The University of Illinois is expanding its nationally acclaimed portfolio of online graduate programs with a new opportunity for creative problem-solvers and technical thinkers. The Master of Science in Game Development is a fully online degree built for students who want to turn their passion for interactive media into meaningful careers across game development, animation, simulation, and other interactive media industries.
Offered through Informatics Programs in the School of Information Sciences, this innovative program brings together technical skill-building, creative exploration, and professional training. The degree prepares students not only to design engaging interactive experiences but also to collaborate effectively and adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape.
“This program gives students a powerful blend of creative and technical training that prepares them to work across the game, animation, and interactive media industries,” said Alex Damarjian, Program Developer and Teaching Associate Professor. “What sets it apart is how students not only learn how to design and build projects—but also how to collaborate, communicate, and think critically in rapidly evolving digital spaces. From Unity and Unreal Engine to storytelling, AI, and pipeline tools, they’re building portfolios that actually get noticed.”
A Program You Can Shape Around Your Goals
Students can personalize their academic experience by choosing one of five concentrations: Art, Design, Narrative, Production, and Programming. No matter the pathway, all students develop a strong foundation through hands-on coursework and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Across each concentration, the program focuses on four core objectives:
- Practical Training: Understanding real industry roles, tools, and workflows.
- Technical Training: Developing the polished skills needed to create professional-quality interactive experiences.
- Critical Training: Examining the cultural, psychological, and economic impact of games and simulations.
- Ethical Training: Cultivating an inclusive, collaborative approach that supports healthy and diverse creative environments.
During the second year, students apply these skills in a studio-based setting, working directly with industry partners to develop fully realized games and interactive projects.
Built for Working Professionals and New Graduates
The 48-credit-hour degree is designed with flexibility at its core and can be completed in as little as two years. It's an excellent fit for those looking to pivot into game development, strengthen their skills, or advance their careers. Coursework blends creativity with production-focused training, allowing students to build strong, market-ready portfolios.
Faculty bring experience from across the game and animation sectors, including work for studios and companies such as Amazon Games, Netflix Games, Cartoon Network Games, Deep Silver Volition, Electronic Arts, Pixar, Nickelodeon, and Play Mechanix.
“Adaptability and strong fundamentals outlast any tool or trend in the game industry,” said Pablo Hurtado Sato, Senior 3D Character Artist at BLOXNEO and an instructor in the program.
Applications for Fall 2026 are now open. The priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Applications for Spring 2027 will open May 1, 2026, with a deadline of September 1, 2026.
To apply, visit choose.illinois.edu/apply and select Informatics Programs as your home unit.