The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is one of the most renowned institutions in the United States for creative arts education, offering some of the best programs in interactive design and game development. Known globally for nurturing creativity and technical excellence, SCAD provides students with a blend of artistic innovation, technical mastery, and industry-driven education that prepares them to become leaders in the gaming industry. For anyone passionate about game design, storytelling, and development, SCAD offers a unique environment that bridges art, design, and technology.
Location and Campus Overview
SCAD is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, with additional campuses in Atlanta, Georgia, and an international branch in Lacoste, France. The Savannah campus, its original location, is set in a historically rich and vibrant city known for its artistic culture and creative community. The campus atmosphere inspires imagination and innovation, offering a perfect setting for students pursuing careers in game design and interactive media.
The Atlanta campus provides proximity to major entertainment and technology hubs, making it ideal for students looking to connect with industry professionals and creative companies. Both campuses feature state-of-the-art facilities, digital labs, motion capture studios, and collaborative workspaces designed to emulate real-world production environments in the gaming industry.
Game Development Programs Offered at SCAD
SCAD offers specialized degree programs in Interactive Design and Game Development, one of the most recognized game design programs in the United States. The curriculum combines artistic principles with modern technology, providing students with hands-on experience in creating interactive media, virtual environments, and game systems.
Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interactive Design and Game Development
This program focuses on the fundamentals of game design, animation, storytelling, and programming. Students learn to create immersive experiences by mastering skills in 3D modeling, user interface design, level design, and real-time rendering. The program encourages collaboration and creativity, preparing students to develop complete games from concept to execution.
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts (MA) in Interactive Design and Game Development
The MA program offers an advanced understanding of design principles and creative problem-solving in digital environments. Students refine their technical skills and explore emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and game prototyping.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interactive Design and Game Development
The MFA program is designed for students seeking to push the boundaries of innovation in game development. It focuses on research, leadership, and advanced production techniques, preparing graduates for high-level positions in the gaming industry, academia, and creative technology sectors.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
SCAD’s game development curriculum emphasizes both creativity and technical precision. Students explore areas like game art, character design, gameplay mechanics, narrative structure, and artificial intelligence. Courses are project-based, encouraging collaboration across disciplines such as animation, programming, sound design, and visual effects.
Students also have opportunities to participate in real-world projects, internships, and exhibitions that connect them directly with industry professionals. SCAD regularly hosts events such as SCAD GamingFest, which features workshops, competitions, and talks from leading figures in game design and interactive entertainment.
The program’s hands-on structure ensures graduates leave with a professional portfolio showcasing completed games, prototypes, and design concepts—an essential asset in today’s competitive job market.
Fee Structure
The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private institution, and tuition varies slightly by degree level and program. As of 2025, the estimated tuition fees are:
- Undergraduate (BFA): Approximately $41,000 to $42,000 per year.
- Graduate (MA/MFA): Approximately $40,000 to $42,000 per year.
Additional costs for housing, materials, meals, and technology fees can range between $15,000 to $18,000 annually, depending on campus location and student preferences.
Although the tuition is on the higher side, SCAD’s reputation, facilities, and career outcomes justify the investment for students pursuing careers in the growing gaming and interactive media industries.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
SCAD offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options to make its programs accessible to talented students from around the world. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, artistic portfolio, leadership, and financial need.
Some of the notable scholarships include:
- SCAD Academic Honors Scholarship – Granted to students with outstanding academic records.
- SCAD Achievement Scholarship – Awarded for exceptional talent in creative portfolios or prior accomplishments in art and design.
- SCAD Artistic Honors Scholarship – Offered to students who demonstrate exceptional artistic potential during the admission process.
- Need-Based Financial Aid – Available for eligible students through institutional grants and federal aid programs.
Scholarship awards generally range from $1,000 to $12,000 per year, and a large percentage of SCAD students receive some form of financial assistance. The university also provides work-study programs, assistantships for graduate students, and merit-based awards to support academic excellence.
Facilities and Resources
SCAD offers an impressive array of facilities to support its game development programs. Students have access to high-performance computer labs, motion capture studios, and immersive VR/AR labs. These facilities are equipped with professional-grade software used in major game studios, including Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, and Autodesk tools.
The Digital Media Center in Savannah houses advanced production equipment and provides collaborative spaces where students can design, develop, and test their game projects. The university also invests heavily in research and emerging technologies, giving students opportunities to experiment with next-generation gaming tools.
Career Opportunities and Industry Connections
Graduates of SCAD’s game development programs are highly sought after by top gaming companies and creative studios around the world. SCAD maintains strong connections with the industry through its career services department, internship programs, and networking events.
SCAD alumni have gone on to work at leading companies such as Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The university’s focus on real-world projects ensures students graduate with the skills and professional experience necessary to thrive in the competitive gaming industry.
Students also benefit from SCAD’s global reputation and extensive alumni network, which helps them secure positions in roles such as game designer, programmer, concept artist, level designer, animator, and UI/UX designer.
Why Choose SCAD for Game Development
SCAD stands out among American universities for its unique blend of creativity, technology, and real-world preparation. Its programs are designed to mirror the workflows of professional studios, ensuring students learn industry standards while building their creative voice.
The university’s commitment to innovation, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration makes it a top choice for students who want to excel in game development, animation, and interactive design. SCAD’s graduates consistently earn recognition for their work in major gaming and creative festivals, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in creative education.