M.S. in Interactive Media & Game Development

Program of Study

The Master of Science in Interactive Media & Game Development (IMGD) is designed for those interested in the design of immersive, interactive environments. The intended audience includes college graduates looking for continued education in interactive media, game-industry professionals looking to assume leadership roles, professionals from other fields retooling for the game industry, and those seeking scholarship in interactive media. Graduate students in IMGD: 1) take core courses that provide a base of knowledge relevant to the design of interactive media; 2) select courses that tailor the degree to suit interests and career goals; and 3) design, develop, and evaluate a substantial group project and/or undertake a thesis with novel scholarship as a capstone experience. Graduates with an IMGD graduate degree will be qualified to pursue a diverse range of careers in the interactive media, computer games, or related industries, becoming producers, designers, academics, or project leaders in specific subfields such as technology, art, or design. 

Admission Requirements

• Statement of purpose that details:
  • the student’s goals, and
  • the student’s previous industry or academic experiences.
• Proof of a four-year degree. Applicants who are not participating in the B.S./M.S. program must submit a final transcript showing that they have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent before enrolling in the M.S. program.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the student’s qualification for pursuing graduate study in IMGD.
• Applicants may submit other material supporting their application, such as a portfolio of their work.

More information on admissions can be found here: https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/interactive-media-game-development/resources/admissions-portfolio-guidelines

Degree Requirements

IMGD M.S. students undertake a Game Design Studio course (3 credit hours), core courses relevant to their interests (12 credit hours), and two elective courses selected by the student and approved by the advisor 6 credit hours). Each student is required to complete either a Master’s thesis (a systematic approach to addressing an identified research question, typically done individually) or a Master’s project (a substantial development effort that follows a production plan to implement a design vision, typically done in teams) to complete the degree requirements (9 credit hours). 

The IMGD program also offers a B.S./M.S. program for current IMGD undergraduate students. Students enrolled in this program may count up to 12 credit hours of specific undergraduate courses towards both their B.S. and M.S. degrees.