An independent guide to game design degrees in the United States
Carnegie Mellon University · Entertainment Technology Center
Master of Entertainment Technology
A two-year, full-time professional master's at the Entertainment Technology Center in Pittsburgh. Students complete an Immersion Semester of four core courses and then a team project course each remaining semester.
Dedicated professional master's degree (Master of Entertainment Technology) from the Entertainment Technology Center, built around interactive entertainment projects; listed as a game-focused interactive media and game development degree.
Source: www7.etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list dedicated game degrees and officially named game concentrations at institutionally accredited US schools. Eligibility rules
Internship Optional
Optional summer internship.
Source: etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026The first semester covers Building Virtual Worlds, Improvisational Acting, Visual Story and ETC Fundamentals; the three following semesters each pair a 14-week interdisciplinary team project with an elective. An optional concentration in Transformational Play adds approved electives, concentration project teams and a required summer project.
Portfolio required for some pathways
Applicants must submit either a portfolio or GRE scores (or both). Portfolios show 4-8 examples of work (art, design, writing, coding, etc.).
Format: Portfolio must be a website; URL submitted in the online application. Google Drive portfolios are not reviewed.
Official portfolio instructions
Source: etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate admission chances. How to prepare a game design portfolio
Other deadline
February 1 (recommendations, transcripts and test scores) · for Fall (year not printed)
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — Tuition, total cost for academic year | $61,628 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
ETC merit scholarships Institutional scholarshipCompetitive
On average $10,000 a year; one year, renewable for a second year based on academic performance · One year, renewable for a second year
Eligibility: All applicants are automatically considered.
Source: etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026ETC Fellowship Fund FellowshipCompetitive
Full tuition scholarship for the first year, renewable for the second year in good academic standing · First year, renewable for second year
Eligibility: Admitted students; additional application required.
Source: etc.cmu.edu · verified October 12, 2026None verified for this program. Game design degrees do not require one specific specialized accreditation.
Not verified for this program.
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Same degree level and primary field. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Master of Science in Interactive Media & Game Development
University of Southern California
Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media
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