Master of Fine Arts in Game Development

Students taking courses in the mfa in game development study the structure, content, and design of games and engage in game design practices suitable for academic, experimental, independent, and commercial applications. The typical timeline to graduation is three years. 

In their first year, Game Development MFA students take courses in design and development and aesthetics of interactive arts. After a combination of prescribed and free electives, game development graduate students devote their time to creating their final capstone project. An MFA student can expect to be introduced to and/or further explore the vibrant Dallas arts scene, with which our faculty and students are heavily engaged. MFA students also have opportunities to serve as teaching assistants to develop their pedagogical skills.

In addition to working closely with our award-winning faculty, MFA students join a cross-disciplinary cohort of graduate students pursuing creative and critical forms of inquiry. All graduate students have the opportunity to participate in the Bass School’s interdisciplinary lab spaces, including those dedicated to game development, and each year the Bass School hosts various showcases featuring students’ work. Our Game Development MFA students have gone on to careers in the video game industry and in academia.

To learn more about our MFA in Game Development, attend a Graduate Studies Overview Session. During these information sessions, our academic advisors provide an overview of our programs, the application and admissions process, funding opportunities, and are available to answer your questions. You also can learn more about graduate degree program policies and procedures here: List of Graduate Degree Program Policies and Procedures.

Meet Professors You Will Never Forget

• Game Development Faculty include world-renowned artists, scholars, and creative practitioners. Their diverse areas of expertise ensure that graduate students gain knowledge of breadth and depth. Our professors publish with the nation’s leading academic presses, work with top animation studios, hold patents in design, and are recognized as pioneers by peers in their field.

Areas of Faculty Work & Exhibition

• 3D computer animation; 3D modeling; 3D printing and projection mapping; digital fabrication; digital media and interactive art; documentary; games; new media art; photography and contemporary art; simulations

Areas of Faculty Research & Publishing

• Applied media studies and remix culture; border studies; critical ethnic and race studies; critical making; digital humanities, including digital health humanities; disability and crip studies; feminist studies; game studies; infrastructure studies; literary studies; media studies and cinema studies; mobile media; new media arts and new media arts and education

Art-Based Research & Creative Practice

• We believe if you can imagine it, we can make it. Our lab and studio culture blends art, technology, design, engineering, science, and the humanities to create an incubative environment rich with possibilities. Collaboration is the heart of the Bass School. Learn how faculty, students, art-based research, and creative practice are connected.