Accelerated Online Master’s in Game Design, MA

Essential Skills & Insights

Coursework in this online master’s in game design program covers the following:

• Immersive Learning: benefit from project-based learning that lets you build out your game design skills and your portfolio.
• Industry-Relevant Tools: gain mastery of marketable game development competencies in marketing skills in XR/AR/VR, AI, Unity, and Unreal.
• State-of-the-Art Resources: learn key game design and development skills using cutting-edge technologies, and access to a new Esports arena and immersive reality technologies.
• Advanced Game Design Skills: take your approach in game development further through a high-level exploration of all aspects of the game development lifecycle.

Essential Skills & Insights

Coursework in this online master’s in game design program blends creativity, technology, and strategy to prepare you for leadership roles in the gaming and interactive media industries. You’ll learn advanced design principles, development tools, and storytelling techniques while exploring how innovation and AI are shaping the future of games.

• Game Design & Development: Master the fundamentals of gameplay mechanics, level design, and user experience.
• Storytelling & Narrative Design: Build the skills to create engaging worlds, characters, and storylines that keep players immersed.
• Art & Visual Design: Explore graphic design, 3D modeling, and animation to bring creative visions to life.
• Programming & Prototyping: Learn coding essentials and rapid prototyping to test, refine, and launch game concepts.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Develop leadership and teamwork skills to guide projects from concept to delivery.

AI-Powered Learning, Real-World Impact

Our accelerated online programs integrate opportunities to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool for learning and career preparation. Students apply AI in ways that build authentic skills and mirror how businesses are leveraging it across industries. We emphasize ethical and responsible use, ensuring that students develop the judgment to apply AI appropriately. This approach helps graduates enter the workforce with both technical knowledge and a clear understanding of AI’s role in their discipline.

Careers in Game Design

The gaming industry continues to grow rapidly, offering opportunities for creative professionals who can blend storytelling, design, and technology. A master’s degree in game design prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in game studios, media companies, and independent projects.

• Game Designer — Median salary: $80,000
  Create the rules, mechanics, and systems that define player experiences, from casual mobile games to complex RPGs.
• Multimedia Artist/Animator — Median salary: $98,950
  Design 2D and 3D visuals, characters, and environments that bring interactive worlds to life.
• Game Producer or Project Manager — Median salary: $99,330
  Oversee the development process, managing teams, budgets, and timelines to bring games from concept to release.

Admissions Requirements

For admission to your Accelerated Online MS in Game Design, simply complete the 2 step application process.

1. Complete the Graduate Admissions Online Application by visiting my.lindenwood.edu/register 
2. Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s) showing a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
   
   Only transcripts with the final degree posted are required if you attended multiple institutions.
   
   Request your official transcript to be sent directly to Lindenwood University Accelerated Online via one of the methods below:
   • Electronically to: [email protected]
   • By Mail to:
     Office of Admissions
     Lindenwood University Accelerated Online
     8205 S Priest Dr #11480
     Tempe, AZ 85284
   • By Fax to: 480-393-1826

Curriculum Overview

The Lindenwood University’s accelerated online Master of Arts in Game Design features an advanced curriculum that merges creative design with cutting-edge technology. The MA in Game Design program offers you an immersive and collaborative learning experience focused on the critical areas of game design: game development, 3D graphics, level design, usability, and game economics. Our Game Design MA threads project and portfolio courses throughout the curriculum lead by dedicated faculty from the gaming industry. Whether you are entering the field or advancing your career, our MA Game Design program will prepare you for an exciting future in the game design industry.

Applied Project

Students will complete a final project applying theories and research methods of their field in a professional setting or in a final product or series of products. Projects may take different forms, but all students produce some form of material on behalf of an organization or field of practice. Students document their progress and product for final committee review.

Major Coursework – 15 Credit Hours

Research Methods

This course is an introduction to research methods, historiography, and critical theory. The course introduces the language of research and shifts in practice over time through an examination of both modern and postmodern theories. Participants will use these theoretical underpinnings to begin to critically review literature relevant to their field or interests and determine how research findings are useful in forming their understanding of their own work.

Research and Scholastic Writing

This course explores the tools and methods used to write graduate-level research papers. Students will be introduced to advanced research techniques, thesis development and refinement, differentiation of primary and secondary sources, and effective writing for their own discipline. Through the process, students will recognize and address the strengths and weaknesses in their critical thinking and writing skills and produce successful research projects that demonstrate knowledge of topics and proficiency in writing skills in their own field.

Graduate Seminar

Students are encouraged to begin exploration into advanced issues, methods, and critical theory in order to identify the topic for their final thesis and begin gathering research toward that goal.

Thesis/Directed Project I

The directed thesis project consists of a project in the student’s field completed during the course of graduate studies and/or a supporting written thesis depending upon the program. The thesis project and topic must be approved by a committee of three faculty members, two of which must be from the student’s own program. After students finalize their topic with their committee chair, research into and execution of the project begins. Repeatable: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Thesis/Directed Project II

The directed thesis project consists of a project in the student’s field completed during the course of graduate studies and/or a supporting written thesis depending upon the program. The approval of the thesis project topic and demonstrable progress of initial research/execution must be completed in CAH 60000. Final production of the thesis project and/or written thesis will be completed under faculty direction and evaluated by the student’s committee. Repeatable: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Specialized Coursework – 15 Credit Hours

Concept Design

This advanced design course will allow graduate students to use two-dimensional studio art skills, digital painting, and three-dimensional computer sculpture to create concept designs for games and film. The course will focus on transforming rudimentary descriptions into a fully realized artistic concept; examples include character, costume design, mechanical design, architectural design, and environmental design. Through case studies, students will also analyze the theories behind concept design.

3D Graphics

This advanced design course provides students with the skills to design 3-D models, materials, lighting, and animation. Analyzing rendering techniques, camera usage, and surface-mapping, students will lead projects to produce photo-realistic images.

Team Studio I

This advanced applied course has graduate students leading work in teams going through the entire game development process going from concept to completed publish ready game creating examples to build their portfolio.
Note: This class may require the use of a virtual reality headset identified by the instructor.

Level Design

This advanced software course covers the creation of playable three-dimensional levels, including terrain generation, custom texture maps, and three-dimensional place-able models. Through case studies, students will analyze the theories behind level creation and design.

Note: This class may require the use of a virtual reality headset identified by the instructor.

Game Development

This advanced level course introduces students to working in modern game engines while building their own games based on industry inspired workflows. Students will demonstrate an ability to design, develop, and execute a 3D game of their own. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of critical reception of games and through written reflections.

Note: This class may require the use of a virtual reality headset identified by the instructor.

*Students who do not successfully complete and defend the Thesis/Project Prospectus by the end of CAH 61000 must enroll in CAH 60500 Thesis/Project Experience in every fall and spring semester until the Thesis/Project is completed.

Technology Requirements

Throughout your studies, you will work with the same tools and platforms professionals use every day giving you practical, hands-on experience with current technology.

What You’ll Need

• A personal computer that meets minimum standards for graphics, processing, and storage
• Ability to install and run specialized software and development tools used in your courses
• Reliable internet access to support downloads, updates, and online collaboration

You will receive a detailed list of required software, platforms, and setup instructions during Student Orientation and in each course. These resources are updated regularly so you’re always working with current industry tools.

Program Length Details

Lindenwood University’s (LU) accelerated online programs offer you choice and flexibility to support your education journey. Time to complete a master’s degree can vary based on course load, transfer credits, and individual pacing. You will tailor a course schedule that keeps you in the driver’s seat

• Transfer Credit: LU allows 9 transfer credits toward a master’s degree and you can complete your degree in as few as 21 credits.
• Accelerated Courses: LU accelerated online programs offer 10 5-week terms per year. By enrolling in two courses per term, you can potentially begin and complete your master’s degree in 7 months.
• Frequent Start Dates: LU offers multiple start dates throughout the year so you can begin your studies when you are ready allowing you to graduate sooner.
• Personalized Degree Plan: LU academic advisors will work with you to tailor your degree plan to support your education goals while balancing your personal and professional responsibilities.