Curriculum

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours. Applications will be submitted to the School of Communication and reviewed jointly by SOC and CAS, with both schools agreeing on student admission.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

The previous gaming experience is not required, but all students must meet baseline competencies in specified technical areas as determined by the program director. Students who do not meet such competencies will be required to take a non-credit summer course with a separate fee. The program director will determine if the student has met the baseline competencies after the summer course and will make a determination about whether the student will be allowed to matriculate.

All applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay on the applicant's commitment to pursuing study in the program, and two letters of reference evaluating academic performance, professional experience, and suitability for graduate study in game design. If available, a portfolio or previous work may be submitted.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions

Official results of one of the following English Proficiency Exams are required of international students. We accept the following:

Please note that waivers are granted on a rare basis and must be approved by the CAS Office of Graduate Enrollment Management. Requests will be assessed only upon completion of submitting all other required supplemental items.

We can consider waivers for applicants who meet the following criteria:

Earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited US-based university or

Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university where English is the only language of instruction and the only official language of the country where the university is based.

The transcript evaluation is not required for international applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in the United States.

All other international applicants are required to complete an official transcript evaluation. Transcript evaluations must be submitted to American University in lieu of the original international transcript.

In order to complete a transcript evaluation, candidates must submit their official transcript(s) to a transcript evaluation agency approved by NACES.

All transcript evaluations must indicate the following:

Course-by-course analysis: List of all classes and credits earned

Degree earned: Determine if the degree earned is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree

Transcript evaluations must be sent directly by the transcript evaluation agency to American University by the application deadline.

All students must be able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for their academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document.

Please submit the following documentation to the CAS office of Graduate Admissions:

Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS)

 form. Clearly indicate on the form which type of visa you plan to obtain for your studies with American University (F-1 or J-1) and your current visa type, if applicable. If you are pending US permanent resident or asylum status, please indicate on the form accordingly.

 demonstrating the financial ability to pay for at least one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses according to the current International Student Cost Guide. These financial documents will also be required at the US Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your visa. All financial documents must show available funds and must be dated within the past three months in order to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability are listed here.

 to release your immigration record to American University (only required of international students who currently hold an I-20 from a different U.S. institution). This form must be completed by both the student and the student's current international student advisor.

Admissions Option 2

The School of Communication offers graduate students both merit-based and need-based financial aid. Merit awards are administered by the SOC Graduate Admissions Office, while need-based awards are administered by the American University Office of Financial Aid. Additional financial support is available for veterans.

Scholarships and Funding Option 2

For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is $2000 per credit (typical 2-year master's programs require 30-36 credits).

If you intend to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you will be required by a U.S. consular officer to present a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and supporting financial documents to demonstrate your ability to meet financial obligations for the first year of your academic program.

In order to satisfy F-1 or J-1 visa requirements, graduate students must be registered for a minimum of nine credit hours per semester. Other visa statuses may have other requirements.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

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English Language Requirements

Master

Design Studies

Media Design

Game Design

American University leverages the power and purpose of scholarship, learning, and community to impact our changing world. From sustainability to social justice to the sciences, AU’s faculty, students, staff, and alumni are changemakers. Founded in 1893, American University is a distinguished, private institution located in the nation's capital of Washington, DC. With a competitively strong interdisciplinary focus, policy-driven academic programs, and impactful student activists and alumni, AU offers more than 135 master's degree programs, from seven schools. A university small enough to allow you to feel seen and large enough to attract historical figures to campus to engage our community on important issues. American University is known for preparing generations of scholars who go on to become national and international public leaders and change agents throughout our global community.

Master of Arts in Game Design

Introduction

Design Games with Impact

Well-rounded Learning Experience

Curriculum

Admissions

Scholarships and Funding

Program Tuition Fee

English Language Requirements

About the School

Questions