NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Fine Arts in Game Design
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsProgram Duration
- 60 creditsTotal Credits Required
- Thesis ProjectCulminating Project
- Interdisciplinary StudyAcross NYU Departments
The NYU Game Center MFA is a 2-year Master of Fine Arts program in Game Design, situated within the Tisch School of the Arts. This program positions game design alongside other art forms, media, and culture. Students engage in the design and development of games, fostering critical literacy and preparing them to become game designers, developers, artists, curators, critics, and scholars. The curriculum covers fundamental game design principles, digital game creation through programming courses, critical theory and scholarship in game studies, the history of games, collaborative studio projects, and a significant thesis component in the second year. Students also have the flexibility to explore diverse interests through electives and can take courses from any department across New York University, including programs in interactive design, film, and engineering.
Curriculum
The program requires 60 credits, structured across four semesters. Core areas include Game Design, Game Production, Game Studies, and Game History, alongside studio courses and a two-part thesis project. Students also have 18 credits available for electives, which can be chosen from any NYU department.
- Year 1, Semester 1
- Game Design IGAMES-GT 150
- Game Studio IGAMES-GT 120
- Games 101GAMES-GT 101
- Code Lab 0GAMES-GT 300
- Visual Lab 0GAMES-GT 200
- Year 1, Semester 2
- Game Studio IIGAMES-GT 121
- Game Studies IGAMES-GT 110
- Elective Course
- Elective Course
- Year 2, Semester 1
- Thesis IGAMES-GT 1001
- Survival SkillsGAMES-GT 500
- Elective Course
- Elective Course
- Year 2, Semester 2
- Thesis IIGAMES-GT 1002
- Elective Course
Careers
Graduates of the MFA Game Design program are prepared for a variety of roles within the game industry and related fields. The program fosters critical thinking, collaborative skills, and a strong creative voice, enabling alumni to pursue careers as game designers, developers, artists, curators, critics, and scholars.
- Game Designer
- Game Developer
- Game Artist
- Game Curator
- Game Critic
- Game Scholar
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Master of Fine Arts in Game Design program?
- The MFA Game Design program at NYU is a 2-year program, consisting of 60 credits across four semesters.
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Game Designer, Game Developer, Game Artist, Game Curator, Game Critic, and Game Scholar within the game industry and related fields.
- What is the curriculum structure?
- The program requires 60 credits covering Game Design, Production, Studies, and History, along with studio courses and a two-part thesis project. Students can also take 18 credits of electives from any NYU department.
- What are the entry requirements?
- Applicants need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and must submit a department-specific portfolio or creative supplement. International applicants should verify their credential equivalency.
- What is the language of instruction?
- The language of instruction for the MFA Game Design program is English. International applicants may need to provide TOEFL scores if their prior education was not in English.
- What are the tuition fees and living costs?
- Specific tuition and living cost information for this program was not provided.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeEquivalent to an American Bachelor's degree. Applicants with international credentials should verify equivalency.
Applicants must submit a department-specific portfolio or creative supplement in addition to the general graduate application. Specific admission requirements can be found on the Tisch Graduate Admissions website.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
No specific tuition or living cost information was provided for this program in the provided documents.
How to apply
1. Visit GSAS AdmissionsRefer to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) Application Resource Center for detailed application process information.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including academic transcripts, GRE scores (optional), TOEFL scores (if applicable), applicant statements, resume/CV, and letters of recommendation.
3. Submit Portfolio/Creative SupplementPrepare and submit the department-specific portfolio or creative supplement as required by the Tisch School of the Arts.
4. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the GSAS Online Application Portal.
Accreditation
Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Master of Fine Arts in Game Design program?
+
The MFA Game Design program at NYU is a 2-year program, consisting of 60 credits across four semesters.
What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Game Designer, Game Developer, Game Artist, Game Curator, Game Critic, and Game Scholar within the game industry and related fields.
What is the curriculum structure?
+
The program requires 60 credits covering Game Design, Production, Studies, and History, along with studio courses and a two-part thesis project. Students can also take 18 credits of electives from any NYU department.
What are the entry requirements?
+
Applicants need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree and must submit a department-specific portfolio or creative supplement. International applicants should verify their credential equivalency.
What is the language of instruction?
+
The language of instruction for the MFA Game Design program is English. International applicants may need to provide TOEFL scores if their prior education was not in English.
What are the tuition fees and living costs?
+
Specific tuition and living cost information for this program was not provided.