There are three degrees available to students interested in games at University of California, Santa Cruz — a Bachelor of Science, Computer Science in Computer Game Design, a Masters of Fine Arts in Digital Arts and New Media (DANM), and a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on games.

UC Santa Cruz was the first University of California campus to offer an undergraduate games degree. Its Bachelor of Science, Computer Science in Computer Game Design provides a rigorous education in computer science in concert with courses specifically on game design and development, plus a broad introduction to those aspects of art, music, narrative, digital media, and computer engineering most relevant to games.

Graduate students at UC Santa Cruz have two degree paths available: the Ph.D. in Computer Science with a focus on games, or the Master of Fine Arts in Digital Arts and New Media (DANM). Graduate study generally takes place within the context of one of UCSC's well-known research labs or studios, such as the Expressive Intelligence Studio (EIS).

For more information, prospective students are encouraged to visit http://games.soe.ucsc.edu.