Executive Masters Of Business Administration
The Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) at RIT is desi...
M.S. in Game Design and Development
Rochester
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.S. in Game Design and Development at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a cutting-edge graduate program that prepares students for leadership roles in the game industry. This interdisciplinary program combines game design, programming, interactive media, and computer science to equip students with the skills needed to create innovative, engaging games. Students gain hands-on experience in all stages of game development, from concept creation and storytelling to coding and user experience design, preparing them to work on games for various platforms, including console, mobile, and virtual reality.
STEM-Designated: RIT’s M.S. in Game Design and Development is a STEM-designated program, emphasizing technical skills such as computer programming, algorithm development, and interactive media design. This designation enhances the program’s appeal, particularly to international students, as it allows them to benefit from a 24-month STEM OPT extension, which permits them to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. The program’s focus on technology-driven game development ensures students are equipped to meet the growing demand for technical expertise in the gaming industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Game Design and Development at RIT integrates both creative and technical elements of game production. Core courses cover topics such as game programming, interactive media design, game mechanics, 3D modeling, artificial intelligence in gaming, and user experience design. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as game production management, narrative design, or virtual reality game development. The program’s hands-on approach ensures that students work on real-world projects, creating playable games and gaining valuable industry experience.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Game Design and Development at RIT encourages students to engage in research that pushes the boundaries of gaming technology and user experiences. Areas of research include game artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, immersive game environments, and the impact of gaming on education and society. Students have access to advanced research labs and work closely with faculty members who are industry experts, providing opportunities to contribute to innovative projects that influence the future of gaming.
Industry Engagement: RIT has strong ties with the gaming industry, and students in the M.S. in Game Design and Development program benefit from numerous industry partnerships, internships, and collaborative projects. Students have the opportunity to work with top game development studios, tech companies, and start-ups, gaining exposure to the latest trends and technologies in game development. These industry connections also provide students with valuable networking opportunities, increasing their chances of securing positions in top gaming companies after graduation.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Game Design and Development at RIT is designed to provide students with a global perspective on the gaming industry. With its diverse student body and faculty, the program fosters international collaboration, and students are encouraged to explore game design and development trends from around the world. RIT also offers opportunities for students to study abroad, participate in global game jams, and engage in cross-cultural game development projects, broadening their understanding of the global gaming market.
Location
Rochester
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 54176
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 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 88 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 60 or higher.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- GRE Graduate Record Examinations: Overall score of 280 or higher is required.
- GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test: Overall score of 400 or higher is required.
WES Evaluation is required
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is supporting international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students and can be awarded based on academic merit, need, and specific program requirements.
Merit-Based Scholarships: RIT offers several merit-based scholarships for international students that are awarded based on academic achievement. These scholarships are intended to recognize the hard work and dedication of students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees, making education at RIT more affordable for international students. Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process, and no additional application is required.
International Student Scholarships: In addition to merit-based scholarships, RIT offers specific scholarships tailored to international students. These scholarships are designed to make education accessible to students from around the world and help them pursue their studies at a world-class institution. The scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria, and they are awarded based on factors such as academic performance, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic programs at RIT offer program-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships are designed to support students in specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, computer science, and the arts. Each program may have its own criteria for eligibility, and students are encouraged to check with their respective departments for details about available scholarships. Program-specific scholarships often offer additional opportunities for networking, research, and professional development.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: RIT offers graduate scholarships and assistantships to international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and professional achievements. Graduate students may also be eligible for teaching or research assistantships, which provide a stipend and valuable academic experience. Assistantships allow students to work alongside faculty on research projects and gain teaching experience, which can enhance their academic and professional profiles.
Graduates of RIT’s M.S. in Game Design and Development have diverse career opportunities, ranging from game programming and design to management, testing, and even entrepreneurship. The program equips students with both the technical expertise and creative abilities necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving gaming industry.
Game Developer: Graduates of the M.S. in Game Design and Development from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are well-prepared to become game developers, where they can design and build video games from concept to final product. These professionals work on coding, programming, and integrating various game components like graphics, mechanics, and user interfaces across platforms including PC, mobile, and consoles.
Game Designer: With a strong foundation in interactive media and game mechanics, graduates can pursue careers as game designers. In this role, they conceptualize and create the gameplay experience, including developing rules, challenges, characters, and storylines. They work closely with developers to bring their vision to life while ensuring the game is engaging and fun.
Interactive Media Developer: Graduates may also become interactive media developers, where they design and develop engaging digital experiences beyond traditional games, such as simulations, virtual reality applications, or interactive training programs used in various industries.
Software Engineer for Gaming: Those with a strong coding and technical background can pursue careers as software engineers focused on game development. They work on building the game’s underlying software systems, ensuring the game runs smoothly, and optimizing performance.
3D Modeler/Animator: With expertise in creating and manipulating digital 3D assets, graduates can become 3D modelers or animators. They design characters, environments, and objects for games, ensuring they are visually appealing and function seamlessly within the game world.
Game Producer/Project Manager: With the interdisciplinary skills learned in the program, graduates may also choose to work as game producers or project managers. These professionals oversee the entire game development process, coordinating teams, managing timelines, and ensuring the game meets deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: Graduates can enter the game industry as QA testers, responsible for testing games for bugs, glitches, and usability issues. They ensure that the final product is polished, user-friendly, and meets industry standards before release.
Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR) Developer: With the growing interest in VR and AR, graduates of RIT’s M.S. in Game Design and Development program can specialize in creating immersive experiences for games, simulations, and interactive applications. They work on designing virtual environments and developing interactions within these emerging technologies.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Some graduates may focus on user experience (UX) design, where they optimize the player interface to ensure a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. UX designers consider how players interact with the game’s controls, menus, and overall design.
Entrepreneur/Independent Game Developer: The program’s entrepreneurial focus also allows graduates to start their own game development studios or work independently, creating and releasing their own games. With a blend of technical skills, creative vision, and industry insight, graduates have the potential to create successful independent games and carve their niche in the gaming industry.
