Best Game Development Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Academy of Art University is a private for-profit institution. Founded in 1929, the university has had students from more than 112 countries. Academy of Art University comprises 17 different facilities around the city of San Francisco.

Master of Arts in Game Development

This program emphasizes UI/UX design, game design, and 3D character modeling. The coursework covers specialized practices for gameplay mechanics, complex 3D software usage, and other useful tools in the field. The program offers hands-on experience. Students also work in groups on real-world projects.

Master of Arts in Game Development Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $1,218/credit (domestic); $1,276/credit (international)
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: Hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 47%

Master of Arts in Game Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum
• Standardized Tests: Not specified
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Statement of intent, resume, portfolio

Applying to Academy of Art University

1. Complete an online application.
2. Pay the $50 application fee.
3. Submit your official undergraduate transcripts.
4. Provide a one-page statement of intent.
5. Submit your resume and portfolio.

As a private research institution, American University offers more than 170 different academic programs at varying degree levels. The university was chartered by Congress in 1893 and since then has helped thousands of students become top scholars in their respective fields.

During the fall of 2021, American University had about 14,852 enrolled in its programs. One notable fact is that it also became the first university to be carbon neutral in 2018.

Master of Arts in Game Design

The main focus of this program is game engagement mechanics and game design. It offers several concentrations and students can customize the program to suit their career aspirations. Some of the courses in the curriculum include Games and Society and Games and Rhetoric. Students also need to complete nine credit hours of electives.

Master of Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
• Tuition and Fees: $1,866/credit
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 79%

Master of Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $55
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, resume, admissions essay

Applying to American University Washington

1. Complete an online application and pay the application fee.
2. Send your unofficial undergraduate transcripts.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation.
4. Provide a resume.
5. Submit your 500-to-1,000-word admissions essay.
6. Submit a portfolio of previous work, if desired.
7. Complete an interview, if requested by the admissions team.

With almost 6,000 students, Bradley University is a small private institution. Nonetheless, the university still offers more than 185 different academic programs for students to choose from. Founded in 1897 by Lydia Moss Bradley, the university now has over 70,000 alumni around the world.

Master of Science in Game Design and Development

Students in this 30-credit graduate degree program can earn their master’s degree within a calendar year. The program has a game programming concentration for students, however, and this concentration requires additional credits to complete. Students in this concentration master professional skills in software design and development and build a professional portfolio.

Master of Science in Game Design and Development Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $990/credit
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 1 year
• Learning Format: Hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 76%

Master of Science in Game Design and Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 (unconditional admission); 2.5 (conditional admission)
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $40
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two recommendation letters, resume, statement of interests, portfolio

Applying to Bradley University

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Pay the $40 application fee.
3. Provide your official undergraduate transcripts.
4. Submit two recommendation letters and your resume.
5. Provide a statement of interest or short admission essay.
6. Submit a portfolio of previous game development work.

Located in the middle of Chicago, DePaul University hosts 21,670 students, of which 7,376 are graduate students. DePaul University is a private, nonprofit school that was established in 1898. Today, the university comprises 10 different colleges and schools.

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design

This program focuses on interactive design and game development. It prepares students for the field of game design. It features a design lab and game center for virtual and augmented reality, study trips, exhibitions, and symposiums. The projects students create are exhibited by the faculty. This program also includes a thesis project.

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $900/credit
• Required Credits: 64 credits
• Program Length: 2.5-3 years
• Learning Format: Hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $25
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, statement of creative intent, digital portfolio, resume

Applying to DePaul University

1. Fill out an online application.
2. Pay the $25 application fee.
3. Send in your official undergraduate transcripts.
4. Provide two letters of recommendation.
5. Submit your statement of creative intent and your resume.
6. Submit your digital portfolio showcasing past work.

Established in 1979, Full Sail University currently has about 21,000 students. The private, for-profit university offers a variety of both online and in-person degree options. Full Sail University helps students learn through its innovative approach to project-based education. Overall, the institution focuses on entertainment, art, technology, and media.

Master of Science in Game Design

This program features 41 credits and focuses on production, user experience research, and design. Students are also allowed to customize their programs to fit different roles in the field.

The roles include producer, user experience researcher, game publisher, and game designer. Some of the main courses in the program include game design, project and team management, game production tools, and user experience.

Master of Science in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $867/credit
• Required Credits: 41 credits
• Program Length: 1 year
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 44%

Master of Science in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.5
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Previous coursework in topics related to game design

Applying to Full Sail University

1. Fill out the online application.
2. Pay the $75 application fee.
3. Send in your official undergraduate transcripts.

Laguna College of Art and Design offers three graduate degree programs and a handful of undergraduate degrees. The school was founded in 1961 and had 766 students in the Fall of 2021. Each student who is studying for a Master’s in Fine Arts at this school will also get their own private studio to work in.

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design

This 60-credit program in game design focuses on game creation and development. It can be completed in two years and students are trained in player interaction and design fundamentals. Some courses in the curriculum include game production, game programming, prototyping, engine technology, and mechanics-based game analysis.

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $1,334/credit
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 67%

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, portfolio, resume, letters of recommendation

Applying to Laguna College of Art and Design

1. Fill out an online application.
2. Write and submit your statement of purpose.
3. Submit your portfolio of previous game development and design work.
4. Provide your undergraduate transcripts.
5. Submit your resume and any recommendation letters you have.

Established in 1831, New York University is now comprised of 19 different schools and colleges. It is a large, private university that offers instruction to more than 65,000 students. In addition to the New York location, the university also has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design

This program focuses on game design and development. Most students can complete this program within two years. It also includes cultural and critical literacy. The coursework covers game studies, game production, game design, game history, and studio courses.

Students also write a thesis during their second year. You will work on individual and group projects to develop engaging game experiences. The program structure is also quite flexible as classes can be taken from any department.

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition and Fees: $2,046/credit
• Required Credits: Information not available
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 88%

Master of Fine Arts in Game Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: Information not available
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: Information not available
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a portfolio containing your resume, a personal statement, a critical analysis of a game, a design statement, and one or two previous projects

Applying to New York University

1. Fill out an online application form.
2. Send in your unofficial undergraduate transcripts.
3. Provide two letters of recommendation.
4. Submit your creative portfolio with all of the necessary documents.

Rochester Institute of Technology was born out of two different institutions merging, the Rochester Athenaeum and the Mechanics Institute, which were both founded in the 1800s. The school currently has around 19,718 students, with 3,050 being graduate students. In addition, the school has global campuses in places such as Croatia and China.

Master of Science in Game Design and Development

This program allows students to enhance their game development skills by exploring topics such as world building, computer graphics, game engines, and more. In the second year of the program, students will work on developing a game engine in designated development teams. Students will study topics such as digital audio, level design, and console development.

Master of Science in Game Design and Development Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition and Fees: $2,257/credit
• Required Credits: 33 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Master of Science in Game Design and Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.25
• Standardized Tests: GRE (only applies to students with a GPA lower than 3.25)
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two recommendation letters, resume, portfolio, personal statement, one year of object oriented programming experience

Applying to Rochester Institute of Technology

1. Fill out an online application.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Send your undergraduate transcripts.
4. Provide two letters of recommendation.
5. Submit your resume and portfolio.
6. Submit a personal statement.

Savannah College of Art and Design was founded in 1978 as a private, nonprofit institution. The school now offers more than 100 academic degree programs and has over 15,000 students. In addition, this art and design school also has two galleries in Atlanta and six galleries in Savannah, Georgia.

Master of Arts in Computer Game Design

This program requires 45 credits and covers a variety of essential game development topics. Students can expect to study concepts such as virtual world building and character creation. Students in this program will also have access to cutting-edge technology, like virtual reality labs.

Master of Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $890/credit
• Required Credits: 45 credits
• Program Length: 1-1.5 years
• Learning Format: In person, online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 73%

Master of Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development Admission Requirements

• GPA: Information not available
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: $100
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, portfolio, resume, statement of purpose, optional interview

Applying to Savannah College of Art and Design

1. Fill out an online application form.
2. Pay the $100 application fee.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation and your resume.
4. Provide a portfolio.
5. Submit a statement of purpose.
6. Complete an in-person or phone interview, if requested.

Founded in 1963, University of Central Florida now offers over 230 different degree programs covering a wide range of topics. With 70,406 students, the university offers both online and in-person degree options. As of August 2021, the university had awarded 382,857 degrees.

Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment

This program covers game programming, video game design, 3D artistry, technical design, level design, creative collaboration, modeling, motion capture, rapid prototyping, technical art, and software engineering. In the 30-credit program, students also learn the ethical and legal issues that accompany mobile game design. They also learn about pre-production and the initial concept phases of entertainment.

Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $1,098/credit (in state); $1,922.40/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: Information not available
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 74%

Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment Admission Requirements

• GPA: None
• Standardized Tests: GRE
• Application Fee: $30
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Three personal references, portfolio

Applying to University of Central Florida

1. Fill out an online application.
2. Pay the $30 application fee.
3. Send in your official undergraduate transcripts.
4. Provide three personal references with their contact details.
5. Submit your portfolio of past work.

Game engineers produce digital games as they work with other professionals like designers, engineers, and programmers. They are also responsible for artificial intelligence and other programs that control character movement, action, and appearance.

• Average Salary: $138,716
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island

Lead quality assurance professionals oversee product testing to ensure that it meets the standards of the organization. They also take part in developing testing plans, liaising with members of the product team, and creating strategies for risk mitigation. These experts also suggest process improvements to ensure a game of the highest possible quality.

• Average Salary: $110,140
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, Maryland, New Mexico, Massachusetts

Software engineers design and develop software solutions for clients. These experts work on web apps, databases, content management systems, and operating systems. Software engineers apply mathematical analysis to design computer software.

• Average Salary: $110,140
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island

Game developers specialize in creating video or computer games. They may work on one or several platforms and have an in-depth understanding of digital media and the video gaming industry. These experts may also be responsible for artificial intelligence and virtual landscape programming in games.

• Average Salary: $100,985
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island

Gaming project managers create and meet target deadlines for different projects in a game studio. These professionals are experts in effective communication and are responsible for project organization for the studio, which ensures that objectives are met. They also design plans and introduce processes to make sure others on the team produce quality work.

• Average Salary: $94,500
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 482,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Mexico, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Virginia

Gaming programmers develop software that is used to create video games. The role of mobile gaming programmers may include assembling game engines and platforms to power a game and writing code for custom software that will support the requirements of the game.

• Average Salary: $87,243
• Job Outlook: -10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 185,700
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Virginia, Washington DC, Massachusetts

Simulation programmers are responsible for developing computer simulations that allow users to test, view, and manipulate real products, systems, services, issues, and conditions. All this can be done by the users without having to take risks or incur costs.

• Average Salary: $79,561
• Job Outlook: -10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 185,700
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Virginia, District of Columbia, Massachusetts

Game animators bring 3D and 2D art to life by making these creations move. They often work with a storyboard and create movement for the vehicles and characters of a game. These experts are responsible for adding emotion, personality, and realism to a game.

• Average Salary: $78,790
• Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 62,400
• Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, California, Washington, New York, District of Columbia

Visual effects (VFX) artists are responsible for adding effects to playable games. They create things that move in a game. Some examples include water, dust, explosions, and superpowers. These artists use digital art software and create stunning effects to make the game more realistic.

• Average Salary: $78,790
• Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 62,400
• Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, California, Washington, New York, District of Columbia

Game writers develop video game plots for various game genres. They are also responsible for writing the dialogue in the video game. These experts work during pre-production and create characters to further the game narrative. Their work is passed on to programmers and designers who craft the game structure.

• Average Salary: $55,757
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 143,200
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Connecticut