Launching Fall 2026
The MS Game Development Program provides a comprehensive blend of foundational theory, technical skills-building, creative exploration, and professional development for students interested in working in professional game studios, game-adjacent industries or other businesses where game-related skills are increasingly in demand. The curriculum provides both a strong theoretical framework and hands-on project experience.
While designed to be completed in two years, the online program will have a flexible timeline to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. In the second year of the program, students will gain real-world experience by working on actual video games with industry partners. They also will gain vital, applied knowledge about collaboration, communication, and professional business practices in interdisciplinary studio-based classrooms.
What a game development program should be…
“This program gives students a powerful blend of creative and technical training that prepares them to work across the game, animation, and interactive media industries. What sets it apart is how students not only learn how to design and build projects—but also how to collaborate, communicate, and think critically in rapidly evolving digital spaces. From Unity and Unreal Engine to storytelling, AI, and pipeline tools, they’re building portfolios that actually get noticed.”
Alex Damarjian, MFA, PhD
Teaching Associate Professor
Technical Artist, Netflix Games
Program Director, MS in Game Development Program
Degree Requirements
Students are required to take four core courses and additional concentration required and electives courses, for a degree total of 48 hours.
Year One
These count as 8 hours of your 24 hours needed in your first year.
- GSD 511: Game Development I – Game Studies and Design
- GSD 512: Game Development II – Game Studies and Design
Year Two
These count as 16 hours of your 24 hours needed in your second year.
- GSD 513: Practicum in Game Development I – Game Studies and Design
- GSD 514: Practicum in Game Development II – Game Studies and Design
In addition to the required courses, you will need to take 24 additional credit hours of concentration courses and electives. View the entire course list for the MS in Game Development Curriculum. For additional information, please visit the course catalog.
MS in Game Development Curriculum
View CoursesHighlights
- $36,192 / $47,712 res/non-res tuition + fees – pay as you go ($754 / $994, res/non-res per hour)
- 24 months or more to complete – you set the pace
- Customizable curriculum – choose your path
- Actively engage with interdisciplinary faculty from top – ranked departments across the University
- Gain a thorough understanding of industry best practices and project management from conception to completion
- Build a strong portfolio that stands out from the rest
- Engage in a studio-based pedagogy that emphasizes team-based work on real projects in a collaborative setting
- Fully online – no on-campus commitments
Customize your studies to best fit your goals.
We offer concentrations in the following five areas:
Art Design Narrative Production ProgrammingNote : These links will take you to the University of Illinois Course Catalog.
Graduates of our program are well-prepared for a wide range of roles, including:
Technical Artist
Game Designer
Gameplay Programmer
UX Designer for Games and Apps
Character and Environment Artist
VFX Artist
Medical and Educational Game Developer
Interactive Media Producer
“Games are great for teaching, training, and assessment. Designing games teaches students about themselves and the world.”
Katryna Starks, MS, PhDTeaching Assistant Professor
Game Studies and Design
Informatics Programs
Experienced Faculty with Strong Ties to industry
Amazon Games
BLOXNEO
Cartoon Network Games
Deep Silver Volition
High Voltage Software
Electronic Arts
Karuna Labs VR
Netflix Games
Nickelodeon
Pixar Animation Studios
Play Mechanix
Vivid Vision VR
Our instructors have worked across industry and education for decades, and know what students need to succeed.
“Adaptability and strong fundamentals outlast any tool or trend in the game industry.”
InstructorSenior 3D Character Artist, BLOXNEO
We are accepting applications for Fall and Spring semesters…
- Fall 2026 Final Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Spring 2027 Final Deadline: September 1, 2026
Please note: The MS Game Development Program is housed in Informatics Programs. You will need to select this home unit to apply for this degree. It is ideal to apply to the program as early as possible.
Apply Now
For more information about the MS in Game Development program, please email ms-gamedevelopment@illinois.edu.