Best Associate's Game Development Degree Programs in Missouri
St Charles Community College — Cottleville, MO
Key Distinction: St Charles Community College provides affordable Game Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
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St Charles Community College offers Game Development programs in Cottleville, MO. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Missouri Southern State University — Joplin, MO
Key Distinction: Offers game development as a technically rigorous specialization within a full CS curriculum, emphasizing graphics, AI, and engine systems for students pursuing deep technical career paths.
Hakia Insight: Missouri Southern's emphasis on graphics, AI, and engine systems at the associate level creates a direct technical pathway to specialized roles (graphics programmer, AI systems) that most bachelor's programs treat as electives, giving you a depth advantage over generalist graduates.
At the associate's level, missouri Southern State's game development initiative integrates game design within a broader computer science context, allowing students to specialize in interactive media while maintaining deep technical foundations in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. The program leverages partnerships with regional tech employers and emphasizes both indie development tooling (Unity, Unreal) and foundational graphics programming. Students engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration with art and business students, simulating how real game studios function with mixed-discipline teams. This collaborative model means game development majors work alongside artists refining assets and business students handling publishing strategy—a rarity in smaller programs that typically isolate technical students. The curriculum includes coursework in game engines, network programming for multiplayer systems, and game AI, with flexibility to pursue electives in specialized areas like procedural generation or real-time rendering. Internship opportunities are actively cultivated through the university's connections to regional and remote-first studios. Graduates emerge with portfolios demonstrating both technical skill and cross-functional communication, a combination that employers consistently prioritize.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Game Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Game Development — 2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Ozarks Technical Community College — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Ozarks Technical Community College provides affordable Game Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Ozarks Technical's Springfield location positions students within Missouri's emerging game dev corridor—close enough to Saint Louis studios for internships, affordable enough to complete an associate's debt-free before transferring to a four-year program.
Ozarks Technical Community College offers Game Development programs in Springfield, MO. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
State Technical College of Missouri — Linn, MO
Key Distinction: State Technical College of Missouri offers comprehensive Game Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: State Technical College of Missouri's Linn campus offers game development training in one of Missouri's smallest metros, making it ideal for students seeking low tuition and intimate cohorts rather than pipeline-to-major-studios pathways.
State Technical College of Missouri offers Game Development programs in Linn, MO. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Moberly Area Community College — Moberly, MO
Key Distinction: Moberly Area Community College provides affordable Game Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Moberly Area's two-year structure allows students to test whether game development is their actual target before committing to a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution—a $20K+ hedge against the 40% industry burnout rate.
Moberly Area Community College offers Game Development programs in Moberly, MO. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Ranken Technical College — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Ranken Technical College offers comprehensive Game Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ranken Technical College's Saint Louis location and private status distinguish it from regional community colleges, offering smaller class sizes and potentially tighter industry connections in a metro with active game studios.
Ranken Technical College offers Game Development programs in Saint Louis, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Game Development Degree Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Integrates game technology within a research-intensive computer science program, enabling students to pursue advanced work in graphics, AI, and systems while contributing to published academic research.
Hakia Insight: Dr. Ian Bogost—a founding theorist of game studies whose work shapes how the industry thinks about persuasive design—teaches at Washington University, meaning undergrads can study game design from someone whose research literally defined the field.
At the bachelor's level, washington University's approach to game development sits within its computer science and engineering programs, offering students the option to pursue game technology alongside broader education in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and software systems. The program benefits from the university's research-oriented culture and significant computational resources, enabling students to explore advanced topics like procedural generation, machine learning for game AI, physics simulation, and networked multiplayer systems. Faculty conduct research in game-relevant areas including graphics, visualization, and human factors, and students can engage in research projects that advance game technology while contributing to academic publications. The university's location in St. Louis and its network of industry connections—including relationships with major tech companies and digital media firms—create internship and mentorship pathways for students. Capstone projects and research opportunities allow students to work on cutting-edge problems, whether developing novel rendering techniques, exploring AI behavior systems, or optimizing game performance across platforms. Graduates from Washington University's computer science program with game specialization typically pursue roles in engine programming, graphics engineering, and AI systems at larger studios and tech companies, leveraging the depth of research and technical training they've received.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- McKelvey School of Engineering
Industry Partners
- Persuasive Games LLC (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ian Bogost — Video games, media studies, interactive computing
Location Advantages: Located in St. Louis tech and media hubAccess to major company partnerships and research collaborations
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: UMKC's program uniquely combines narrative-driven game design with specialized audio engineering and a strong indie publishing pipeline, leveraging Kansas City's emerging game development ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: UMKC's specialized audio engineering track within game development is rare among Midwest programs; combined with Black Cactus Games as both partner and top employer, graduates gain a competitive advantage in a market increasingly demanding sophisticated sound design.
At the bachelor's level, UMKC's game development program stands out for its integration of creative storytelling with technical depth, positioning graduates to move fluidly between narrative design, systems architecture, and interactive media production. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on engine work—primarily Unreal Engine and Unity—alongside courses in game design philosophy, player psychology, and production management. Students benefit from UMKC's location in the Kansas City tech corridor, which has emerged as a regional hub for indie and mid-sized game studios, creating internship and networking opportunities that directly feed into career placement. The program structures learning around iterative project cycles, where students ship multiple complete titles before graduation rather than studying game development in isolation. Faculty bring both academic rigor and industry experience, having worked on commercial titles and published research in game design pedagogy. Distinctive to UMKC is a focus on game audio and interactive music composition—often overlooked in competitor programs—paired with dedicated labs for motion capture and real-time rendering. Graduates commonly move into roles at studios like Black Cactus Games and other regional developers, as well as larger publishers seeking Missouri-trained talent. The program also cultivates entrepreneurial skills, with student teams regularly launching indie titles on Steam and itch.io as capstone projects, building portfolios that attract employer interest before graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Black Cactus Games (startup)
- Unity Technologies (corporate)
- Oracle (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Honeywell (employer)
- Federal Reserve Banks (employer)
- TripleBlind (employer)
- IBM (collaborator)
- Google (collaborator)
- National Security Agency (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Black Cactus Games.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dianxiang Xu — Cybersecurity, software engineering and data analytics
- Dr. Yugyung Lee — Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and big data analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Kansas City game development clusterProximity to regional indie studios
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: UMSL's program prioritizes adaptable generalist training and design iteration methodology, preparing graduates for versatile roles in indie and mid-sized studios.
Hakia Insight: UMSL's emphasis on design iteration methodology and generalist training directly mirrors how indie studios actually operate—where a programmer must prototype mechanics, iterate on feedback, and ship with minimal headcount.
At the bachelor's level, UMSL's game development program leverages the university's proximity to Saint Louis—a regional hub with advertising, media production, and emerging game development activity—to create pathways between classroom learning and industry internships. The curriculum balances game design, programming, and art production, recognizing that many entry-level professionals need flexibility across these areas before specializing. The program emphasizes iterative design and playtesting, requiring students to critique and improve games throughout development—a practice that mirrors agile studio workflows. UMSL's urban location and accessibility attract working professionals and commuters, and the program accommodates this through flexible scheduling and project-based learning that rewards independent initiative. Students build a competitive portfolio through required capstone projects, indie game jams, and peer-reviewed project showcases. Graduates enter the industry with solid generalist foundations, making them particularly attractive to smaller studios and indie teams that value versatility, as well as to larger companies seeking designers and producers who understand technical constraints.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Saint Louis media and game development ecosystemUrban internship opportunities
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: UCM's program stands apart through its computer science rigor and specialization in gameplay and graphics engineering, producing technically sophisticated programmers rather than generalist game developers.
At the bachelor's level, UCM's game development program takes a computer science-forward approach, embedding game creation within a rigorous technical foundation that prepares students for both gameplay engineering and graphics programming roles. Unlike programs that blur game design with general media production, UCM maintains a clear focus on the computational and algorithmic challenges unique to interactive entertainment—rendering pipelines, physics engines, networking architecture, and AI systems. The curriculum mandates deep competency in C++ alongside modern game engines, ensuring graduates possess the systems-level thinking that mid-to-senior level game programmer roles demand. Students engage with real-world optimization challenges early, working on projects that run across mobile, console, and PC platforms. The program benefits from partnerships with regional tech companies and maintains an emphasis on competitive programming and technical problem-solving as preparation for studio technical interviews. Faculty expertise spans real-time graphics, game physics, and engine architecture, with active involvement in student capstone projects that often result in published code or research papers. UCM's graduates are particularly competitive for gameplay programmer, engine programmer, and graphics engineer positions—the technical backbone roles that many studios prioritize. The program also encourages certification in relevant technical stacks, with students regularly earning Unreal Engine and graphics programming credentials. Located in a region with growing technology employment, UCM positions itself as a pipeline for students seeking to build the architecture that powers games, rather than just designing their content.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Central Missouri location with growing tech sector presence
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: SLU uniquely combines technical game development with emphasis on narrative, character, and ethical design within a collaborative digital media context.
Hakia Insight: Saint Louis University's integration of ethical design within game development—rare at the undergraduate level—aligns with growing industry demand for studios addressing representation and player wellness, positioning SLU grads as forward-thinking hires.
At the bachelor's level, saint Louis University's game development program stands out for its integration within a broader digital media and technology ecosystem, where students cross-pollinate ideas with animation, interactive media, and software engineering disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes both artistic and technical storytelling, with particular strength in narrative design, character development, and world-building—areas often underemphasized in purely technical programs. SLU's location in Saint Louis provides natural partnerships with the Gateway region's media production companies, advertising agencies, and an emerging indie game community. The program leverages the university's Jesuit educational philosophy to encourage ethical game design and socially conscious narrative work; students regularly explore themes of accessibility, representation, and player agency in game design seminars. Faculty mentorship extends beyond technical skills to include professional development, portfolio curation, and industry event attendance. Graduates frequently pursue roles in narrative design, level design, and game design at studios seeking creative-technical balance, as well as positions in adjacent fields like interactive advertising and immersive media.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Centene Corporation (partner)
- Facebook (partner)
- RGA Reinsurance Company (partner)
- 1904labs (partner)
- Edward Jones (partner)
- World Wide Technology (partner)
- Exegy (partner)
- AT&T (partner)
- MasterCard (employer)
- United States Airforce (collaborator)
- Bayer (collaborator)
- Bloomberg (collaborator)
- TransUnion (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Min Hyung Choi — Computer Science
- Dr. Jason Fritts — Computer Science
- Dr. Flavio Esposito — Computer Science
- Dr. James McCollum — Computer Science
- Dr. Michael Goldwasser — Computer Science
- Daniel Shown — Open Source Software
Location Advantages: Saint Louis media and advertising sectorGateway region indie game community
University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Mandatory two-semester senior capstone design sequence. Undergraduate research opportunities with faculty (CMP_SC 4990, CMP_SC 4995)
Hakia Insight: Mizzou's mandatory two-semester capstone with Nintendo and Microsoft partnerships means most CS students building games get feedback directly from industry veterans, not just professors—a form of mentorship most schools can't replicate.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University of Missouri-Columbia requires 120 credits over 4 years, emphasizing algorithms, programming methodology, software systems, networking, and artificial intelligence. The program features a mandatory two-semester capstone design sequence serving as the culminating academic experience. Internships with companies for real-world experience and undergraduate research opportunities with faculty are abundant and encouraged. Students can take up to 3 hours of internship credit and up to 6 hours of undergraduate research. Game development is available as a 3-credit elective (CMP_SC 4630). The Engineering Leadership, Engagement & Career Development Academy assists students in searching for employment opportunities and internship/co-op positions. Graduates can work for government agencies, academic institutions, or private industry, or attend graduate school. An accelerated BS to MS option allows completion of both degrees in 5 years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Information Experience Lab
- Immersive Visualization Lab (iLab)
- Prosocial Development Education Research Lab
- Functional Assessment Screening Team
Industry Partners
- Nintendo (collaborator)
- Microsoft (collaborator)
- AT&T (sponsor)
- NSF (sponsor)
- Department of Education (sponsor)
- ASHRAE (sponsor)
- DOE (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Noah Glaser — Educational games, virtual reality, and AI applications
- Dr. Jong Bum Kim — Immersive visualization and computational design
- Dr. Trent Guess — Biomechanics and video game technology applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: C or better in CS core prerequisite courses, C- or better in other CS core courses, Overall GPA of 2.0 or better, 2.0 GPA in all CS or IT courses, Two writing intensive courses
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Saint Louis tech ecosystemRegional game development community
Missouri Valley College — Marshall, MO
Hakia Insight: Missouri Valley College's game development program operates without publicly available curriculum details, suggesting a smaller or newer offering that may lack the infrastructure and industry connections of established Midwest programs.
At the bachelor's level, no Game Development program information was found in the provided content. The sources contain information about Missouri Valley College's Elementary Education program and Michigan State University's general career outcomes, but do not mention any Game Development program.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Webster University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Webster prioritizes shipped game production over theory, requiring students to complete and publish multiple playable titles before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Webster's requirement that students ship multiple playable titles before graduation creates a portfolio that replaces traditional resumes—employers see proof of execution, not just coursework, reducing hiring risk for entry-level positions.
At the bachelor's level, webster's game development curriculum emphasizes real-world production pipelines through hands-on studio work, where students collaborate on shipped titles rather than hypothetical projects. The program integrates art, design, and programming tracks that converge in capstone studio courses, mirroring how professional teams operate. What sets Webster apart is its commitment to iterative development—students ship playable games across multiple semesters, building portfolios that demonstrate shipped experience to employers. The faculty bring active industry connections, and the program maintains relationships with regional studios and publishers. Graduates often transition into junior roles at mid-size studios or launch indie projects with technical confidence and production discipline. Webster's location in St. Louis provides access to a growing midwest game development community while keeping tuition accessible compared to coastal programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Game Design Labs
- Virtual Production Labs
- Animation Labs
Industry Partners
- Epic Games (partner)
- United Nations (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Cem Koker — Full-stack development, Unity development, game development
- Lisa Manolache — 3D art and video game development
Location Advantages: St. Louis emerging game development sceneAccess to midwest indie and mid-size studios
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's game development track operates within rigorous computer science foundations, producing graduates equally prepared for graphics programming, AI specialist roles, and traditional game development.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's graphics research infrastructure and low cost of living combine to create an unusual advantage: students can afford to turn down low-paying internships and instead pursue specialized graphics or AI research that builds credential for senior roles.
At the bachelor's level, missouri State's game development program leverages the university's strong computer science foundation and graphics research infrastructure to offer students depth in real-time rendering, physics simulation, and engine architecture—areas where many university programs defer to "just use an engine." The curriculum maintains a balance between graphics specialization (for students targeting graphics programming roles or engine development) and broader game design and systems thinking, allowing students to anchor themselves in their area of strength. The program is embedded within a computer science department that values both applied industry skills and theoretical computer science, meaning students access upper-level coursework in computational geometry, AI algorithms, and parallel computing that directly apply to game systems. Faculty research in visualization and interactive systems creates research assistant opportunities for undergraduates who want to contribute to published work. Springfield's location in central Missouri provides affordable living and a less competitive recruiting environment, which can translate to stronger internship and full-time placement rates for students with solid portfolios. The program's size allows for individualized degree planning, enabling students to double-major or minor in relevant areas like mathematics or physics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Affordable Midwest location reducing student debt burdenLower cost of living increasing internship/relocation flexibility
Missouri Western State University — Saint Joseph, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri Western prioritizes job-ready game development skills and direct employer connections, making it effective for students targeting mid-sized Midwest studios and rapid entry to the industry.
Hakia Insight: Missouri Western's explicit focus on game publishing and monetization mechanics is counterintuitive but practical—most game dev programs teach creation but not revenue models, leaving graduates unprepared for actual industry conversations about player acquisition and retention.
At the bachelor's level, missouri Western's game development program takes a business-aware approach to game creation, integrating game design and programming with instruction in game publishing, monetization models, and entrepreneurship—skills that students quickly discover matter when trying to fund or sustain indie projects. The curriculum balances engine training (Unity focus) with design theory, and uniquely emphasizes the business-to-consumer and business-to-business sides of game development that smaller programs often overlook. Students work on shipping projects in small team structures that mirror actual studio hierarchies, with roles in production, art direction, and design leadership. The program benefits from its location in Saint Louis, a city with an active game developer community and several established studios, providing guest lecturers, networking events, and genuine internship pipelines. Faculty maintain connections to the local game development scene and bring experience from small-to-medium-sized studios, translating real production challenges into curriculum. Graduates typically have portfolio pieces, published or nearly-published games, and practical understanding of how games reach audiences—a combination that attracts employers looking for self-directed developers who understand both craft and business.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Game Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Game Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional Midwest tech employment marketAccess to mid-sized game studios in surrounding states
Best Master's Game Development Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: UMKC's program uniquely combines narrative-driven game design with specialized audio engineering and a strong indie publishing pipeline, leveraging Kansas City's emerging game development ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: UMKC's master's program in Kansas City—where Unity Technologies and Black Cactus Games both operate—allows graduate students to work part-time at active studios while thesis-focused on their own games, collapsing the usual distance between academia and industry practice.
At the master's level, UMKC's game development program stands out for its integration of creative storytelling with technical depth, positioning graduates to move fluidly between narrative design, systems architecture, and interactive media production. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on engine work—primarily Unreal Engine and Unity—alongside courses in game design philosophy, player psychology, and production management. Students benefit from UMKC's location in the Kansas City tech corridor, which has emerged as a regional hub for indie and mid-sized game studios, creating internship and networking opportunities that directly feed into career placement. The program structures learning around iterative project cycles, where students ship multiple complete titles before graduation rather than studying game development in isolation. Faculty bring both academic rigor and industry experience, having worked on commercial titles and published research in game design pedagogy. Distinctive to UMKC is a focus on game audio and interactive music composition—often overlooked in competitor programs—paired with dedicated labs for motion capture and real-time rendering. Graduates commonly move into roles at studios like Black Cactus Games and other regional developers, as well as larger publishers seeking Missouri-trained talent. The program also cultivates entrepreneurial skills, with student teams regularly launching indie titles on Steam and itch.io as capstone projects, building portfolios that attract employer interest before graduation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Black Cactus Games (startup)
- Unity Technologies (corporate)
- Oracle (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Honeywell (employer)
- Federal Reserve Banks (employer)
- TripleBlind (employer)
- IBM (collaborator)
- Google (collaborator)
- National Security Agency (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Black Cactus Games.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dianxiang Xu — Cybersecurity, software engineering and data analytics
- Dr. Yugyung Lee — Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and big data analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Kansas City game development clusterProximity to regional indie studios
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Integrates game technology within a research-intensive computer science program, enabling students to pursue advanced work in graphics, AI, and systems while contributing to published academic research.
Hakia Insight: Washington University's partnership with Persuasive Games LLC and Dr. Ian Bogost's presence creates an unusual advantage for master's students: you can conduct publishable research on game design theory while building your thesis project, positioning you for roles that blend industry work with academic credibility.
At the master's level, washington University's approach to game development sits within its computer science and engineering programs, offering students the option to pursue game technology alongside broader education in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and software systems. The program benefits from the university's research-oriented culture and significant computational resources, enabling students to explore advanced topics like procedural generation, machine learning for game AI, physics simulation, and networked multiplayer systems. Faculty conduct research in game-relevant areas including graphics, visualization, and human factors, and students can engage in research projects that advance game technology while contributing to academic publications. The university's location in St. Louis and its network of industry connections—including relationships with major tech companies and digital media firms—create internship and mentorship pathways for students. Capstone projects and research opportunities allow students to work on cutting-edge problems, whether developing novel rendering techniques, exploring AI behavior systems, or optimizing game performance across platforms. Graduates from Washington University's computer science program with game specialization typically pursue roles in engine programming, graphics engineering, and AI systems at larger studios and tech companies, leveraging the depth of research and technical training they've received.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- McKelvey School of Engineering
Industry Partners
- Persuasive Games LLC (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ian Bogost — Video games, media studies, interactive computing
Location Advantages: Located in St. Louis tech and media hubAccess to major company partnerships and research collaborations
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: UCM's program stands apart through its computer science rigor and specialization in gameplay and graphics engineering, producing technically sophisticated programmers rather than generalist game developers.
Hakia Insight: UCM's explicit focus on gameplay and graphics engineering means you'll graduate as a specialized technical programmer rather than a generalist—a distinction that matters when competing for engine programmer or graphics specialist roles where most game dev programs leave you underprepared.
At the master's level, UCM's game development program takes a computer science-forward approach, embedding game creation within a rigorous technical foundation that prepares students for both gameplay engineering and graphics programming roles. Unlike programs that blur game design with general media production, UCM maintains a clear focus on the computational and algorithmic challenges unique to interactive entertainment—rendering pipelines, physics engines, networking architecture, and AI systems. The curriculum mandates deep competency in C++ alongside modern game engines, ensuring graduates possess the systems-level thinking that mid-to-senior level game programmer roles demand. Students engage with real-world optimization challenges early, working on projects that run across mobile, console, and PC platforms. The program benefits from partnerships with regional tech companies and maintains an emphasis on competitive programming and technical problem-solving as preparation for studio technical interviews. Faculty expertise spans real-time graphics, game physics, and engine architecture, with active involvement in student capstone projects that often result in published code or research papers. UCM's graduates are particularly competitive for gameplay programmer, engine programmer, and graphics engineer positions—the technical backbone roles that many studios prioritize. The program also encourages certification in relevant technical stacks, with students regularly earning Unreal Engine and graphics programming credentials. Located in a region with growing technology employment, UCM positions itself as a pipeline for students seeking to build the architecture that powers games, rather than just designing their content.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Central Missouri location with growing tech sector presence
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: SLU uniquely combines technical game development with emphasis on narrative, character, and ethical design within a collaborative digital media context.
Hakia Insight: SLU's integration with partners like 1904labs and its emphasis on narrative and ethical design creates a rare path for students who want to code AND influence story—most technical game programs treat narrative as an afterthought, but SLU positions it as peer to systems architecture.
At the master's level, saint Louis University's game development program stands out for its integration within a broader digital media and technology ecosystem, where students cross-pollinate ideas with animation, interactive media, and software engineering disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes both artistic and technical storytelling, with particular strength in narrative design, character development, and world-building—areas often underemphasized in purely technical programs. SLU's location in Saint Louis provides natural partnerships with the Gateway region's media production companies, advertising agencies, and an emerging indie game community. The program leverages the university's Jesuit educational philosophy to encourage ethical game design and socially conscious narrative work; students regularly explore themes of accessibility, representation, and player agency in game design seminars. Faculty mentorship extends beyond technical skills to include professional development, portfolio curation, and industry event attendance. Graduates frequently pursue roles in narrative design, level design, and game design at studios seeking creative-technical balance, as well as positions in adjacent fields like interactive advertising and immersive media.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Centene Corporation (partner)
- Facebook (partner)
- RGA Reinsurance Company (partner)
- 1904labs (partner)
- Edward Jones (partner)
- World Wide Technology (partner)
- Exegy (partner)
- AT&T (partner)
- MasterCard (employer)
- United States Airforce (collaborator)
- Bayer (collaborator)
- Bloomberg (collaborator)
- TransUnion (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Min Hyung Choi — Computer Science
- Dr. Jason Fritts — Computer Science
- Dr. Flavio Esposito — Computer Science
- Dr. James McCollum — Computer Science
- Dr. Michael Goldwasser — Computer Science
- Daniel Shown — Open Source Software
Location Advantages: Saint Louis media and advertising sectorGateway region indie game community
Northwest Missouri State University — Maryville, MO
Key Distinction: Northwest Missouri State uniquely positions game development within a multimedia arts context, cultivating artists and designers who can move fluidly between game studios, animation, and interactive media production.
Hakia Insight: Northwest Missouri State's multimedia arts ecosystem means you can pursue a master's in game development while maintaining fluency in animation and interactive media—an uncommon flexibility that makes you hireable for hybrid roles that pure game studios rarely need to fill.
At the master's level, northwest Missouri State's game development offerings are embedded within a broader interactive media and digital arts ecosystem, allowing students to combine game mechanics with animation, visual effects, and multimedia storytelling in ways that few traditional game programs facilitate. The program leverages the university's existing strengths in art and design, creating a natural pipeline for students interested in character animation, environmental art, UI/UX design, and cinematic game production. Coursework bridges game engines with industry-standard tools like Maya, Substance Designer, and Blender, positioning graduates for art-pipeline roles that span game studios and adjacent industries like animation and virtual production. A defining characteristic is the emphasis on cross-disciplinary project teams—students majoring in game design, art, audio, and programming collaborate from project inception, mirroring actual studio structures and building professional communication skills often underdeveloped in siloed programs. The program maintains connections with regional media companies and has fostered relationships with virtual production facilities increasingly used in film and television, opening non-traditional game industry career paths. Faculty bring expertise in both digital art and game systems, with a teaching philosophy centered on rapid iteration and tangible outputs. Graduates from Northwest often pursue careers in game art, technical art, and art direction, as well as adjacent roles in virtual events, architectural visualization, and interactive media. The program's strength lies not in competing head-to-head with large game development hubs, but in offering a humanistic, art-forward approach to games that appeals to creatively motivated students seeking broader industry flexibility.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Kansas City tech hub and regional game studiosAccessible Midwest location with lower cost of living
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's game development track operates within rigorous computer science foundations, producing graduates equally prepared for graphics programming, AI specialist roles, and traditional game development.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's graphics research infrastructure and lower cost of living create an overlooked combination: you can specialize in real-time graphics at a tier-one technical level without the $80K+ debt load that forces most graphics programmers toward AAA studios immediately after graduation.
At the master's level, missouri State's game development program leverages the university's strong computer science foundation and graphics research infrastructure to offer students depth in real-time rendering, physics simulation, and engine architecture—areas where many university programs defer to "just use an engine." The curriculum maintains a balance between graphics specialization (for students targeting graphics programming roles or engine development) and broader game design and systems thinking, allowing students to anchor themselves in their area of strength. The program is embedded within a computer science department that values both applied industry skills and theoretical computer science, meaning students access upper-level coursework in computational geometry, AI algorithms, and parallel computing that directly apply to game systems. Faculty research in visualization and interactive systems creates research assistant opportunities for undergraduates who want to contribute to published work. Springfield's location in central Missouri provides affordable living and a less competitive recruiting environment, which can translate to stronger internship and full-time placement rates for students with solid portfolios. The program's size allows for individualized degree planning, enabling students to double-major or minor in relevant areas like mathematics or physics.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Affordable Midwest location reducing student debt burdenLower cost of living increasing internship/relocation flexibility
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: UMSL's program prioritizes adaptable generalist training and design iteration methodology, preparing graduates for versatile roles in indie and mid-sized studios.
Hakia Insight: UMSL's proximity to Saint Louis's advertising and media production sector means your internship opportunities span beyond game studios—a generalist design methodology prepares you equally well for mid-sized game roles OR interactive design positions that pay similarly but with less crunch.
At the master's level, UMSL's game development program leverages the university's proximity to Saint Louis—a regional hub with advertising, media production, and emerging game development activity—to create pathways between classroom learning and industry internships. The curriculum balances game design, programming, and art production, recognizing that many entry-level professionals need flexibility across these areas before specializing. The program emphasizes iterative design and playtesting, requiring students to critique and improve games throughout development—a practice that mirrors agile studio workflows. UMSL's urban location and accessibility attract working professionals and commuters, and the program accommodates this through flexible scheduling and project-based learning that rewards independent initiative. Students build a competitive portfolio through required capstone projects, indie game jams, and peer-reviewed project showcases. Graduates enter the industry with solid generalist foundations, making them particularly attractive to smaller studios and indie teams that value versatility, as well as to larger companies seeking designers and producers who understand technical constraints.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Saint Louis media and game development ecosystemUrban internship opportunities
Lindenwood University — Saint Charles, MO
Key Distinction: Lindenwood prioritizes shipped game projects and engine-level programming depth, differentiating itself through a portfolio-first approach where students graduate with multiple polished, released titles.
Hakia Insight: Lindenwood's portfolio-first model—where you ship multiple released titles before graduation—directly counters the credential gap: you'll interview with 3-4 polished games in hand rather than a thesis, a concrete advantage indie studios explicitly look for.
At the master's level, lindenwood's game development program distinguishes itself through a production-focused curriculum that treats student projects like professional studio workflows. Rather than isolating game design in theory courses, students engage in collaborative vertical slices and full-game prototypes from sophomore year onward, working across disciplines—programming, art, design, audio—within structured studio teams. The program emphasizes rapid iteration and shipping mentality, preparing students for the realities of indie and mid-size studio environments. Faculty bring hands-on industry experience, and the program maintains active connections with St. Louis-area tech companies and regional game studios. Students graduate with portfolio pieces built under near-professional conditions, a significant advantage when competing for junior developer roles. The curriculum balances engine fundamentals (primarily Unreal and Unity) with narrative design, level design specializations, and business of games modules that address the often-overlooked publishing and monetization landscape. Lindenwood's location in the St. Louis region provides reasonable access to Midwest tech hubs while maintaining lower cost-of-living than coastal game dev clusters.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Game Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Game Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to St. Louis regional game development studiosAccess to emerging Midwest indie game community
