Game Science and Design
Master's
Northeastern University in Oakland's Master of Science in Game Science and Design gives students a comprehensive understanding of how successful game products are created in a player-centric environment.
Program overview
Level up your career in game design
Northeastern University in Oakland’s Master of Science in Game Science and Design gives you a comprehensive understanding of how successful game products are created in a player-centric environment. You’ll have an opportunity to learn the design and technical skills needed to build a game and develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As an emergent industry using diverse technology and collaborative practices, the game industry needs professionals with interdisciplinary skill sets who can meld knowledge about development with knowledge about evaluation methods and players’ behavior and psychology. This is a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary program that prepares students to meet this need by weaving science and design together.
Northeastern University in Oakland’s Master of Science in Game Science and Design gives you a comprehensive understanding of how successful game products are created in a player-centric environment. You’ll have an opportunity to learn the design and technical skills needed to build a game and develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As an emergent industry using diverse technology and collaborative practices, the game industry needs professionals with interdisciplinary skill sets who can meld knowledge about development with knowledge about evaluation methods and players’ behavior and psychology. This is a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary program that prepares students to meet this need by weaving science and design together.
- Learn the design and technological skills needed to build a game
- Develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace
- An advisor will help students select a pathway with a cohesive set of electives determined by their career goals
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall Term
| Priority deadline for scholarship consideration: | February 1 |
| Final deadline for international applicants: | May 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants: | August 1 |
Application form
Application fee
Resumé
Personal statement
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
Three letters of recommendation
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants
Portfolio
Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test scores (optional)
Learn more about our admissions process from the College of Arts, Media and Design
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Gain an interdisciplinary skill set that prepares you to meet this need by weaving together science and design.
Learn the design and technical skills needed to build games and develop a deep understanding of playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Beyond its focus on game development and game science, our program explores cutting-edge topics such as games for health, education, and training, and innovations in game evaluation methods and analytics.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$70,006Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidA legacy of entrepreneurship
Our Oakland campus is close to natural beauty, urban adventure, and innovation. You can choose from dozens of interdisciplinary programs in tech, business, public policy, education, design, and biotechnology, and specialized programming and facilities that promote entrepreneurship are available.
10.5K
Northeastern alumni in the Bay Area
Our alumni work at top companies in the region and can become valuable partners as you chart your career.
#3
Most diverse large city in the U.S.
Oakland is home to dozens of unique cultures and languages, making it a welcoming and vibrant city. (WalletHub, 2024)
40%
Percent of new U.S.-based unicorn companies in the Bay Area
The Bay Area has a long history as one of the world's top locations for startups, especially in tech. (Bay Area Council Economic Institute, 2023)