Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development
Albany , United States
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Digital Arts | Game Design | Game Development
Area of study
Arts | Information and Communication Technologies
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development (MS-SGDAD) at UAlbany is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the fast-growing gaming industry. This interdisciplinary program combines game production technical skills with a deeper understanding of special topics related to leadership, diversity, innovation, and more.
Program of Study
The program of study includes:
- Core Courses:
- Introduction to Game Research Methods
- Creativity and Innovation Management
- Game Development Foundations: From Concept to Creation
- Diversity and Access in Game Design
- Project Management in Game Development
- Culminating Experience:
- Choose one:
- Graduate Capstone in Game Design and Development
- Graduate Internship in Game Design and Development
- Master’s Thesis in Game Design and Development
- Choose one:
- Concentration Courses:
- Choose from one of the concentrations listed below.
- Electives:
- Sample courses:
- Organizational Behavior & Managerial Skills
- Leadership and Managerial Skills
- Creativity and Entrepreneurship
- Small Business Management
- Services Marketing
- Information Security Compliance Auditing
- Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity
- Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practice
- Introduction to Game Design for Educators
- Systematic Design of Instruction
- Sample courses:
Concentrations
- Cybersecurity in Games
- This concentration addresses the critical need for security in gaming.
- Required courses:
- Principles and Practices of Cybersecurity
- Modelling and Simulation for Cybersecurity
- Choose one:
- Prevention and Protection Strategies in Cybersecurity
- Information Security Compliance Auditing
- Games & Learning
- This concentration investigates the design of educational games, learning psychology in interactive media, and the use of gaming in educational reform.
- Required course:
- Introduction to Game Design for Educators
- Choose one:
- Introduction to Games for Learning: Theory and Practice
- Systematic Design of Instruction
- Teaching and Learning in Immersive Environments
- Choose one:
- AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences
- Serious Games: The Intersection of Play and Purpose
- Game Scripting Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Code in Game Development
- UX Testing for Games: Optimizing Player Experiences
- Game Theory Unleashed: Strategies, Decisions, and Applications
- Leadership and Management in Game Production
- This concentration offers insights into production management, team leadership, and the economic aspects of game development.
- Required course:
- Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills
- Choose two:
- Leadership and Managerial Skills
- Creativity and Entrepreneurship
- Services Marketing
- The Gaming Industry and the Monetization of Games (Gacha Games)
- Special Topics in Game Design and Development as advised
- Game Design
- This concentration is tailored for those who seek to excel in the art of crafting compelling stories and engaging game worlds, blending creativity with interactive design.
- Required course:
- Game Development Through Time: A Historical Journey
- Choose two:
- Narrative Craftsmanship: Storytelling in Game Design 2
- Maker Movement and Game Development: From Creation to Play
- Serious Games: The Intersection of Play and Purpose
- Games for Change: Exploring Social Justice in Game Design
- Narrative Worlds: Intermediate Interactive Storytelling in Game Design
- Game Scripting Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Code in Game Development
- Game Theory Unleashed: Strategies, Decisions, and Applications
- Plot Progression and Level Design: Crafting Game Worlds
- Minds in Play: Exploring the Psychology of Gaming
- Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality
- Gaming Culture, Diversity and Engagement: Beyond the Screen
- Special Topics in Game Design and Development as advised
- User Experience
- This concentration is ideal for those aspiring to create games that offer not only engaging gameplay but also intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and interactions.
- Required courses:
- UX Testing for Games: Optimizing Player Experiences
- Minds in Play: Exploring the Psychology of Gaming
- Choose one:
- AI in Gaming: From Algorithms to Immersive Experiences
- Special Topics in Game Design and Development as advised
- Human Information Behavior
- Self-Designed
- This unique path allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests related to game design and development.
- Propose, in conjunction with your academic advisor, a topic tailored to your research and/or career goals.
- You must provide a proposal of courses to take to support the proposed self-designed concentration that includes at least three courses.
Research and Experiential Learning
- In this program, you’ll have the chance to work side by side with faculty to conduct meaningful research that drives innovation within the gaming industry.
- You’ll also gain ample hands-on experience in coursework and internships that help you develop in-depth game design and development skills.
Career Outlook
- The gaming industry is a high-demand, growing field that is projected to stay on the rise.
- With an MS-SGDAD, you’ll be equipped to design entertainment games, develop serious games for law enforcement and military simulations, enact cybersecurity for games, refine user experiences, and more.
- Potential job titles with a master’s in strategic game design and applied development include:
- Game Designer
- Technical Director
- Technical Support Specialist
- Project Manager
- Software Engineer
- VFX Artist
- Data Scientist
- Rendering Engineer
- 3D Modeler
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines:
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: November 1
- Summer: Not Available
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: January 1
- Summer: April 1
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
- Required Application Materials:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Goals
- Students are expected to have an appropriate undergraduate degree such as BA or BS in Game Design and Development OR a BA or BS in related field including, but not limited to, Informatics, Business, Cybersecurity, Education, Computer Engineering, Digital Arts, Animation, Interactive Media Design and Game Art, Computer Animation, Computer Networking, Art, Music, Computer Science, among other disciplines positioning undergraduate students for success in this field.
Student Learning Objectives
- Students who successfully complete the Master of Science in Strategic Game Design and Applied Development (MS-SGDAD) are able to:
- Identify the role of programming and become familiar with leading development environments.
- Build a strategic plan for game distribution.
- Develop and prepare a plan for beta testing a game.
- Demonstrate a mastery of the gaming lifecycle from creative ideation to final product.
- Create a game world, developing variables, fields, and methods needed to construct the game environment.
- Demonstrate the capacity to design a game for numerous purposes, such as education, law enforcement, military, entertainment, health, and well-being.
- Identify game design and development terminology.
- Incorporate creative thinking and technical skills in the development of original gaming concepts.
- Use best practices related to diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion in all areas related to the gaming industry.
- Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills in individual and interdisciplinary team interactions.
- Utilize problem-solving skills in all stages of a game design.
- Conduct research about and for game design and development.
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About University
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Total programs
265
Average ranking globally
#425
Average ranking in the country
#129
Location
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