In the game design master's degree, you will explore the entertainment technology landscape as well as other related areas. The program simultaneously covers the breadth of the game design and development landscape through study in topics such as computer graphics, game engines, interactive narrative, and game world design. The program is characterized by a clear focus on development, but also educates developers in the design process. The degree is intended specifically for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization.

The curriculum in the game design master's program consists of required courses, a choice of five advanced electives, and a capstone experience. This is a two-year, on-campus, cohort-based program in which students are admitted through a portfolio review process. During the second year, students form development teams that construct a working game engine and software title as the program capstone experience. This requirement includes both individual and group expectations. The capstone culminates in a defense, public presentation, and demonstration before program faculty. Combined, these requirements provide a unique and comprehensive educational experience for individuals who aspire to a career in the game development industry.

Game Design and Development, MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
IGME-601    Game Development Processes    3
IGME-602    Game Design    3
IGME-603    Gameplay and Prototyping    3
IGME-695    Colloquium in Game Design and Development    1
IGME-795    Game Industry Themes and Perspectives    1
     
Advanced Electives
9
Second Year
IGME-695    Colloquium in Game Design and Development    1
IGME-788    Capstone Design    3
IGME-789    Capstone Development    3
     
Advanced Electives
6
Total Semester Credit Hours    
33
Advanced electives
Course
CSCI-610    Foundations of Computer Graphics
CSCI-711    Global Illumination
CSCI-712    Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques
CSCI-713    Applied Perception in Graphics and Visualization
IGME-621    Board and Card Game Design and Development
IGME-622    Game Balance
IGME-623    Theory and Design of Role Play and Interactive Narrative
IGME-624    Tabletop Role-Playing Game Design and Development
IGME-670    Digital Audio Production
IGME-671    Interactive Game and Audio
IGME-680    IGM Production Studio
IGME-681    Innovation & Invention
IGME-690    IGM Graduate Seminar
IGME-730    Game Design and Development for Casual and Mobile Platforms
IGME-740    Game Graphics Programming
IGME-742    Level Design
IGME-750    Game Engine Design and Development
IGME-753    Console Development
IGME-760    Artificial Intelligence for Gameplay
IGME-790    Graduate Seminar in IGM
IGME-796    Advanced Topics in Game Design*
IGME-797    Advanced Topics in Game Development*
IGME-799    Independent Study

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in game design and development, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in a relevant field such as information technology, computer science, software engineering, or computer graphics. Students with undergraduate degrees in related disciplines such as digital media or human-computer interaction may be considered.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (or equivalent) or a first-class international degree with distinction. Students with a GPA below 3.25 may submit official GRE test scores.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a portfolio. Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have at least one year of significant programming experience in a current object-oriented language—preferably C++ or Java—and a solid working knowledge of website development and interactive multimedia concepts. If students do not have these prerequisites, additional course work may be recommended to bridge any educational gaps.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000