An online master’s degree in game design may provide students with in-depth training and skills needed to create animation and visual effects for different forms of media. Students enrolled in these graduate-level programs may learn how to create graphics using state-of-the-art computer programs, develop storyboards to map out key animation scenes, and network with other innovators within the industry. In these upper-level programs, students may complete electives directed toward game design as well as major-specific courses, such as character design, prototyping, and 3D modeling.

Upon graduation, students may either seek employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral-level degree program. Associate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in software publishing, video game design, and motion picture industries.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 8% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s degree in game design may include major-specific courses and electives geared toward game design. In these upper-level programs, students may learn the differences between computer games and human behavioral simulators, study graphical user interfaces, and investigate computer game programming languages. Core game design courses may include the following:

• Game Design and Development
• Object-Oriented Systems Design
• Operating Systems
• Prototyping
• Game Art
• 3D Modeling
• Character Design

Career Options

Master’s-level game design graduates may find employment working in video game design, motion picture industries, software publishing, and computer systems design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as multimedia artists and animators are expected to increase by 8% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Multimedia Artist
• Creative Director
• Storyboard Artist
• Concept Artist
• Animator

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s degree in game design may pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral degree pertaining to game design and media. These research-heavy PhD programs may provide students with additional training on game theory, telecommunications, and the online experience.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook