawn new business models and online communities, transforming consumer experiences, spurring technological advancements, and impacting important areas including education, healthcare, and business.”
A total of 55 schools offer associate’s degrees, 226 offer bachelor’s degrees, 46 offer master’s degrees, and four offer Ph.D.’s. Schools continue to add new degree programs, preparing more students for careers in the $21 billion entertainment software industry.
“Computer and video game design programs represent the most transformational areas of study in higher education today,” said Dr. Scott Martin, founding director of the Computer and Game Design Program at George Mason University. “Students study both the sciences and the arts, all in a revolving-role team-based, project-based new pedagogical environment that is revolutionizing curricula to better prepare our students for the workforce of today andtomorrow.”
California leads the nation with 72 schools offering video game-related courses and programs. Other leading states include New York (26), Texas (24), Florida (23), Illinois (23), Pennsylvania (19), Minnesota (17), Massachusetts (14), Washington (11) and Wisconsin (11).
The complete list of schools offering video game courses and degree programs can be found at: http://www.theesa.com/games-improving-what-matters/schools.asp.
