Best Online Game Design Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Arizona State University is a multi-campus system with headquarters in Tempe. The school's online platform, ASU online, has grown to become one of the best virtual learning schools for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Founded in 1885, Arizona State University is one of the oldest schools in the state with a reputation for excellence.

Master of Visual Communication Design

This is one of the most extensive online master's degree programs for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of visual design. As a game developer or designer, you can learn advanced aspects of information design, user experience, speculative design, interaction design, and sustainable design.

Master of Visual Communication Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Tuition: $543–$1,343/credit
• Required Credits: 43 credits
• Program Length: 3 quarters at 15 credits per quarter
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%

Master of Visual Communication Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $70
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Letters of recommendation, English proficiency

Applying to Arizona State University

1. Visit ASU online application portal and read the admission requirements
2. Fill out the online graduate admissions application form
3. Submit all required documents
4. Pay the non-refundable application fee
5. Apply for financial aid

Founded in 1891, Drexel University is a private tertiary institution in Philadelphia that also has a great online platform for undergraduate and graduate education. Drexel is known for its rich alumni from different departments like business, arts, marketing, visual, and performance arts.

Master of Science in Digital Media

This five-concentration digital media master's degree will be useful for someone who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Game Design. The 45-credit program runs for two years and prepares you for a career as a video game designer, art director, multimedia artist, digital animator, and computer and information research scientist.

Master of Science in Digital Media Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1088/credit
• Required Credits: 45 credits
• Program Length: 3 quarters at 15 credits per quarter
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Master of Science in Digital Media Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.2
• Standardized Tests: GRE (optional)
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Other Requirements: Portfolio of creative work, personal essay, two letters of recommendation, resume

Applying to Drexel University

1. Visit Drexel University online to review the application requirements
2. Create an account if you are a first-time user
3. Pay the application fee
4. Submit all required documents
5. Wait for your admission letter

Full Sail University is a private school that was founded in 1979 as a center for recording arts and production. With time, the school expanded and started offering online degrees. It is most popularly known for its degrees in computer animation, design, and business.

Master of Science in Game Design

Full Sail University is one of the few schools in the United States that offers a complete master of science in game design. The program doesn't just cover game design, it also covers production and user experience research. It runs for about 12 months and allows you to learn from real-world experience in the game development and design industry.

Master of Science in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Tuition: $867/credit
• Required Credits: 41.5 credits
• Program Length: One-year
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 44%

Master of Science in Game Design  Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation

Applying to Full Sail University

1. Visit the program page of interest on Full Sail University online
2. Fill out the application form with your bio and contact details
3. Submit all required documents
4. Contact an admission representative to expedite the process
5. Wait for one to two business days for application processing

Liberty University is one of the best online colleges in the United States. The school was founded in 1971 as a private research university. While it is a Christian university, anyone interested can enroll and enjoy online education, regardless of their religious affiliations. It is known for its undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, engineering, accounting, and management.

Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design

If you have a bachelor's degree in game design, you can apply for this visual communication design master's degree program. It is a 30-credit program that can be completed in one year with eight-week, full-time courses. You can transfer up to 15 credits from another university. It covers subjects such as interactive design and digital imaging.

Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $565/credit (full-time); $615/credit (part-time)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 semesters at 15 credits per semester
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 54%

Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5 to 3.25
• Standardized Tests: None required
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Personal statement

Applying to Liberty University

1. Visit Liberty University online and choose the master's program you want
2. Submit your education information
3. Submit your statement
4. Review and submit your application
5. Wait for feedback

Founded in 1827, Lindenwood University is a private tertiary institution that is known for its unique teaching styles. The school offers a wide range of entrepreneurship-focused education for students in undergraduate and graduate programs. It is also the second oldest university in Missouri with both online and on-campus programs.

Master of Arts in Game Design

This program has a thesis and non-thesis option for students, depending on their interests. You will need to accumulate at least 30 credits to graduate and you can do this in just one year. Note that you will need to buy a virtual reality headset in addition to your modern computer if you want to complete the program successfully.

Master of Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $540/credit
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 semesters at 15 credits per semester
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 47%

Master of Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE
• Application Fee: $30
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, portfolio, resume

Applying to Lindenwood University

1. Go to the Lindenwood application portal and create an account
2. Request a conversation with an admissions advisor
3. Submit all required documents
4. Wait for feedback
5. Make your tuition deposit

Regent University was founded in 1977 by Pat Robertson, now it has eight academic branches offering undergraduate and graduate degrees on-campus and online. The school has an amazing art and science curriculum for undergraduate and graduate levels that make it one of the best private schools in the United States.

Master of Arts in Screenwriting

If you intend to specialize in the storytelling aspect of game development, getting a Master’s Degree in Scriptwriting might be a good way to start. You will learn how to write plots for games, feature games, and television writing. It is a 37-credit degree program that prepares you for commercial-level storytelling with hands-on experience.

Master of Arts in Screenwriting Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $670/credit
• Required Credits: 37 credits
• Program Length: 5 terms at 6-11 credits per term
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 61%

Master of Arts in Screenwriting Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Writing sample

Applying to Regent University

1. Go to Regent online
2. Fill out the graduate questionnaire for admissions
3. Send transcripts
4. Submit your government-issued ID in digital form
5. Submit samples of your past work

New York University (NYU) is one of the best schools in the United States. It was founded in 1831 by the New York State Legislature. NYU is one of the largest universities in the United States and has branches in different parts of the world. It is the only school in the United States that has up to 11 campuses across the globe that all meet the same educational standards.

Master of Fine Arts - Game Design

This two-year master's degree program is offered by the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. The rich curriculum covers game design, game production, game studies, game history, game studies, game history, and studio courses. It is a thesis program that will require a thesis to graduate. You will also have access to the game center and enjoy play lab courses.

Master of Fine Arts - Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $59,970/year
• Required Credits: Not stated
• Program Length: 4 semesters
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 88%

Master of Fine Arts - Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE (optional)
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Personal statement, portfolio, passport, English proficiency

Applying to New York University

1. Visit the Tisch School of the Arts online portal to read the requirements
2. Turn in your online application and pay the non-refundable fee
3. Complete the verification process
4. Wait for the notification
5. Accept your admission and pay the non-refundable $550

The University of Central Florida (UFC) was established in 1963 as a public research university. Apart from the main branch in Orange County, Florida, the school has nine other campuses in the United States. Video Game design is just one of the many things you can learn when you attend UCF.

Master's of Science in Interactive Entertainment

This is a two-year advanced program that covers game design, 3D artistry, programming, technical design, creative collaboration, rapid prototyping, and a host of creative technology skills. Out of the 30 credits required for the program, 12 credits are core courses, nine credits are from the specialization, and the rest are from the capstone project.

Master's of Science in Interactive Entertainment Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $1,098/credit (in-state); $1,922.40/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 quarters at 15 credits per quarter
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 88%

Master's of Science in Interactive Entertainment Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE/GMAT
• Application Fee: $31
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: English proficiency for international students

Applying to the University of Central Florida

1. Visit UCF online and fill out the graduate admission form after creating an account
2. Pay the non-refundable fee
3. Submit your letters of recommendation
4. Submit your resume, personal essay, and any other document requested
5. Log in to check your admission status

University of Advancing Technology is a private institution that was founded in 1983 to focus on technology, law, and ethical studies. It was initially called CAD Institute because of its deep focus on computer-aided design. Over time, the university has added many other faculties and departments, it offers fully online degrees for bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Master of Science in Game Production and Management

The master of science in game production and management is a comprehensive game design program that covers every aspect of development. Apart from critical game studies and instructional design, you will also learn game marketing and advertising. There is an internship program attached to the master's degree that gives you real-world experience.

Master of Science in Game Production and Management Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $6,950/9-credit
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: Online, hybrid, in-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 40%

Master of Science in Game Production and Management Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.0
• Standardized Tests: Not stated
• Application Fee: $250
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: 500-word essay, resume, official college transcript

Applying to University of Advancing Technology

1. Visit the online program page to start your application
2. Fill out the graduate admission form
3. Write your essay in 500 to 1000 words
4. Submit your unofficial transcript and resume
5. Consider reaching out to a college advisor

New York Film Academy was founded in 1992 as a two-year for-profit private school for creatives. It offers associate and master's degrees for beginners and advanced creatives alike. You can also find fast-paced workshops and bootcamps that will help you boost your skills in your area of interest. The school emphasizes interactive learning so students get hands-on experience.

Master of Fine Art in Game Design

With this Master of Fine Arts in Game Design, you should expect a comprehensive program that prepares you for a career in game development and design. It runs for two years, covering things like play-centric design, narrative design, and game design studio. Students will also take an introduction to game analysis class and the ethics of video games.

Master of Fine Art in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Tuition: $17,145/semester
• Required Credits: 62 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters
• Learning Format: Online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 60%

Master of Fine Art in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Narrative statement, English proficiency, creative portfolio, letters of recommendation

Applying to New York Film Academy

1. Fill out the admission form with your name, email address, country code, and phone number
2. Pay the $75 application fee
3. Submit your narrative statement, transcript, and letters of recommendation
4. Submit your creative portfolio and proof of English proficiency
5. Attend the interview and make a tuition deposit of $500

Software engineers are technology experts who apply engineering principles to computer science in the development of computer-based devices. When you become a software engineer, you can work side by side with a hardware developer to create phones, computers, and other software-based devices.

• Average Salary: $88,529
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Mexico, Massachusetts

A game designer with a master's degree may also find a job as a game developer. These experts are software developers who make video gaming software. They usually work with game designers and other members of the development team to complete projects. You can learn how to become a game developer online if you cannot afford a degree.

• Average Salary: $83,867
• Job Outlook: -10 job growth from 2020 and 2030
• Number of Jobs: 287,200
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey

A game designer is a software developer and creative expert who creates visuals for video games. While most of these designers learn advanced software development, it is not always required. Basic knowledge of how code works is often enough to get the job done. They work on character development and storytelling, as well.

• Average Salary: $67,764
• Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 and 2030
• Number of Jobs: 287,200
• Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, New York, California, Washington DC, Washington

A visual effect artist is a digital artist who creates visual effects for games, advertisements, web, or mobile applications. You will need knowledge of computer graphics, arts, and natural creativity to work as a special effects artist in the gaming industry.

• Average Salary: $63,127
• Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 62,400
• Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, New York, California, Washington DC, Washington

Quality assurance testers are software developers who test applications during different stages of development to make sure everything is working accordingly. They usually have hands-on development experience and are currently in high demand in the United States.

• Average Salary: $55,520
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Mexico, Massachusetts