Master of Game Design and Development at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States of America, Rochester

University Rank:#951

The Game Design and Development at Rochester Institute of Technology is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Rochester , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 2, 2026.

About Master of Game Design and Development

Ranked 4th nationally among Princeton Review's "Top 50 Game Design Programs: Graduate Category" (2023)
Develop your gaming projects with RIT's MAGIC Spell Studios, which focuses on nurturing and growing new companies and publishing and distributing their projects.
Engage with the Digital Games Hub, which provides resources and mentoring for students and indie developers to enter the games industry, develop new games, and launch start-up companies.
RIT was the 1st university to publish to the Xbox One platform.

Explore the simulation, edutainment, or visualization landscape as you enhance your game design and development skills to create truly innovative games.

In the game design master's degree, you will explore the entertainment technology landscape as well as other related areas. The program simultaneously covers the breadth of the game design and development landscape through study in topics such as computer graphics, game engines, interactive narrative, and game world design. The program is characterized by a clear focus on development, but also educates developers in the design process. The degree is intended specifically for students who aspire to hold careers within the professional games industry or a related field such as simulation, edutainment, or visualization.

RIT's Game Design Master's

The curriculum in the game design master's program consists of required courses, a choice of five advanced electives, and a capstone experience. This is a two-year, on-campus, cohort-based program in which students are admitted through a portfolio review process. During the second year, students form development teams that construct a working game engine and software title as the program capstone experience. This requirement includes both individual and group expectations. The capstone culminates in a defense, public presentation, and demonstration before program faculty. Combined, these requirements provide a unique and comprehensive educational experience for individuals who aspire to a career in the game development industry.

Launch your Digital Endeavors with MAGIC

The MAGIC Center is a digital sandbox for students and faculty pushing the boundaries of technology, art and design. It includes five state-of-the-art classrooms built around delivering hands-on curriculum in game design, 2D and 3D animation, and digital design. Students learn on the same hardware and software platforms used in industry while honing their technical and creative skills. A fully outfitted sound stage and post-production studios further enhance experiential education opportunities and permit faculty to introduce real-world film, animation, and digital media workflows to the classroom.

Students are also interested in: Visual Communication Design MFA, Human-Computer Interaction MS

RIT is ranked 4th among top universities in the world for students who want to study and create games, according to new international rankings from The Princeton Review.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Game Design and Development at Rochester Institute of Technology

Entry Requirements

Transcript(s)

RIT requires transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended, including transcript grading keys.
International students should provide transcripts (or mark sheets) and degree certificates from all post-secondary institutions.

To submit your transcript(s) for application review:

Upload copies or official transcript(s) with the submission of your online application, or
Upload your transcript(s) through your admissions portal after you have submitted your application

Upon enrollment at RIT, you will need to contact your prior college or university and request that your official, final records be sent directly to RIT. Documents you upload are not considered official.

Degree Requirements

All applicants to RIT’s graduate programs must hold—or currently be completing—a four-year baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, granted by an accredited college or university.

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate coursework, your admission will be contingent upon submission of your final transcript showing the degree granted and the date of the degree.

3-Year Degrees from International Universities
RIT will review applicants with 3-year degrees from international universities. Students with 3-year degrees from India must meet all of the following conditions:

The college or university is WHED recognized, and
The college or university is NAAC accredited with an "A" grade, and
You have passed in the 1st Class (or equivalent).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may request a WES evaluation or you would need to complete (or be in the process of) postgraduate study.

If your 3-year undergraduate degree is currently in progress, you may be admitted contingent upon obtaining your degree in the 1st class or equivalent.

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana
RIT considers Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana to be comparable to US bachelor’s degrees under the following conditions: the HND is a 2-year program that followed a 2-year National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program, for a total of at least 4 years of post-secondary study.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your online application. Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 88

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Game Design and Development

Typical Job Titles

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

Salary and Career Information for Game Design and Development MS

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.

Fee Information

Application Fee 65

How to Apply

Find your degree of choice and review the admission requirements.
Create an RIT admissions account to begin your application. All you need is your email, first and last name, and birthdate to get started.

Master of Game Design and Development at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States of America, Rochester