MS in Game Science and Design

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

Northeastern University in Boston offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships are designed to support academically talented students from around the world, promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive campus environment.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Northeastern University provides merit-based scholarships to international students based on academic excellence and achievements. These scholarships are awarded during the admissions process and are highly competitive. The amount and criteria for these scholarships may vary, but they aim to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership potential, and a strong their chosen field of study.

Northeastern International Scholars Program: This prestigious program offers scholarships to outstanding international students who exhibit leadership, academic excellence, and a desire to contribute to the global community. The Northeastern International Scholars Program provides both financial support and opportunities for personal growth through networking events, leadership training, and involvement in community service initiatives.

Need-Based Financial Aid: Although Northeastern University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, there are still many merit-based scholarships available that can significantly reduce tuition costs. However, international students are encouraged to seek external scholarships or funding from their home country to help cover the remaining costs.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to institutional scholarships, international students at Northeastern University can explore a variety of external scholarship opportunities from governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. Many international students receive funding from these sources to support their education at Northeastern.

MS in Game Science and Design program at Northeastern University have diverse career options available to them in the game development industry and beyond.

Game Designer: Graduates of the MS in Game Science and Design program are well-prepared for careers as game designers, where they conceptualize and create the mechanics, rules, and structure of games. They work closely with developers, artists, and storytellers to design engaging and interactive experiences that keep players entertained. With expertise in both technical and creative elements of game development, graduates are equipped to take on roles as game designers in various sectors, including mobile games, console games, and educational games.

Game Developer/Programmer: Many graduates pursue careers as game developers or programmers, responsible for writing the code that powers video games. They work with game engines and software tools to implement the game’s functionality and ensure that it runs smoothly across various platforms. The MS in Game Science and Design program provides strong technical training, equipping graduates with the necessary skills in programming languages such as C++ and Java, as well as experience in game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.

User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on improving the overall player experience by ensuring the game interface is intuitive, user-friendly, and enjoyable. Graduates of the program who specialize in UX design can work as UX researchers or designers, conducting user testing and analyzing how players interact with games to refine and optimize the design. They ensure that players have a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the game.

Game Artist: With a strong foundation in game design and technical skills, graduates can also pursue careers as game artists. These professionals are responsible for creating the visual elements of games, such as characters, environments, and assets. Game artists use software tools to bring their creative vision to life and collaborate with designers and developers to ensure that the art aligns with the game’s overall aesthetic and experience.

Game Producer: As game producers, graduates manage the production of video games from concept to completion. They oversee project timelines, budgets, and coordination among the development team, ensuring that the game meets quality standards and is delivered on schedule. Game producers are also involved in strategic decisions, including marketing and distribution plans. With their leadership and project management skills, MS in Game Science and Design graduates are well-equipped to excel in this role.

Game QA Tester: Quality Assurance (QA) testers play a crucial role in identifying bugs and issues in a game before it is released to the public. Graduates with strong technical knowledge and an eye for detail can pursue careers as game testers, where they work to identify glitches, inconsistencies, and performance issues that could affect the player experience. QA testers ensure that the game is polished and performs optimally on all platforms.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: The MS in Game Science and Design program provides graduates with the skills to work in the emerging fields of AR and VR game development. As AR/VR developers, graduates can create immersive, interactive experiences for gaming, education, training, and entertainment. They may work with cutting-edge hardware and software to build new worlds and bring experiences to life in virtual environments.

Game Producer/Project Manager: In addition to game production, some graduates may choose to specialize in project management within the game development industry. As project managers, they are responsible for overseeing the development process, ensuring that teams meet deadlines, and keeping track of budgets. They work closely with designers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure the game is developed efficiently and meets expectations.

Narrative Designer: Narrative designers focus on crafting the storylines and character development within a game. They are responsible for creating the plot, dialogue, and character arcs that drive the gameplay experience. Graduates of the MS in Game Science and Design program who are interested in storytelling can pursue roles as narrative designers, working to ensure that the narrative is engaging, immersive, and well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Education and Training: Graduates of the program who are passionate about teaching and mentoring can also explore opportunities in education. They may work as instructors or developers in game design programs, teaching the next generation of game developers, or they may create educational games that help students learn through interactive experiences. The MS in Game Science and Design provides a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of game development, making graduates highly effective educators in the field.

Entrepreneur/Indie Game Developer: The MS in Game Science and Design program provides students with the skills and knowledge to start their own game development companies or work as independent developers. Many graduates choose to create their own games or collaborate with others in the indie game development community. As entrepreneurs, they can bring their creative visions to life and develop games for various platforms, from mobile to console to PC.