At a Glance
$551
Cost per Credit
30
Credit Hours
100%
Online
2 Years
Program LengthMaster’s in Game Design, MA
Program Overview
At a Glance
$551
Cost per Credit
30
Credit Hours
100%
Online
2 Years
Program LengthWhy Study Game Design?
Lindenwood University’s online master’s in game design program gives you the skills to pursue the next level of your career in game development. From game concept generation to designing the world of a game to assessment of game play, you can take your place in a cutting-edge field that offers the opportunity for technical and creative innovation, and helps you get the most from your learning through self-guided and team-based game development coursework. Plus, complete your accelerated degree in as little as one year!
What You'll Learn
Your master’s in game design online coursework lets you choose a traditional thesis pathway or project-based track to help you align your learning to your career goals. Further your skill in mobile gaming, visual elements, logo design, 3D modeling, texturing, and character design, alongside other valuable course studies in:
- Concept Design
- Arts Entrepreneurship
- Game Development
- 3D Animation
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.
Game Design Graduate Student Work
Published in Metaverse Journal
Andrew Begemann, a current online MA in Game Design student at Lindenwood, was recently published in the Metaverse Journal. His research paper explores using AI tools across the game development pipeline – from concept art to 3D models in a game engine. Andrew co-authored this published work with Dr. James Hutson, a faculty member & department head at Lindenwood.
ESports and Student Organizations
Lindenwood Esports offers two ways to sharpen gaming skills and engage with the gaming community right here at Lindenwood. Varsity is Lindenwood’s gaming group for teams competing in our flagship games, while Community Club offers everyone the opportunity to compete against other players whenever they want.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the online master’s in game design program are equipped with the technical design skills to create and innovate end-to-end in the game development lifecycle, as Game Producers, Multimedia Programmers, Game Designers, Software Engineers, Software Testers, and Graphic Designers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software testers and software engineers can earn a median annual salary of $130,160.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this master’s in game design program is $551. Besides being ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree.
Admissions Requirements
For admission to your program, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:
- Online Application
- Résumé
- Letter of intent/personal statement, including a personal statement regarding your interest in the program and career goals
- Official undergraduate transcript(s) as well as official transcript(s) from any graduate school(s) attended
- Transcripts demonstrating completion of undergraduate degree in related field with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all major coursework.
- The official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required if GPA is below 3.0.
- Contact information for three academic and/or professional references.
- 1,000-word statement of purpose describing applicant’s goals.
- Specific deliverables depending on area of study, such as a writing sample and/or portfolio of work.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to nine credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 21 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
Learn MoreCurriculum Overview
The online MA in Game Design features an advanced curriculum that merges creative design with cutting-edge technology. Through these comprehensive, yet efficient courses, you will participate in immersive projects and collaborative learning. You will be taught by faculty who will help you develop skills applicable from concept to creation, including foundations of game design and the latest in 3D animation and game development. Whether you want to enter the field or advance your career, this program is designed to enhance your expertise in key areas of game design, including aesthetics, immersion, level design, and usability.
Major Coursework – 15 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAH 50000 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CAH 51000 | Research and Scholastic Writing | 3 |
| CAH 55000 | Graduate Seminar | 3 |
| CAH 60000 | Thesis/Directed Project I | 3 |
| CAH 61000 | Thesis/Directed Project II | 3 |
Specialized Coursework – 15 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AAD 52900 | Concept Design | 3 |
| AAD 53600 | 3D Graphics | 3 |
| ARTH 57000 | History of Games and Critical Theory | 3 |
| CAH 53000 | Arts Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| GAM 50001 | Team Studio I | 3 |
| GAM 50120 | Level Design | 3 |
| GAM 52400 | Game Design Firm | 3 |
| GAM 56500 | Game Design Internship | 3 |
| GAM 56800 | Game Development | 3 |
| GAM 57000 | 3D Animation | 3 |
Accreditation and Awards
Best Online Game Design Programs
Career Opportunities
Lead Game Designer
Lead the creative vision and game development process by managing teams of designers, artists, and programmers.
UI/UX Designer
Design the user interface and experience of games to ensure intuitive and engaging gameplay.
Game Production Manager
Manage development teams to ensure high-quality and efficient completion of video game productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a portfolio to apply to the online master’s in game design?
Depending on your area of study, a portfolio may be required. To find out if your area of study requires a portfolio submission, contact your enrollment counselor.
Are there fees associated with the online master’s in game design?
No, we do not charge any fees in addition to tuition.
Is there a capstone project for MA in game design?
There is no official capstone project, however, the master’s degree in game design offers an in-program internship component, along with three portfolio project courses.
Is it difficult to make it in gaming and game design?
With the high demand for game designers, the job market is promising for this field, and those with the support of an educational background have an edge, as this background is valued in the gaming industry.
What should a game designer know?
A game designer should have a technical, creative skill set in areas such as software development and areas specific to video game design such as 3D modeling and character design. Game designers should also be aware of current gaming trends, as well as the latest gaming technologies.
How long does it take to get a master’s degree in game design?
You can complete your accelerated, online master’s in game design in as little as one year at Lindenwood!
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learn moreWe are committed to helping you succeed.
Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.
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