Game Science and Design, MS in Boston

Home /
Art + Design

The Master of Science in Game Science and Design is a program that seeks to give students a comprehensive understanding of how successful game products are created in a player-centric environment. Join an accomplished program and thriving academic community in the heart of Boston, where you will develop a deep understanding of the playability and analytics that make products successful in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Request More Information

Photo by Kelly Chan for the College of Arts, Media and Design / Northeastern University

The Master of Science in Game Science and Design (GSND) is a STEM-designated program that builds a strong foundation in game design, theory, and analytics while exploring how playability, user experience, and data driven evaluation contribute to successful games in a competitive industry. The 34-credit program is completed over two years and prepares students to enter a highly selective and evolving field with skills that bridge both design and science.

Jointly offered by the College of Arts, Media and Design and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, the program is interdisciplinary at its core. Students explore advanced topics such as games for health, education, and training, innovations in game evaluation methods, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, narrative design, and level mechanics. Graduates are equipped to contribute to a range of sectors including entertainment, learning technologies, and interactive media.

MS in Game Science and Design in Oakland

The MS in Game Science and Design program is also available at Northeastern University in Oakland.

Apply Now

Application Deadlines + Requirements

Scholarships + Assistantships

Learning Outcomes

Concept/Expression Outcome: Conceptualize and create expressive and innovative games, playable experiences, and artifacts, developing a personal style via reflective design.
Craft Outcome: Hone craft and technical skills in a broad range of mediums, and justify the appropriate usage of techniques in the service of creating artifacts.
Research Outcome: Gather, organize, and articulate relevant research to inform design and analysis.
Process Outcome: Follow an iterative design process informed by user testing, external and self-critique for producing creative works.
Values/Context Outcome: Analyze the social, political, and cultural theories embedded in games, playable experiences, and artifacts, and articulate ethical reasoning during design and production.
Collaboration Outcome: Plan and manage the organization of people, timelines, tasks, repositories, and finances for multi-person creative projects, and constructively critique others’ work.

Degree

Master of Science

Credits

Duration

2 Years

Location

Boston

Format

In-person

Type

STEM-designated

Better Games through Science

This innovative one-of-a-kind program brings together the strengths of game design and game science to prepare students for a competitive industry that values both creativity and measurable impact. Through project-based learning, critical reflection, and applied research, students are trained to create meaningful, effective, and innovative games across a range of platforms and purposes.

View the Curriculum

Course Catalog

Sample Plan of Study

Science-Driven Game Innovation

Courses explore how research can inform game practice, preparing students to create games that go beyond entertainment.

Player-Centric Game Design

Students gain a deep understanding of the principles behind successful game design, grounded in a player-centric approach that emphasizes engagement, usability, and impact.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Practice

Students work across disciplines to bring together development, design, and analytics. This collaborative, hands-on approach helps students prototype, test, and refine their ideas.

Analytical Skill Building

The program emphasizes analytical techniques and user research methods, equipping students to assess game experiences through data and player feedback.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Game Science and Design are leading the future of interactive entertainment and game innovation. They master both the artistic vision and technical expertise needed to create compelling and one-of-a-kind gaming experiences, combining creative storytelling with data analytics and user research.

Our program prepares students for careers such as:

Game Designers
Data Analysts
QA Testers
Game Scientists
User Researchers

Industries where our students work include:

Entertainment
Healthcare
Academia
Education
Tech

Our program welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds, including game design and related science fields, but also computer science, psychology, art, education, philosophy, and more. Many students enter with either strong technical abilities or creative backgrounds and seek to build expertise in both areas.

Whether you’re focused on entertainment, learning outcomes, or social change, this program equips you with the design and technical skills to build compelling experiences, along with the analytical tools to evaluate player behavior, engagement, and impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

After graduation, our alumni have gone on to roles including: