Are you passionate about game design and development? If so, the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Games and Playable Media. This program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of game development.
Program Overview
The UCSC Games and Playable Media MS program focuses on the design, development, and analysis of games and interactive media. The program is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from fields such as computer science, art, psychology, and literature.
Students in the program will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in game development. They will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a motion capture lab, virtual reality lab, and game design studio.
Curriculum
The UCSC Games and Playable Media MS program requires students to complete 48 units of coursework, including both core and elective courses. Core courses cover topics such as game design, game programming, and game analytics, while elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as narrative design, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
Students will also have the opportunity to work on a capstone project, which involves designing and developing a game or interactive media project from start to finish. This project is completed under the guidance of a faculty advisor and provides students with valuable real-world experience.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the UCSC Games and Playable Media MS program is highly competitive. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong background in computer science or a related field. They must also submit a portfolio of their work, which should demonstrate their skills and experience in game design and development.
In addition, applicants must provide GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. International students must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the UCSC Games and Playable Media MS program are prepared for a variety of careers in the game industry. They may work as game designers, programmers, producers, or analysts, or they may pursue careers in related fields such as virtual reality or augmented reality. Some graduates may also choose to start their own game development companies.
The UCSC Games and Playable Media program has a strong alumni network, and graduates have gone on to work at top game development companies such as Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Sony.
Conclusion
The UCSC Games and Playable Media MS program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about game design and development. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of game development, and graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the game industry.
