This program offers an immersive academic experience in game design and development, integrating technical mastery with strategic application. Students will be able to identify the role of programming and become familiar with leading development environments, enabling the construction of sophisticated game worlds. The curriculum emphasizes a methodical approach to game distribution, beta testing, and the full creative process, ensuring a robust understanding from concept to completion. The program also commits to exploring the social impact of gaming by embedding best practices of diversity, accessibility, and inclusion within its pedagogy. Through collaborative and individual projects, students will develop strong communication skills, critical problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to conduct meaningful research that drives innovation within the gaming industry.
Program of Study (36 Credits)
- Core courses: (15 Credits)
- Gdd 608 Introduction to Game Research Methods (3)
- Gdd 612 Creativity and Innovation Management (3)
- Gdd 613 Game Development Foundations: From Concept to Creation (3)
- Gdd 614 Diversity and Access in Game Design (3)
- Gdd 616 Project Management in Game Development (3)
- Culminating Experience: select one course (3 credits)
- Gdd 676 Graduate Capstone in Game Design and Development (3)
- Gdd 678 Graduate Internship in Game Design and Development (3)
- Gdd 699 Master’s Thesis in Game Design and Development(3)
- Concentration courses: choose one of the following concentrations and select three courses (9 credits)
- Leadership and Management in Game Production:
- Mgt 513 Organizational Behavior & Managerial Skills (3)
- Select two courses from:
- Gdd 533 The Gaming Industry and the Monetization of Games (Gacha Games) (3)
- Gdd 596 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
- Mgt 650 Leadership and Managerial Skills (3)
- Mgt 675 Creativity and Entrepreneurship (3)
- Mkt 601 Services Marketing (3)
- Cybersecurity in Games:
- Cybr 545 Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity (3)
- Cybr 571 Modelling and Simulation for Cybersecurity (3)
- Select one course from:
- Cybr 536 Information Security Compliance Auditing (3)
- Cybr 555 Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity (3)
- Games & Learning:
- Etap 535 Introduction to Game Design for Educators (3)
- Select one course from:
- Etap 534 Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practice (3)
- Etap 623 Systematic Design of Instruction (3)
- Etap 624 Teaching and Learning in Immersive Environments (3)
- Select one course from:
- Gdd 518 AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences (3)
- Gdd 519 Serious Games: The Intersection of Play and Purpose (3)
- Gdd 523 Game Scripting Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Code in Game Development (3)
- Gdd 524 UX Testing for Games: Optimizing Player Experiences (3)
- Gdd 525 Game Theory Unleashed: Strategies, Decisions, and Applications (3)
- Game Design:
- Gdd 517 Game Development Through Time: A Historical Journey (3)
- Select two courses from:
- Gdd 511 Narrative Craftsmanship: Storytelling in Game Design (3)
- Gdd 615 Maker Movement and Game Development: From Creation to Play (3)
- Gdd 519 Serious Games: The Intersection of Play and Purpose (3)
- Gdd 521 Games for Change: Exploring Social Justice in Game Design (3)
- Gdd 522 Narrative Worlds: Intermediate Interactive Storytelling in Game Design (3)
- Gdd 523 Game Scripting Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Code in Game Development (3)
- Gdd 525 Game Theory Unleashed: Strategies, Decisions, and Applications (3)
- Gdd 527 Plot Progression and Level Design: Crafting Game Worlds (3)
- Gdd 528 Minds in Play: Exploring the Psychology of Gaming (3)
- Gdd 529 Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality (3)
- Gdd 530 Gaming Culture, Diversity, and Engagement: Beyond the Screen (3)
- Gdd 596 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
- User Experience:
- Gdd 524 UX Testing for Games: Optimizing Player Experiences (3)
- Gdd 528 Minds in Play: Exploring the Psychology of Gaming (3)
- Select one course from:
- Gdd 518 AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences (3)
- Gdd 596 Special Topics in Game Design and Development (3)
- Ist 565 Human Information Behavior (3)
- Self-designed: Students can propose, in conjunction with their academic advisor, a topic tailored to their research and/or career goals. The student must provide a proposal of courses to take to support the proposed self-designed concentration that includes at least three courses. At least 6 credits of a self-designed concentration should be taken while enrolled in the Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development (MS-SGDAD) program. A proposal must be approved by program faculty before the student can declare it.
- Leadership and Management in Game Production:
- Electives: select three courses (9 credits)
- Any graduate level course included in the concentration areas above or with the prefix of Gdd, Ist, or Inf not taken by the student as part of the requirements above, and as advised.
Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.