| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ohio State University | Columbus |
| 2 | Miami University | Oxford |
| 3 | Ohio University | Athens |
| 4 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland |
| 5 | Shawnee State University | Portsmouth |
Our 2018 rankings of the top 5 gaming programs in Ohio. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, The Ohio State University (OSU) serves 66,444 students enrolled in offers over 200 majors, minors and specializations. In addition to the main campus in Columbus, OSU has regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark, and the Ohio Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) in Wooster.
The Ohio State University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) offers BS, MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science with a specialization in Computer Graphics and Game Design. Ohio State also introduced an interdisciplinary BA program in Moving Image Production in Autumn, 2017.
Students utilize state of the art facilities, equipment, and interdisciplinary expertise in the school’s many special labs, including the world class Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD).
Founded in 1809, Miami University serves around 24,500 students across one main campus (Oxford, Ohio), three regional campuses in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, Ohio, and the European Center in Luxembourg. Miami offers bachelor's degrees in over 120 areas of study and graduate students choose from more than 60 master's and doctoral degree programs. Several associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees are offered through study at the regional locations.
Miami University consists of seven colleges, including the College of Creative Arts, which houses the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies (AIMS). This cross-disciplinary institute “works with students and faculty from across Miami University offering undergraduate, graduate certificate and graduate programs exploring the intersection of technology, design business and how digital technology is transforming traditional areas of inquiry.”
Program options include a BA, Certificate and a Minor in Interactive Media Studies (IMS), a Game Minor, and an Experience Design MFA with a Concentration in Studio Art (xdMFA). The xdMFA is offered jointly by Graphic Design and AIMS.
Established in 1804, Ohio University serves more than 23,000 students enrolled in 250-plus programs across 11 colleges and 15 schools. The School of Media Arts & Studies, which serves more than 650 undergraduate students, is home to the game program, which leads to a BSC in Media Arts & Studies with an Emphasis in Games & Animation (G&A) or a PhD in Mass Communication with a chosen focus area, such as Games. BSC program highlights include courses such as Digital Game Design, Visual Storytelling, Game Development, Sound for Moving Images, and Motion Graphics, and the Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab.
GRID is an initiative of Ohio University's Scripps College of Communication. The program was developed by the School of Media Arts and Studies faculty and staff to provide the Appalachian Ohio region with training, education, and an opportunity to develop technical and creative skills with digital game technology. The GRID Lab serves as an innovative and creative center for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff research and project development.”
Established in 1826, Case Western Reserve University (Case) serves more than 11,800 students from the U.S. and 81 other countries. The university consists of nine colleges and schools that offer nearly 95 undergraduate degree choices, about 135 graduate and professional options, and almost 140 dual-degree programs. In addition, Case has 100 interdisciplinary academic and research centers and institutes.
Case Western Reserve University is home to the Case School of Engineering, which has a number of degree options for aspiring game designers. Offerings are part of the Computer Science Program and include BA, BS, BA/MS, and BS/MS degrees in Computer Science. The programs require five technical electives.
Game design electives are plentiful, and the program includes an Advanced Game Development project. Undergraduate students can also receive a Minor in Computer Gaming or Artificial Intelligence.
Established in 1986 and home to more than 4,400 students, Shawnee State University houses the Fine, Digital and Performing Arts Department, which offers several for aspiring game designers. Options include a BFA in Game & Simulation, a BS in Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology, and Minor Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology.
Students in all programs have access to the Motion Capture Studio Lab and they have the opportunity to participate in the Annual Art & Technology Game Conference. Hosted by Shawnee State, this interactive digital technology conference attracts game developers, students, and industry leaders from all over the country.