College of Arts, Media and Design
Game Science and Design
MASTER’S
Northeastern University in Oakland’s Master of Science in Game Science and Design gives students a comprehensive understanding of how successful game products are created in a player-centric environment.
PROGRAM FORMAT
On Ground
duration
2 Years
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes
time COMMITMENT
Part time, full time
Entry term(s)
Fall
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Level up your career in game design
Northeastern University in Oakland’s Master of Science in Game Science and Design gives you a comprehensive understanding of how successful game products are created in a player-centric environment. You’ll have an opportunity to learn the design and technical skills needed to build a game and develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As an emergent industry using diverse technology and collaborative practices, the game industry needs professionals with interdisciplinary skill sets who can meld knowledge about development with knowledge about evaluation methods and players’ behavior and psychology. This is a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary program that prepares students to meet this need by weaving science and design together.
Unique features
- Learn the design and technological skills needed to build a game
- Develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace
- An advisor will help students select a pathway with a cohesive set of electives determined by their career goals
ADMISSIONS
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest.
Admissions dates
Fall Term
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration: February 1
Final deadline for international applications: May 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants: August 1
Admissions requirements
Application form
Application fee
Resumé
Personal statement
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
Three letters of recommendation
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants
- Portfolio
- Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test scores (optional)
Learn more about our admissions process from the College of Arts, Media and Design
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Prepare for success
Gain an interdisciplinary skill set that prepares you to meet this need by weaving together science and design.
Focus on the science of game design
Learn the design and technical skills needed to build games and develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Go beyond games
Beyond its focus on game development and game science, our program explores cutting-edge topics such as games for health, education, and training, and innovations in game evaluation methods and analytics.
COST OF ATTENDANCE
Tuition and financial aid
TUITION IN USD
$70,006
Read full tuition disclaimer
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025–2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Information sessions and tours
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Upcoming eventsSign up for virtual information sessions where you can meet Northeastern admissions staff, faculty, or even our Oakland campus dean. Find out more about our graduate programs, experiential learning in the San Francisco Bay Area, and get advice on preparing a strong admissions application.
On: Aug 04 -
Campus tours
Schedule an in-person tour and experience our beautiful Northern California campus for yourself. Meet our Oakland community, discover our world-class resources, and learn about the unique opportunities in the Bay Area’s thriving business ecosystem.
On: Jul 23
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.