MFA in Game Design in Chicago United States | DePaul University

DePaul's acclaimed Master of Fine Arts in Game Design program caters to innovative thinkers dedicated to crafting meaningful work with social, cultural, and emotional impact. Though games are commonly viewed as entertainment, this MFA program delves deeper, examining games as artistic expressions and purposeful tools. The curriculum equips students to push gaming boundaries by studying cutting-edge theories and implementing them practically. Students will develop games that undergo rigorous peer and faculty critiques throughout the program. Graduates will emerge ready to shape gaming's future and evolve alongside shifting industry standards, technologies, and platforms. As the highest academic credential in game design, the MFA also provides pathways to university teaching positions or tenure-track academic careers.
This cohort-based MFA in Game Design spans 2.5 years across eight 10-week quarters. The curriculum blends foundational coursework with hands-on game design methodologies, reflective practice, creation, and teamwork through intensive bootcamps, theoretical studies, and production studio classes. Students can customize more than half of their coursework to align with personal interests, enabling them to forge their own unique educational path.