USC Games

About USC Games

USC Games represents the combined game design and development programs of the University of Southern California, consistently ranked as the number one game design program in the United States. The program integrates offerings from the School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media & Games Division and the Viterbi School of Engineering Department of Computer Science, creating a uniquely comprehensive approach to game education. USC's game programs emerged from the university's pioneering recognition of games as a legitimate art form and academic discipline. The Interactive Media Division was established in 2002, building on USC's cinema school legacy to explore interactive storytelling. The combination with computer science game development created an interdisciplinary powerhouse that has produced industry-changing graduates. The program's Los Angeles location places students at the heart of the entertainment industry, with major game studios, publishers, and technology companies within reach. Industry partnerships provide internship opportunities, guest lectures, and career connections that accelerate professional development. USC Games alumni have founded or led development at some of the world's most influential game companies. Graduates have created award-winning titles across platforms from mobile to console to virtual reality. The program's emphasis on both creative vision and technical excellence produces graduates capable of leading the industry's creative and technical evolution.

Admission to USC Games programs is highly competitive, attracting top applicants from around the world. Each program has distinct requirements reflecting its emphasis on either creative design or technical development. The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment requires a portfolio demonstrating creative vision and game design thinking. Applicants submit playable games, design documents, or other creative work showing understanding of interactive experience design. Writing samples and personal statements reveal design philosophy and career aspirations. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games) emphasizes technical preparation. Strong mathematics and programming backgrounds are essential. Applicants should demonstrate both technical capability and passion for games through projects, coursework, or extracurricular activities. Graduate program applications require more substantial portfolios and professional experience. The MFA in Interactive Media seeks candidates with creative vision and the drive to explore games as an expressive medium. The MS in Computer Science (Game Development) requires programming proficiency demonstrated through projects or professional experience. Application deadlines typically fall in early December for fall admission. USC's overall acceptance rate is approximately 12%, with game programs being among the most selective majors. International students must demonstrate English proficiency and meet visa requirements. Admitted students often choose USC over other top programs due to industry connections and Los Angeles location. Financial aid packages affect enrollment decisions given high tuition costs.

USC Games offers programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with distinct tracks emphasizing design, development, or the intersection of both. The Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Entertainment from the School of Cinematic Arts focuses on game design, narrative, and production, while the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games) from Viterbi emphasizes programming and technical development. Graduate programs include the Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media from the School of Cinematic Arts and the Master of Science in Computer Science (Game Development) from Viterbi. The MFA emphasizes creative leadership, experimental game design, and thesis projects that push interactive media boundaries. The MS program develops advanced technical skills in game engine development, graphics programming, and artificial intelligence for games. Curriculum integrates game design theory, prototyping, production, programming, art, audio, and business. Studio courses place students in teams replicating industry production structures. Students ship complete games through these courses, building portfolios demonstrating professional capabilities. Cross-disciplinary collaboration between cinematic arts and engineering students mirrors industry team structures. Faculty includes accomplished game developers, researchers, and theorists. The program benefits from USC's broader resources in cinema, animation, computer graphics, and emerging technologies. Research initiatives explore serious games, game accessibility, procedural generation, and innovative interfaces. Industry partnerships bring professionals into classrooms and provide student project mentorship. The USC Games Expo showcases student work to industry recruiters annually, directly connecting students with employment opportunities.

Student Life & Environment

USC Games students immerse themselves in a creative, collaborative community where passion for games permeates daily life. The program attracts students who have been designing games since childhood, creating an environment of shared enthusiasm and mutual inspiration. Game production courses create intense team experiences as students collaborate on shipping complete games. These experiences build lifelong friendships and professional networks. Game jams, both official events and spontaneous gatherings, extend creative collaboration beyond coursework. The USC campus provides exceptional facilities including dedicated game development labs, motion capture studios, virtual reality equipment, and high-performance workstations. The campus location in South Los Angeles has improved significantly, with the university investing heavily in neighborhood development. Student organizations including the Game Developers Organization connect students across programs and class years. Events feature industry speakers, alumni panels, and hands-on workshops. The annual USC Games Expo transforms campus into a professional gaming convention, attracting hundreds of industry recruiters. Los Angeles offers abundant entertainment industry events, from E3 (when held) to Game Developers Conference sessions to studio visits. Students frequently attend industry events, building networks that facilitate career placement. The city's diverse food, culture, and entertainment options provide balance to intensive academic programs.

Location & Surroundings

USC Games operates from the University of Southern California's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, placing students in the global capital of entertainment and one of the leading game development centers in North America. Los Angeles hosts major game studios including Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Activision, Electronic Arts, Naughty Dog, and numerous independent studios. This concentration creates unparalleled internship and employment opportunities. Many studios actively recruit USC students, maintaining ongoing relationships with the program. The USC campus combines historic architecture with modern facilities in a compact, walkable environment. The School of Cinematic Arts complex features state-of-the-art production facilities. The surrounding neighborhood has transformed significantly through university and community investment. Southern California's climate features warm, sunny weather year-round, with temperatures rarely falling below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or rising above 90. The lack of humidity makes summer heat manageable. Ocean beaches lie within 30 minutes, while mountain recreation areas are equally accessible. Transportation in Los Angeles traditionally requires a car, though the expanding Metro system increasingly serves areas relevant to students. Campus parking is limited and expensive. Housing costs in Los Angeles are substantial, though student neighborhoods offer more affordable options than westside areas closer to the beach.

Costs & Career Outcomes

USC tuition ranks among the highest in the nation at approximately $65,000 annually for undergraduate programs. Graduate program costs vary but remain substantial. Housing in Los Angeles adds significant expense, with on-campus housing running $15,000-20,000 annually and off-campus options varying widely. Financial aid packages combine merit scholarships, need-based grants, work-study, and loans. The university meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students, though "need" calculations may differ from family perceptions. Merit scholarships for outstanding applicants can significantly reduce costs. Game-specific scholarships from industry sponsors supplement university aid. Living costs in Los Angeles beyond housing require approximately $1,500-2,500 monthly for food, transportation, entertainment, and personal expenses. Many students work part-time in campus positions or industry internships. Summer internships often provide substantial compensation helping offset academic year costs. Career outcomes for USC Games graduates are exceptional. Alumni hold leadership positions at virtually every major game company. Starting salaries for game designers typically range from $60,000-80,000, while programmers command $90,000-130,000. Advancement is rapid for talented graduates, with many reaching senior or director positions within a decade. The program's industry network facilitates placement, with recruiters actively pursuing USC graduates. The annual Expo results in numerous job offers. Alumni frequently recruit from their alma mater, maintaining the pipeline of USC talent into leading companies.