March 26, 2026
For the sixteenth consecutive year, Shawnee State University's game design programs have earned a spot among the world's best, according to The Princeton Review claiming the #1 rank in Ohio, Top 20 internationally, and #3 in the Midwest.
"Sixteen consecutive years in the rankings speaks to the excellence of our programs, our students' success, and the hard work and dedication of our faculty," said Adam Miller, interim dean for the College of Business and Engineering Technology.
The game design programs include degrees in game programming and game arts. Students develop skills through hands-on courses, workshops, and a collaborative Senior Studio. In the Senior Studio, students from both tracks work together to simulate a professional game studio environment, taking a game from concept to completion in one year.
Faculty with industry experience guide students through current innovations and trends in gaming technology. They also connect students with established professionals in the field, including many alumni working in game studios, sales, programming, and production.
Shawnee State University offers events and programs beyond the classroom to help gaming students network, expand their skills, and prepare for future careers. The Shawnee Game Conference, the longest-running academic game conference in the Midwest, gives students opportunities to connect with gaming organizations, showcase their work, and engage with gaming professionals and enthusiasts.
The Kricker Innovation Hub, SSU’s business incubator, launched the ShawneeXP Accelerator program to support game developers in creating games efficiently and cost effectively. Funded by the Economic Development Administration, the program offers education, mentorship, community, and investment over a 10-week period, helping projects grow into successful ventures using the university’s gaming facilities and resources.
“As these rankings indicate, our game design academic programs remain the foundation of a thriving gaming culture on campus,” said Miller. “Fueled by excellence in academic programs that prepare students for game development, the gaming culture on campus continues to expand through the ShawneeXP Accelerator’s support for game development and entrepreneurship, active student gaming clubs, and the growth of our eSports program, with a new arena slated to open next year.”
The Princeton Review chose its rankings based on its 2026 survey of institutions in the U.S., Canada, and abroad offering academic courses in game design, faculty credentials, and career outcomes, among other criteria. To learn more about the gaming programs at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/gaming.