Master of Science (MS) in Game Science and Design (GSND)

The master of science (ms) in game science and design (gsnd) 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. 

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.

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