Game Design

Master of Science

Available on Campus & Online

About This Program
Program at a Glance
Project LaunchBox™
Admissions & Financial Aid
News & Grads
FAQs
About This Program
Program at a Glance
Project LaunchBox™
Admissions & Financial Aid
News & Grads
FAQs
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About This Program

The Game Design master of science program prepares you for a specialized role in the gaming industry by teaching the skills needed to contribute to multidisciplinary development teams.

The coursework focuses on user experience research, production, and design. You’ll choose a track that allows you to focus on your chosen area of expertise, whether that’s working as a user experience researcher, producer, or game designer to create and publish games, or specializing in a genre or industry niche to evaluate and enhance existing real-world products.

Upcoming Start Dates

  • March 2
  • April 6
  • May 4
  • June 1

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Top Game Design Schools

— The Princeton Review, 2025

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Program at a Glance

WAYS TO LEARN

Campus + Online

DEGREE LEVEL

Master of Science Degree

RELATED PROGRAMS

Interested in earning a degree related to Game Design? Here are some degree programs offered by Full Sail University related to this master's program:

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Additional admissions requirements must be met, including extensive academic coursework in related areas. For more information, please visit our catalog.

STUDENTS IN THIS PROGRAM SAY
  • I want to understand the ins and outs of creating a game.
  • I enjoy working with people who share the same passion as me for video games.
  • I am interested in how captivating game environments are created.
  • Watching a game come together is a very satisfying feeling.
  • I like to help others and learn from every situation that arises.

Ready to start? Begin your application.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

User Research Data Analysis - From the basic principles to a deeper study of key statistical tools and professional techniques, students will explore how to analyze consumer use and reaction to a product.

Prototyping & Content Creation - This course focuses on providing students with the tools and techniques required for the development of functional prototypes, allowing them to test and refine their design concepts.

Advanced Production Techniques - This course highlights the research and practice of production techniques and methodologies—both traditional and contemporary—focusing on those deployed in software production and project management.

Campus Catalog & Sequence for This Program

Online Catalog & Sequence for This Program

Not sure? Watch to explore our other Emerging Technology graduate programs and see which one is the right fit for you.

Full Sail's Project LaunchBox™

Project LaunchBox™ is a Full Sail program that provides students with powerful technology to help create projects. All of your files, multimedia creations, and coursework are at your fingertips 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Request more information about this program.

Package specifications are subject to change. Some Project LaunchBox™ components are distributed during students' second year; some Project LaunchBox™ components are downloadable items.

Project Launchbox

Package specifications are subject to change. Some Project LaunchBox™ components are distributed during students' second year; some Project LaunchBox™ components are downloadable items.

Included Components

  • MSI Laptop
  • MSI 3-yr Warranty
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Download)
  • Microsoft Office 365

Other Software Taught in this Program

  • Microsoft Project Pro (Download) (WIN)
  • Microsoft Visio Pro (Download) (WIN)
  • MS Visual Studio Pro (Download) (WIN)

Admissions & Financial Aid

A Different Admissions Process

No traditional application deadlines — Classes begin monthly for most programs, so you can apply anytime and start on the date that works best for you.

Program design and course order — You do not need to sign up for specific classes every semester – all of our programs have a predetermined program design and course order.

Accelerated Pace — Full Sail's programs are taken on an accelerated schedule, allowing you to graduate sooner.

Learn More About Graduate Admissions

Funding Your Education

Tuition — Our tuition includes all costs for the full degree program, as well as all associated expenses, including textbooks, manuals, media, production materials, lab and technology fees, and Project LaunchBox™ - a personal technology package featuring hardware and software customized to each degree program.

Scholarships — We know that funding your education is a substantial investment. That's why Full Sail University offers a variety of scholarships for qualified students.

Learn More About Financial Aid

To create a custom estimate of your tuition and costs, visit our Net Price Calculator.

Game Degree Facilities

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News & Grads

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A stylized digital illustration of a focused gamer wearing a headset and playing a game with a controller while sitting in a gaming chair.

News

The Princeton Review Names Full Sail a 2025 Top Game Design School
Roy Papp sits in a blue velvet chair in a photography studio. He is smiling and wearing jeans and a black polo shirt with a Full Sail logo.

Students & Faculty

Faculty Spotlight: Roy Papp

Frequently Asked Questions

This graduate degree can help you explore a variety of jobs and freelance opportunities across the game space, including positions in project management, UI/UX research, and QA testing. Some of our grads have worked as test analysts, esports strategists, and UI designers.

This program can be completed in about half the time it takes at a traditional university. Our accelerated format mirrors the fast-paced nature of the game industry, allowing students to adapt to this unique schedule and preparing them to pursue their professional goals sooner. Learn more about the Full Sail advantage and what makes our programs different.

For a breakdown of the curriculum and a month-by-month schedule, check out the Game Design master’s campus and Game Design master’s online course listings.

We structure our tuition a little differently than you might find at other schools. Our locked-in rates will never increase year to year as you move through your program. Plus, your tuition includes all of the books, supplies, and technology you’ll need to complete your education. For more details, check out our Campus Tuition and Online Tuition pages.

Yes – this degree program is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) under the Department of Education. Learn more about what this means on our Accreditation page.

Take The Next Step

Whether you’re ready to apply or just want to learn more about Full Sail University, we are here to help you take the next step. Questions? Call us or chat with a representative now.

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