An independent guide to game design degrees in the United States
University of Southern California · Interactive Media & Games Division, School of Cinematic Arts
Master of Science in Game Design and Development
A two-year, 38-unit MS in the School of Cinematic Arts focused on production, prototyping, development and portfolio building; it shares its first three semesters of coursework with the MFA in Interactive Media.
Dedicated MS in Game Design and Development in the School of Cinematic Arts.
Source: cinema.usc.edu · verified October 12, 2026We list dedicated game degrees and officially named game concentrations at institutionally accredited US schools. Eligibility rules
38 units: 18 required, 16 elective units from core area groups and a 4-unit capstone requirement.
Portfolio required
Creative work sample (viewable, playable or readable in under 10 minutes) with a written description, plus a creative portfolio list.
Format: SlideRoom application "Graduate Game Design and Development MS Program"
Official portfolio instructions
Source: cinema.usc.edu · verified October 12, 2026GRE and English-language test policy: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate admission chances. How to prepare a game design portfolio
Application deadline
November 15 · for Fall (year not printed)
The school does not print a year with this date.
Source: cinema.usc.edu · verified October 12, 2026| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — School of Cinematic Arts graduate tuition per unitFrom the school-wide rate table for this level | $2,700 | per credit · 2026-2027Estimated tuition$102,600 = 38 credits × $2,700 per credit. Excludes mandatory fees, books, travel for any required visits or placements, transfer credit reductions and rate changes. Not the full cost of attendance.Source: cinema.usc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
| All students — Game Design and Development, MS: first-year tuition (20 units, Fall and Spring) | $55,899 | per academic year · 2026-2027Source: cinema.usc.edu · verified October 12, 2026 |
Program-specific funding: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
None verified for this program. Game design degrees do not require one specific specialized accreditation.
Not verified for this program.
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