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Turn your game ideas into reality. Develop your own playable game prototype while learning design, theory and production to deepen your game design knowledge with real-world application.
Request InformationUnderstand the gaming world from the inside out. WVU’s online Master of Arts
in Game Design will level up your conceptual thinking, production knowledge
and project management skills. You’ll craft a playable game prototype as
part of your thesis, showcasing your game design skills to potential employers.
You'll take 10 fully online asynchronous courses and there are zero in-person commitments. Tailor your schedule to balance work, life and school. Plus, it’s completable in one year.
View CoursesYou’ll have the option of a three-day, in-person game jam where you’ll meet your fellow classmates, attend industry talks and build a game with your peers.
You’ll graduate with a fully developed game that you’ll be able to add to your portfolio and show future employers you know you’re a master at game design.
It's a world-class program taught by leading experts at half average cost of our competitors.
Ready to turn your game ideas into reality? Our Master of Arts in Game Design will equip you with the skills and experience to become a leader in the industry while providing the flexibility of online learning. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll have access to top-notch academic training and professional skill development.
Students who earn the Master of Arts in Game Design will develop the following:
Get the latest insights for the game design industry.
Discover exciting game design careers and learn how WVU's Master of Arts in Game Design can prepare you for success in this booming industry.
Read More: Game Design: Your Dream Job Awaits (and WVU Can Help You Get There)Discover the steps to becoming a video game designer and how WVU's Game Design program can equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in this exciting industry. Unleash your creativity and shape the future of gaming!
Read More: How to Become a Video Game DesignerTo earn your Master of Arts in Game Design, you will take 10 courses in topics ranging from game theory to project launch.
This course breaks down the building blocks of game environments, teaching you how to design interactions that keep players hooked. You'll master core skills like concepting, prototyping, pitching your ideas and identifying your target audience. Plus, learn practical skills like iterating on your designs and ensuring top-notch quality in your finished games.
This course dives deeper, exploring games as cultural artifacts with rich storytelling, design, and immersive experiences. We'll analyze player behavior and delve into research methods to understand the impact of games. Get ready to explore visual storytelling techniques, historical contexts (from classics to online worlds) and frameworks for dissecting the magic of games across disciplines.
This course takes your game ideas and turns them into reality. Learn the coding, game programming and audio production skills needed to bring your game to life. You'll get hands-on experience using multiple game engines as you work through real-world development projects. You’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice and be equipped with the skills to make your dream game.
This course is the first step to turning your thesis concept into a playable prototype. You'll follow your game development plan, building a digital game and incorporating faculty feedback. Get ready to showcase your skills by presenting your finished game at a game conference – an exciting chance to impress the industry!
We're here for you every step of the way ... we'll answer your questions, help with your applications for graduate school and financial support, schedule your classes, provide tech support, welcome you for graduation and keep in touch once you cross the finish line.
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In order to pursue WVU's master's degree in Game Design, you must have completed a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution. As part of the West Virginia University Graduate Application, you'll submit a personal statement, résumé and two letters of recommendation. The personal statement is a short essay outlining professional preferences, goals, and aspirations. You will also submit your official academic transcripts. The GRE/GMAT is not required for admission. However, International students must provide TOEFL or IELTS Scores. You will also submit your portfolio to the WVU School of Art & Design, which will include up to 5 representative samples of your work.
Submit your portfolio to the WVU School of Art & Design
Portfolio can include up to 5 representative samples of your work with a total viewing duration of no longer than 60 minutes, including interactive projects, game prototypes, game components, graphic imagery, virtual environments, virtual character studies, photographs, or video documentation of the same.
Academic transcript requests can sometimes get delayed, so it's
best to go ahead and get the ball rolling! Contact your prior
academic institution(s) and request that official academic transcripts
be sent (via postal mail or electronic delivery) directly to:
WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
One Waterfront Place
PO Box 6510
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
Email:
GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-2121
NOTE: If you earned your Bachelor's degree at WVU, you do not need to request these transcripts as they are already on file.
Login to the WVU Graduate Admissions portal. You don't have to complete your application all at once - use this login anytime to continue the app or submit additional materials.
NOTE: If you are a current WVU student, you should create a new account as this site does not use your WVU login credentials.
Apply before the PRIORITY. If you are applying for financial aid, submit FAFSA at least four weeks prior to the term in which you want financial aid.
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