MS in Game Development
Interdisciplinary
Degree includes courses from multiple top-ranked colleges such as Engineering, Education, Fine & Applied Arts, and the School of information Sciences.
Career Opportunities
Hands-on experience working on real-world interactive media projects will set you up for success.
Affordable
A great investment in a technically innovative and creative career.
The Master of Science in Game Development program provides a comprehensive blend of foundational theory, technical skills-building, creative exploration, and professional development for students interested in working in professional game studios, game-adjacent industries or other businesses where game-related skills are increasingly in demand.
Power up your expertise
Choose Your Pathway
Customize your studies to best fit your goals. We offer five concentrations in the following areas:
- Art
- Design
- Narrative
- Production
- Programming
Career Options
Graduates of our program will be well-prepared for a wide range of roles, including:
- Technical Artist
- Game Designer
- Gameplay Programmer
- AV/VR Engineering, Design and Testing
- Character and Environment Artist
- VFX Artist
- UI/UX Specialist/Designer for Games and Apps
- Simulation Trainer
- Medical and Educational Game Developer
- Interactive Media Producer
- 3D Artist/Animator
What are the requirements for admission?
- The MS in Game Development program is flexible, and our application requirements are as well.
- While a bachelor's degree is required, your degree can be in any discipline.
How do I apply?
- Apply by July 1, 2026, for Fall 2026 admission; applicants who submit their materials by February 1 will be notified of their admission status by March 1. For Spring 2027 admission, apply by September 1, 2026.
- Visit the Graduate College's application page, review the information, and select the "Apply Now" button.
Where do students get jobs?
- Across game industry; from major publishers to independent studios
- Leading tech companies
- In a wide range of sectors such as education, automotive/engineering, health and wellness, medical, defense, film/tv, architecture and marketing
Hear more from faculty
Alex Damarjian, MFA, PhD
Teaching Associate Professor
Program Director, MS in Game Development Program
Technical Artist, Netflix Games
“This program gives students a powerful blend of creative and technical training that prepares them to work across the game, animation, and interactive media industries. What sets it apart is how students not only learn how to design and build projects—but also how to collaborate, communicate, and think critically in rapidly evolving digital spaces. From Unity and Unreal Engine to storytelling, AI, and pipeline tools, they’re building portfolios that actually get noticed.”
Katryna Starks, PhD
Teaching Assistant Professor
“Games are great for teaching, training, and assessment. Designing games teaches students about themselves and the world.”
Pablo Hurtado Sato, Instructor
Senior 3D Character Artist, BLOXNEO
“Adaptability and strong fundamentals outlast any tool or trend in the game industry.”
