Master of Science in Game Design and Development

In the game design and development masters, students explore the entertainment technology landscape as well as other related areas. The program simultaneously covers the breadth of the game design and development landscape through study in topics such as computer graphics, game engines, interactive narrative, and game world design. The program is characterized by a clear focus on development, but also educates developers in the design process. The degree is intended specifically for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization.

The program's curriculum consists of required courses, a choice of five advanced electives, and a capstone experience. This is a two-year, on-campus, cohort-based program in which students are admitted through a portfolio review process. During the second year, students form development teams that construct a working game engine and software title as the program capstone experience. This requirement includes both individual and group expectations. The capstone culminates in defense before program faculty, as well as a public exhibition. Combined, these requirements provide a unique and comprehensive educational experience for individuals who aspire to a career in the game development industry.

Capstone experience

During the second year, students complete a team-based capstone experience where students present and defend their work. This presentation includes a faculty review, which constitutes the capstone defense, a public presentation, and a demonstration.

Highly ranked by most ranking organizations and with more than 80 graduate programs in high-paying, in-demand fields and scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available, we invite you to take a closer look at RIT .

Don't be fooled by the word "technology" in our name. At RIT, you will discover a university of artists and designers on the one hand and scientists, engineers, and business leaders on the other – a collision of the right brain and the left brain.

RIT focuses on applied learning - a "hands-on" approach involving the direct application of skills, theories, and models.

We offer a high Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of starting salaries and lifetime earnings as well as job satisfaction and personal growth.

Flexible study options include online programs and the ability to work and study. Many of our graduate programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to benefit from and take advantage of the strengths of several of our colleges. Co-op (cooperative education) is a hallmark of RIT, and graduate students have the optional opportunity to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program. Tuition is not charged while on co-op, and many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.

International Students: With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

We offer graduate programs in the following areas:

• Art, Design, and Architecture
• Business and Management
• Communications and Digital Media
• Computing and Information Sciences
• Engineering and Engineering Technology
• Environmental Studies and Sustainability
• Game Design and Development
• Health Professions and Medical Sciences
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Photography, Film, and Animation
• Science and Math
• Undeclared and Individualized Study

More advantages of RIT include:

• Unmatched career preparation and work opportunities including a world-renowned cooperative education program that lets you gain valuable experience from and exposure to potential employers and earn money while not paying tuition. International students - RIT offers 50+ STEM-designated graduate programs to choose from, all of which are eligible for OPT extension.
• Excellent Return on Investment
  • 94.3% of our most recent graduate class are employed and the average starting salary for that class was $93,800.
• Strong reputation and rankings
  • ranked 105th among "National" US universities, 11th among top schools' co-op or internship programs and 48th among "best-value" schools in the latest US News rankings; a Money Magazine top-50 for adding value; Morning Consult places RIT in the top third of most trusted US universities.
• Equal opportunity for generous financial aid
  • last year we awarded $40 million in aid to 2,800 US and International graduate students
• Career-enhancing research opportunities with abundant funding and resources.
• Safe campus in an Ideal location just outside a thriving, accessible but not-too-big city - a community where racial and thought diversity is appreciated and celebrated.
• Flexibility to work and study and 8,000 on-campus student jobs available each year.
• Faculty who love to teach and mentor you and small class sizes that facilitate personalized education.
• State-of-the-art facilities on a campus recognized for innovation and sustainability.
• Diverse student population
  • 2,600 International students from 100 countries with resources and support to match.
• 140,000 well-connected alumni to help you network.

International Students : With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

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