Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Computer Gaming
Majors Overview July 14, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in computer gaming and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and job and wage outlook.
Master’s Programs in Computer Gaming
A graduate degree may be a requirement for individuals seeking executive positions in computer game manufacturing companies or other related fields. Schools don’t offer computer gaming itself in a master’s degree format. Instead, schools offer – through a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program in Game Design – creative opportunities to aspiring computer game designers in fields such as health, education, and entertainment.
Apart from the programming and layout of computer games, coursework in these programs covers the psychological aspects of effective game design. Students who complete a 2-year Master of Arts (M.A.) in Game Design degree program gain the knowledge of engaging and effective game design for training, entertainment, educational, policy, and health purposes. Few schools, if any, offer game design master’s degrees that are relatively modern.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in art, game design, advertising, or computer science fields. Alternatively, applicants may be required to have experience in professional game design. Students may have to complete 15 credit hours including a major capstone project or master’s thesis that involves the design and creation of a game by collaborating with peers.
Coursework
The focus of program coursework is on the interplay of learning with game-play, and developmental psychology. The technical and graphical aspects of game design, in addition to impact and pedagogy, are also in the program. Alternatively, an internship in media studies, advertising, education, computer science, and journalism may be pursued by students enrolled in the program. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Mass communication
•Artificial intelligence
•Consumer behavior
•Media development
•Computer game development
•Computer game theory
•Digital game design
•3D simulation design
•Digital technology and art
•Technology learning through design
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek jobs at organizations such as educational institutions, digital entertainment companies, online companies, media facilities and Web design firms. They can choose from available job positions such as:
•Game designer
•3D modeler
•Sound designer
•Animator
•Scripter
•Technical artist
•Game reviewer
•Ad campaign manager
•Programmer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of six percent has been predicted for multimedia artists and animators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average hourly wage of $29.50 (BLS).
