Ranked as the #6 program in the nation by The Princeton Review as one of the best game design master's degrees in the U.S.
Program skills
Students from a variety of technical backgrounds enter this program to delve more deeply into game design and development. Students take core courses in game design, processes, and prototyping while expanding their specialty knowledge in topics ranging from engine development to narrative. The culmination of the degree is a team-based capstone project with team sizes ranging from around 5 to 15 students.
Program facilities equipment
The Studio Labs allow for a 64 and a 96-seat configuration which is ideal for the numerous Hack-a-Thons and Game Jams, team meetings, and design work. The research spaces include areas for console development (Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox), a variety of VR, AR, and mobile technologies, and space for ongoing undergraduate research projects. IGM has multiple Oculus Rift and Vive Development kits for student use along with development kits for the PS4, PS-Vita, and PS3.
Program job titles reported
Game Developer; Junior C++ Developer; Systems Design Engineer; Unity Developer; Associate Engine/Graphics Automation Engineer; Full Stack UI Developer; Software Developer; Software Engineer; Game Designer; Developer
Program significant points
- The program was ranked #7 Game Design Graduate School for the 2019 Princeton Review rankings.
- From 2009 to 2012, the interactive entertainment software industry grew at an annual rate of nearly 10 percent.
Select program hiring partners
2K; Amazon; Deviation Games; Manticore Games; Oxide Games; Tencent; Ubisoft; Unity Technologies; Verizon; Vicarious Visions; WB Games
76.5%
Outcome Rates*
77.30%
Knowledge Rate
| Outcome | % of Students |
|---|---|
| Employed | 70.60% |
| Full-time Graduate Study | 0% |
| Alternative Plans | 5.90% |
Experiential Learning
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the game design and development program.
Creative Industry Day
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.