Overview

The Game Design programme at Northeastern University provides a comprehensive foundation for students aiming to master the artistic and conceptual dimensions of interactive media development. This bachelor degree encourages students to view games as an expressive form, combining rigorous critical analysis with hands-on creative practice. By focusing on independent creative contexts, the curriculum prepares graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving industry that spans diverse audiences and distribution channels.

Why Game Design at Northeastern University?

Students benefit from a multidisciplinary environment within the College of Arts, Media and Design, where they collaborate directly with peers in computer science. The university provides access to specialised facilities like the Media Studios and Gallery 360, fostering a culture of innovation. Furthermore, the renowned co-op programme allows students to gain professional experience at leading organisations such as Microsoft Studios and Zynga, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry application.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33995 per semester
National fee: USD 33995 per semester
Local fee: USD 33995 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on iterative design, user testing, and the social impact of interactive media. Modules may include:

Game Design
Interactive Media
Game-making Practice
Aesthetic Forms
Social, Political, and Cultural Theories in Games
User Testing and Critique
Research Methods for Design
Entrepreneurship and Pitching

Careers with Game Design

Graduates are equipped for a variety of professional roles within the global gaming and technology sectors. The programme develops versatile skills in project management, teamwork, and technical craft, enabling alumni to pursue diverse career paths. Potential roles include:

Game Designer
Level Designer
Game Artist
Producer
Game Writer
Interaction and Usability Designer
Game Sound and Audio Designer
Project Manager
Playtester

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Games and Society
Game Research Methods
Game Studio
Rapid Idea Prototyping for Games
Programming Basics
Game Interface Design
Level Design and Game Architecture
Game Concept Development
Color and Composition
Form and Structure
Movement and Time
Animation Basics
The Business of Games

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

106

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Game Design View 260 other Bachelors in Game Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

106

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Your Common Application or Coalition Application
Your application must be submitted by the deadline, along with either the application fee ($75) or a fee waiver request.
Your Secondary School Report and Official High School Transcript must be submitted directly from your high school.
Optional Standardized Testing.
All applicants from US and international high schools will be able to choose to submit standardized testing (SAT or ACT) or not.
Non-native English-speaking applicants must continue to submit official results from an approved English Language Test or request a waiver through the Application Status Check.
English Proficiency: All students, regardless of citizenship must demonstrate English language proficiency when applying to Northeastern.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year
Out-of-State

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67990 USD / year

≈ 67990 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Game Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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