M.F.A. in Interactive Design and Game Development

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. A minimum academic requirement of a 60% or above in the previous academic program is expected. 

2. English Language Proficiency: 

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.5.

   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 85 with no band less than 20 is expected.

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 58 is required with no band less than 53.

3. Portfolio : Applicants are required to submit a portfolio showcasing their previous creative work and experience.

SCAD is committed to supporting international students in achieving their educational and creative aspirations. The university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to help international students pursue their studies.

1. International Student Scholarships: SCAD offers various merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, artistic talent, and the potential for creative excellence.

2. Distinguished Scholar Award: This prestigious award is given to exceptional undergraduate students, including international students, who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic accomplishments. It provides substantial financial support.

3. Graduate Fellowships: SCAD offers graduate fellowships to international students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. These fellowships cover tuition and other educational expenses and are awarded based on academic achievement and creative potential.

4. International Honors Scholarships: These scholarships recognize and reward the achievements of international undergraduate students. They can significantly offset the cost of tuition.

5. Regional Scholarships: SCAD offers scholarships for students from specific regions or countries. These awards aim to increase cultural diversity and foster a global community at SCAD.

6. Online Student Scholarships: International students who choose to pursue their education through SCAD's online programs can also access a range of scholarships designed to support their virtual learning journey.

7. Need-Based Scholarships: SCAD provides need-based scholarships for international students who may require financial assistance to pursue their creative education.

8. Talent-Based Scholarships: In addition to academic excellence, SCAD recognizes and rewards talent in various artistic fields, such as visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing.

9. SCAD Challenge Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who participate and excel in the SCAD Challenge, a competition that showcases creative talent.

10. International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships: SCAD offers scholarships to students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

11. Artistic Achievement Scholarships: These awards are designed to recognize exceptional accomplishments in various artistic disciplines and creative fields.

SCAD's commitment to supporting international students through scholarships underscores its dedication to promoting diversity, talent, and artistic excellence. These scholarship opportunities enable international students to access a world-class art and design education and contribute to a vibrant global creative community.

Savannah College of Art and Design - Atlanta (SCAD Atlanta) offers a prestigious Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program in Interactive Design and Game Development, propelling students into the dynamic and imaginative realm of interactive media and video game design. Graduates of this program are poised for an array of exciting career prospects in the ever-evolving interactive design and game development industry.  

1. Game Designer: Graduates can embark on careers as game designers, responsible for creating gameplay, storylines, and interactive experiences. They shape the player's journey and craft engaging and immersive worlds.

2. Game Developer: Game developers focus on the technical aspects of game creation, bringing the designer's vision to life by coding, programming, and optimizing the game's functionality.

3. Level Designer: Level designers specialize in designing the individual levels or environments within a game, determining layout, challenges, and overall player experience.

4. Narrative Designer: For those inclined toward storytelling, narrative designers create compelling storylines and character development within video games, adding depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay.

5. Game Artist: Game artists are responsible for creating the visual elements of games, including characters, environments, and assets. They play a pivotal role in establishing the game's aesthetic and atmosphere.

6. Game Animator: Game animators bring characters and objects to life with fluid and captivating animations, ensuring that movements and interactions appear realistic and visually engaging.

7. User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers specialize in designing the user interface and user experience for games, ensuring that players can navigate the game seamlessly and enjoy a user-friendly experience.

8. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: QA testers rigorously playtest games to identify and report bugs, glitches, and issues, contributing to the overall quality and performance of the game.

9. Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: With the growing interest in VR, graduates may choose to specialize in VR development, creating immersive and interactive virtual reality experiences.

10. Augmented Reality (AR) Developer: AR developers work on games and applications that integrate augmented reality elements, enhancing the real-world environment with digital elements.

11. Independent Game Developer: Entrepreneurial-minded graduates may choose to become independent game developers, creating and publishing their own games or collaborating with small development teams.

12. Serious Games Developer: Serious games are designed for educational, training, or therapeutic purposes. Graduates can work in this field, creating games that contribute to learning and development.

13. Mobile Game Developer: The mobile gaming industry offers vast opportunities for game developers. Graduates can create games for smartphones and tablets, reaching a broad and diverse audience.

14. Esports Management: Esports is a booming industry. Some graduates may choose to work in esports management, organizing and managing competitive gaming events and teams.

15. Game Marketing and Public Relations: Graduates can specialize in game marketing and public relations, promoting games and gaming companies to a global audience, building brand recognition, and engaging with the gaming community.

16. Game Audio Designer: Game audio designers create the soundscapes and music for games, enhancing the player's immersion and emotional connection to the game world.

17. Educational Game Designer: For those passionate about education, becoming an educational game designer involves creating games that teach and reinforce academic or professional concepts.

18. Game Localization Specialist: In a globalized gaming industry, localization specialists ensure that games are culturally adapted and translated for international markets.

19. Game Writer: Game writers focus on the narrative and dialogue within games, crafting compelling scripts and storylines that engage players throughout the gaming experience.

20. Game Tester: Game testers play games extensively to identify and report bugs and issues, serving as a crucial part of the game development process.