Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Game Design and Development
Majors Overview July 9, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in game design and development and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Game Design and Development
Master’s degree programs in video game design and development are available through numerous accredited schools, wherein incoming students are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related major. Coursework covers the study of design, communication, and management. Students learn about managing the production process in video games even as they consider quality assurance and economic factors. Completion of original projects, such as the creation of video games, is an expectation in these programs. Some schools include coursework in media relations, leadership skills, and conflict resolution.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to video game design and media arts. Submission of standardized tests scores is not a requirement for most game design and development master’s degree programs.
Coursework
Coursework covers diverse subject areas in art, business management, and computer programming. Core coursework covers topic areas such as:
•Production techniques
•Principles of production management
•Game marketing
•Human resource management
•Mechanic of video game design
Career Choices
Program graduates learn to design, create and market video games and can seek jobs in numerous industries, including electronics, entertainment, and marketing. They can choose from possible job positions such as:
•Game tester
•Studio director
•Video game designer
•Project supervisor
•Associate producer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a slower-than-average job growth rate of six percent has been predicted for video game designers. In 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $61,370 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates could seek continuing education by pursuing an additional professional or graduate degree to accelerate their careers. For instance, earning a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) could help them obtain an executive position with a video game production company or studio.
