Better Games through Science.
Focusing on the science of game design, GSND students 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.
The GSND curriculum prepares students with the broad and deep skills needed to seek entry into a highly selective field. Beyond its focus on game development and game science, it explores cutting-edge topics such as games for health, education, and training; innovations in game evaluation methods and analytics; advanced game mechanics, level design and narrative techniques; and innovations in artificial intelligence and computer graphics.
Jointly offered by Northeastern’s Colleges of Arts, Media and Design and Khoury College of Computer Sciences, the Master in Science in Game Science and Design is a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary program that seeks to prepare students by weaving together science and design. This is a two-year, 34-credit-hour program. The MS in Game Science and Design is a STEM-designated degree.
MS in Game Science and Design in Oakland
The MS in Game Science and Design program is also available at Northeastern University in Oakland.
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.
Career Opportunities
- Data Analyst
- User Researcher
- Game Designer
- QA Tester
- Game Scientist
Multidisciplinary Skills
- Design thinking
- Systems thinking
- Teamwork
- Entrepreneurial
- Analytical skills
- Project Management
