| Master of Game Development
Level up your career in the Gaming industry
HELLO / HOLA / 你好 / नमस्ते
The Master of Game Development (MGD) program provides practical learning experiences for working professionals and is led by industry professionals from studios like Naughty Dog, DreamWorks, Sony and other game studios. With small class sizes and courses offered 100% online, students receive personalized support from faculty and create quality projects throughout their journey at UIW.
Fully Online
Limited on time? The Master of Game Development program is fully online, so you can learn from anywhere on a schedule that works for you.
Learn From the Pros
Need to gain the latest skills to further your academic knowledge? Learn from faculty with the cutting-edge experience you need to succeed.
Specialty Degrees
Interested in a specific area of game development? Our curriculum offers MGD students the opportunity to specialize in Game Environment Art, Animation or Programming.
Earn Credit for Work
Have relevant experience? Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) allows you to earn credit for the work experience you've already gained and to complete the degree more quickly.
Former Student's Example Projects
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Program Overview
Students pursuing a Master of Game Development at UIW will complete the 60 credit-hour, two-year program 100% online and graduate with industry-standard skills and a strengthened portfolio for future career opportunities.
Choose to specialize in various subjects within the MGD program such as animation, game programming and game environment arts.
Prior Learning Assessments
Do you have previous, credible experience in game development or computer programming? Students interested in the MGD program may apply for Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) to have previous work reviewed for academic credit which could reduce the number of courses necessary for graduation. Students may earn up to 29 credit hours from PLAs.
Program Mission Statement
In the spirit of the Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word, the Master of Game Development program seeks to empower the individual student through passionate and relevant instruction, sincere and robust assessment, and career pathfinding. Honesty is key to this empowerment process, and helping students find where they will ultimately be successful through advising and assessment is crucial to a student's academic and professional success.
Program Goals
The Master of Game Development program trains technically proficient, socially enlightened 3D artists to work in the film, TV, video game industries, and 3D education. This training includes training in industry standard tools; the theoretical frameworks of color, lighting, cinematography and narrative structure; and pedagogical structures for effective teaching. With its major courses taught by industry professionals providing this theory-centered technical training, graduating students will expand their professional capabilities and find meaningful employment within the game or education industry.
Master of Game Development Curriculum and Admission Requirement
Students in the MGD program can choose to specialize in various subjects. To apply to the MGD program, complete a UIW graduate application and submit required documents.
The Master of Game Development degree requires completion of 60 semester hours of coursework and offers three program tracks.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
Complete a UIW graduate application and submit the following documents to gradadmissions@uiwtx.edu:
- All official college transcripts
- Professional Resume
- Professional Work Portfolio
International Applicants
- Complete the MGD International Application and review the English Proficiency requirements for enrollment.
- Note, this program is 100% online. International students may only enroll in the program if physically located outside of the United States. This program is not eligible for the student visa category.
Technical Equipment
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A gaming laptop or pc running window 10 or higher. (see Recommended Computer Specifications under Technical Requirements)
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Video and Audio input devices. (see Recommended Audio/Video Devices under Technical Requirements)
- Internet Connection (see Internet under Technical Requirements)
The Masters of Game Development at the University of the Incarnate Word is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The program expects to recruit its first cohort to start Fall 2023.
UIW graduates have worked at companies such as:
