Best institutions to study Computer Game Programming
A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of design and computer programming to the development of computer games.
32 U.S. institutions graduated 547 Computer Game Programming students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0204, a specialization of Computer Programming (CIP 11.02), and leads most directly to the Computer Programmers occupation (BLS SOC 15-1251).
About Computer Game Programming programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of design and computer programming to the development of computer games. Includes training in character and story development, computer programming, computer graphics, game design, game physics, human-computer interaction, human-centered design, and usability.
See also: 50.0411 - Game and Interactive Media Design.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Game Programming program prepares individuals to leverage design and programming skills specifically for the development of computer games. This program is ideal for those interested in combining creativity with technical expertise, focusing on various aspects of game development, including character and story development, game physics, and human-computer interaction.
Students will gain essential skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and computer programming, along with knowledge in computers and electronics, engineering, and technology. Coursework typically covers game design, computer graphics, and usability, equipping graduates with the tools needed for successful careers in the gaming industry.
Credentials awarded
What Computer Game Programming graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree408 graduates / yr · 15 institutions75%
- Associate's degree64 graduates / yr · 10 institutions12%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year64 graduates / yr · 9 institutions12%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years11 graduates / yr · 4 institutions2.0%
Graduates over time
Computer Game Programming completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 163 |
| 2021 | 169 |
| 2022 | 211 |
| 2023 | 380 |
| 2024 | 491 |
| 2025 | 547 |
CIP 11.0204 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 32 institutions for Computer Game Programming, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California - Irvine Irvine, CAPublicBachelor's | 99 | 87% | — | — |
| 2 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor's | 60 | 52% | — | $42,668 |
| 3 | Georgia State University Atlanta, GAPublicBachelor's | 44 | 53% | — | — |
| 4 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicBachelor's | 41 | 60% | — | — |
| 5 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OHPublicBachelor's | 36 | 80% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Advancing Technology Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 33 | 35% | $21,175 | $38,576 |
| 7 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicBachelor's | 25 | 65% | — | — |
| 8 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 34% | — | — |
| 9 | Champlain College Burlington, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 20 | 65% | $32,531 | — |
| 10 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 50% | — | — |
| 11 | Wilmington University New Castle, DEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 20% | $16,588 | $35,551 |
| 12 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, NYPublicBachelor's | 13 | 38% | — | — |
| 13 | Long Island University Brookville, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 57% | $24,639 | — |
| 14 | Blinn College District Brenham, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 12 | 11% | — | — |
| 15 | Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 33% | — | — |
| 16 | Mohave Community College Kingman, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | — |
| 17 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PAPublicBachelor's | 10 | 54% | — | — |
| 18 | Baker College Owosso, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 36% | $15,493 | — |
| 19 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 9 | 25% | — | — |
| 20 | UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey Cranford, NJPublicAssociate's | 7 | 35% | — | — |
| 21 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 63% | — | — |
| 22 | Arapahoe Community College Littleton, COPublicAssociate's | 6 | 29% | — | — |
| 23 | Atlantic Cape Community College Mays Landing, NJPublicAssociate's | 6 | 30% | — | — |
| 24 | Bristol Community College Fall River, MAPublicAssociate's | 5 | 22% | — | — |
| 25 | Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NYPublicAssociate's | 5 | 32% | — | — |
| 26 | New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 60% | $36,659 | $72,595 |
| 27 | University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MAPublicBachelor's | 3 | 52% | — | — |
| 28 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, COPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 32% | — | — |
| 29 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 29% | — | — |
| 30 | Lake Land College Mattoon, ILPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 58% | — | — |
| 31 | Frederick Community College Frederick, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 32 | Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 22% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Computer Programming field (CIP 11.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 22 states
Where Computer Game Programming graduates come from. Each state links to all Computer Programming programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-1251, Computer Programmers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Computer Game Programming program may pursue careers as computer programmers, software developers, or software quality assurance analysts. While the job outlook shows a decline of 6% with approximately 5,500 annual openings, the median wage for this field is around $98,670, with a typical education requirement of a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0204
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Programmersprimary SOC 15-1251 | $100,390 | -6.0% Decline | ~5,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Software Developers SOC 15-1252 | $135,980 | +15.8% Much faster than average | ~115,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers SOC 15-1253 | $104,300 | +10.0% Much faster than average | ~14,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Computer Game Programming programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
Tools and technology used
Other Computer Programming specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Computer Programming (CIP 11.02).
- Computer Programming/CIP 11.0201
Programmer 12,592 graduates / yr401 institutions - Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.02022,745 graduates / yr131 institutions
- Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.0203451 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.0299245 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.0205partial data57 graduates / yr8 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or various awards ranging from 12 weeks to 2 years.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, programming, and human-computer interaction.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a computer programmer, software developer, or software quality assurance analyst.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 6%, with approximately 5,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Computer Game Programming?+
Computer Game Programming is CIP 11.0204 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Computer Programming (CIP 11.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of design and computer programming to the development of computer games. Includes training in character and story development, computer programming, computer graphics, game design, game physics, human-computer interaction, human-centered design, and usability.
How many institutions offer Computer Game Programming programs?+
32 U.S. institutions reported Computer Game Programming graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 22 states, awarding 547 credentials in the year. That is 3.3% of all Computer Programming graduates.
How much do Computer Game Programming graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Computer Programmers occupation, which Computer Game Programming most directly leads to, pays a median of $100,390 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Computer Programming field report median earnings of $42,668 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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