DigiPen Institute of Technology

What you'll study

Foundational work in year one introduces design principles, psychology, and light programming. In year two students sample all six design concentrations while forming teams and building a new game. By year three students apply to two of six design tracks (level, narrative, systems, technical, UX, user research) and begin a junior-year game project; year four increases elective flexibility to refine a portfolio and focus electives across psychology, computer science, mathematics, and design. Coursework and team projects cover areas including gameplay mechanics, systems balancing, level pacing, UX, tools and engine work, and narrative design.

Entry requirements

The source page lists an admissions section and invites applicants to start an application, but does not publish specific numeric requirements on this page. Prospective students should consult DigiPen’s admissions pages for up‑to‑date criteria and application steps.

Career prospects

Graduates typically enter roles such as quest designer, systems designer, level designer, user research associate, and narrative designer. Alumni work across major studios and indie teams—examples mentioned include Nintendo, Bungie, Ubisoft, Sucker Punch Productions, Treyarch, and Pokémon Company International—and also in adjacent technical roles. The page cites a regional annual mean wage for related industries in Washington state of $98,990 (BLS, May 2025).

Scholarships & funding angle

The programme page references funding and admissions resources broadly but does not list specific scholarships; students are encouraged to explore DigiPen’s admissions and financial aid sections for institutional scholarships, external awards, and financing options, and to leverage the studio-project format to build a portfolio that supports internship and employer-funded opportunities.