Computer Game Programming: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computer Game Programming equips students with the technical and creative expertise needed to design and develop interactive digital games from concept to completion. This interdisciplinary field blends software engineering with artistic vision, emphasizing both the functional and experiential aspects of gaming.
- Character and Story Development: Explores narrative construction, character arcs, and world-building techniques essential for immersive game experiences.
- Computer Programming: Focuses on core coding practices using languages such as C++, Python, or JavaScript, with an emphasis on game-specific applications and performance optimization.
- Computer Graphics: Covers rendering techniques, 2D/3D modeling, animation pipelines, and visual effects to create dynamic and responsive game environments.
- Game Design: Teaches systematic approaches to level design, mechanics, rules, balance, and player progression to craft engaging and replayable gameplay.
- Game Physics: Applies principles of motion, collision detection, gravity, and real-time simulation to generate realistic and responsive in-game interactions.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Investigates how players interact with game interfaces, including input systems, feedback loops, and intuitive control schemes.
- Human-Centered Design: Prioritizes user needs and cognitive processes in the development of interfaces and gameplay experiences that are accessible and intuitive.
- Usability: Emphasizes testing, iteration, and evaluation methods to ensure games are functional, enjoyable, and free of frustrating design flaws.
Computer Game Programming Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computer Game Programming Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computer Game Programming degrees, including Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers and Computer Programmers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,964,110 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 15-1253 | $102,610 | $60,690 - $166,960 | 199,800 | $49.33 |
| Computer Programmers 15-1251 | $98,670 | $52,190 - $162,090 | 109,870 | $47.44 |
Computer Game Programming Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,693 in South Dakota to $151,333 in Washington—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, California, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,964,110 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computer Game Programming by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Computer Game Programming programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computer Game Programming is found at University of Utah (U of U) (156 graduates), University of California (UCI), Irvine (49 graduates), Kennesaw State University (KSU) (44 graduates), Miami University, Oxford (37 graduates), and SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Canton), Canton (25 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 492 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
|
156 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
|
49 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
|
44 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
37 | Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Canton) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Canton, New York | Public | canton.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Blinn College District |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Brenham, Texas | Public | blinn.edu |
| Champlain College |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Burlington, Vermont | Private | champlain.edu |
| University of Advancing Technology (UAT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
17 | Tempe, Arizona | Private | uat.edu |
| Baker College |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Owosso, Michigan | Private | baker.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| Long Island University (LIU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Brookville, New York | Private | liu.edu |
| New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | East Greenwich, Rhode Island | Private | neit.edu |
| Washtenaw Community College (WCC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | wccnet.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ (UCNJ) |
Associate's
|
7 | Cranford, New Jersey | Public | ucc.edu |
| Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Schenectady, New York | Public | sunysccc.edu |
| Mohave Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Kingman, Arizona | Public | mohave.edu |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | Public | kutztown.edu |
| Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Lakewood, Colorado | Public | rrcc.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Lake Land College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Mattoon, Illinois | Public | lakelandcollege.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| Arapahoe Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Littleton, Colorado | Public | arapahoe.edu |
| Frederick Community College (FCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Frederick, Maryland | Public | frederick.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computer Game Programming programs
How much can I earn with a Computer Game Programming degree?
Salaries for Computer Game Programming graduates vary by role and location. Software Developers earn a median of $133,080 annually, while Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn around $102,610. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $151,333 compared to $68,693 in South Dakota. Approximately 1,964,110 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computer Game Programming programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Computer Game Programming degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Utah (U of U) (156 graduates), University of California (UCI), Irvine (49 graduates), and Kennesaw State University (KSU) (44 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Computer Game Programming degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, and Computer Programmers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,964,110 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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