MasterRecommended

Master of Critical Game Design

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, United States
2 years
English
On campus
Master

About the program

A research doctorate in game studies and design.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Demonstrate core knowledge in Critical Game Design. Apply analytical and practical methods to discipline-specific problems. Communicate ideas effectively in academic and professional settings. Work collaboratively and apply ethical professional practice.

Career outcomes

Tenure-track and teaching jobs in game design and game studies programmes
Consultants
Directors
Writers
Artists and analysts in industry and policy

Curriculum

Seminars on historical
Political and cultural analyses of interactive media
Game and interactive design studios and multidisciplinary research methods. Comprehensive exam on game studies and design
Dissertation proposal and literature review defended before a committee
Then independent research and defence within about 2-3 years.

Entry requirements

Academic

Four-year bachelor degree or equivalent
Transcripts in English
Personal statement
CV
Two recommendation letters
English test.

Accepted academic background

Completed four-year U.S. Bachelor degree or equivalent by planned enrolment, Transcripts in English, Personal statement, CV, Two recommendation letters.

Language tests

TOEFL iBT 88
IELTS 6.5
Duolingo 120
PTE Academic 59

Documents you’ll need

Passport copy
Academic transcripts
English proficiency evidence
Personal statement or essay where required
Recommendations where required
Financial support evidence for immigration documentation.

How to apply

Visit the official website. Review the international applicant requirements and deadline. Complete the appropriate application. Submit academic transcripts
English proficiency evidence
Recommendations
program-specific materials. Pay the application fee. Accept the admission offer and pay the enrollment deposit. Submit financial documentation for immigration processing. Follow the university instructions for the I-20 and F-1 visa.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$67,767 USD
Application fee	$75 USD
Deposit	$500 USD

Program details

Campus	Troy
Faculty or school	School of Humanities, Arts, And Social Sciences
Department	Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences
Teaching language	English
Credit value	36
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	1 year
Scholarship note	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers merit-based, Program-specific, Or institutional scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Award availability, Value, Eligibility, And deadlines vary by program and intake.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
August 2027
Apply by
1 Mar 2027
108 days left

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 2 years.