Game Development is a Master Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 63 units to complete, with a total tuition of $97,713.
Program Overview
The MFA Game Development program allows students to further their careers by synthesizing traditional art and design fundamentals with today’s groundbreaking technologies. Students level up their skill through hands-on prototyping of game mechanics and art creation, followed by creating a thesis project and an industry-quality portfolio.
You’ll get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech like networked VR treadmills and haptic vests that let you feel the game. Kick back in the esports lounge with your friends, or feel the rush of playing as part of a competitive team.
This isn’t just game development; it’s game culture, lived, built, and played.
What sets this Program apart
This isn’t just game development, it’s full-spectrum immersion. You’ll ideate, design, and build everything from the ground up, including art, assets, and code. You’ll learn to excel in a production pipeline powered by purpose. Classes are taught by industry pros and built to propel your professional future.
Online Learning Program. [img data-src="https://bpiqpjsgebtv-u1573.pressidiumcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ArchOnline.webp"]
Admission Requirements and Process
The Academy requires graduate applicants to demonstrate their ability and intent to complete a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Architecture program (M. Arch.). After submitting the application form and application fee, graduate applicants must submit a statement of intent, a résumé, college transcripts showing completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and a portfolio/reel. Upon receiving all application requirements, the department will review and will recommend that the student be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory Coursework.
State authorization for online education.
Online education providers are required to seek authorization by many U.S. states and territories to enroll their residents and those physically located in their jurisdictions. Academy of Art University restricts enrollment for applicants in and from areas where online programs are not approved. Current and prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s State Authorization for Distance Education Status Table to determine whether the Academy is authorized to offer their degree programs in the state where they will be located while taking online courses.
General Requirements
- Bachelor’s degreeTranscripts must show completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent; you must submit official or unofficial transcripts from the institution from which you graduated.
- Application and feeSubmit the graduate application form and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Statement of IntentSubmit an explanation of Graduate School goals and desired outcomes of the graduate degree in a one page, typed essay.
- RésuméSubmit an itemized list of educational and professional experience.
- Portfolio/ReelA body of work representing the chosen discipline is required for class placement in the graduate program; additional materials may be required by the specific departments.
- Department reviewUpon receiving all application requirements, the department will review and will recommend that the student be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions SpecialistSchedule a meeting with one of our admissions specialists. They’ll guide you to the school and program that best fits your goals and help you navigate the application process.
- 2Apply for admissionSubmit the graduate application form and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
- 3Send your supporting documentsSubmit your Statement of Intent, résumé and college transcripts showing completion of at least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
- 4Submit your portfolio/reelSubmit a body of work representing your chosen discipline; registration for the appropriate classes is based on the skills demonstrated in the portfolio/reel.
- 5Department reviewThe department reviews your application and recommends that you be accepted, not accepted or allowed to enroll in Graduate Preparatory Coursework.
- 6File the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov and use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.FAFSA Code for San Francisco Campus: 007531
Program Schedule
Start dates. Spring 2027 semester starts 2/3/2027 (application deadline 1/25/2027); Summer 2027 starts 6/21/2027 (deadline 6/14/2027); Fall 2027 starts 9/8/2027 (deadline 8/30/2027).
Graduate students must carry a minimum study load of 9 units to be considered as full-time students. Students are expected to attend summer semesters to meet their scheduled completion date.
Our online programs offer immersive classroom experiences both in real time and on demand.
- February 03rd, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- September 08th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Graduate & Art Teaching Credential tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,551 per unit for domestic students ($1,857 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 63-unit program’s tuition is $97,713 for domestic students.
Fees.
- Application Fee: $50 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Registration Fee: $50 per semester (nonrefundable after the cancellation period)
- Enrollment Fee: $95 for first-term domestic students, charged in lieu of the $50 registration fee ($100 for international students)
- Student Activity Fee: waived for students taking all courses online
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund: $0
- Course fees vary by course; fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections
- Materials/Supplies: $545 average per semester
Estimated program charges for a domestic student taking all courses online: tuition $97,713, application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $300, for $98,158, plus course fees. Course fees vary by course, and fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections (see the Course Fees & Prerequisites list). The university’s published Total Program Cost estimates are for full-time, onsite students.
Payment options. Academy of Art offers many different ways to help you structure your payments, including interest-free installment plans and pre-payment options. The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer.
Financial aid. Federal aid available to Academy of Art University graduate students includes Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford (unsubsidized) Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA using Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.
Military and veterans. The Academy processes the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31), DEA (Chapter 35), Military Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your cost with the Academy of Art University Net Price Calculator: https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/academyart
Living expenses. The cost of attendance budget includes the costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, monthly allowances for room and board, transportation to and from school, and personal expenses such as clothes. Estimates of (Monthly) Living Expenses, 2026-2027:
- Food & Housing: $1,393 (student living with parents); $2,729 (student not living with parents); $4,133 (student living on campus, avg.)
- Personal Expenses: $507; $634; $441
- Transportation: $134; $184; $154
Federal student loan debt. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet:
- Most recent three year cohort default rate, as reported by the United States Department of Education: 2023: 0%; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of enrolled students in 2023/2024 receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 41%; 2024: 46%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: 35%; 2024: 21%.
- The average amount of federal student loan debt of 2023/2024 graduates who took out federal student loans at this institution: 2023: $14,395; 2024: $14,864.
Curriculum
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree – Major Classes.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Major Coursework: 30 units
- Directed Study: 18 units
- Electives: 6 units
- Graduate Liberal Arts: 9 units
- Total: 63 units
MFA Game Development Degree Requirements.
- Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
- Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
- 1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
Program Learning Outcomes.
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
MFA Thesis Project
- Present a feasible thesis concept appropriate for an MFA degree
- Create a thesis project that demonstrates a professional-level achievement in specialty
Visual Communication
- Critically evaluate the aesthetics, meaning and effect of imagery
Technology
- Demonstrate mastery of the tools and technology related to area of specialty
Presentation Skills
- Present their ideas and solutions in a visually compelling cogent manner using industry standard vocabulary and professional quality presentation materials
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Research and generate workable solutions under a deadline
Professional Readiness
- Produce a professional demo reel or portfolio which meets industry standards
- Work cooperatively and effectively in a production environment
Specialty Skills: Game & Level Design
- Communicate abstract ideas using game design documents and 2D maps
- Create playable games with 3D technology
Specialty Skills: Environment Modeling
- Translate visual research and reference to create 3D environments in which models, texture and light demonstrate a thorough understanding of organic, architectural, and industrial form
Specialty Skills: Character Modeling
- Translate visual research and reference to create, sculpt, model and texture in three dimensions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of human, zoological anatomy, and appropriate for the artistic style of the project
Specialty Skills: Concept
- Follow an industry-standard process, from thumbnails through final render to generate concept designs
- Apply visual research to Concept art
- Demonstrate an understanding of movement, proportion, and functionality of designs through effective orthographic or perspective drawings
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
In the School of Game Development, you’ll train in the full production pipeline, choosing your path in concept art, 3D, design, or programming. You’ll work on real projects for organizations and companies like NASA and the Rockwell Museum. You’ll graduate with a portfolio that proves you’re not just ready to play, you’re ready to lead.
- 3D Artist
- 3D Generalist
- Environment Modeler
- Character Modeler
- Concept Artist
- Texture Artist
- Character Concept Artist
- Environment Concept Artist
- UI/UX Artist
- Game Designer
- Level Designer
- Systems Designer
- Combat Designer
- Multi-player Designer
- Narrative Designer
- Camera Designer
- Technical Designer
- Game Programmer
- Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Gameplay Programmer
- Engine Programmer
- UI Programmer
Program performance. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (calendar years 2023 & 2024, revised November 25, 2025):
- On-Time Completion Rate: 2023: 24% (12 of 51 students available for graduation); 2024: 13% (5 of 38 students available for graduation).
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: 0% (0 of 13 graduates available for employment); 2024: 40% (4 of 10 graduates available for employment).
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
- Annual salary and wages reported for 2024 graduates employed in the field (4): $25,001 - $30,000: 1; $35,001 - $40,000: 1; $80,001 - $85,000: 1; No Salary Information Reported: 1.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- Graduate Students (Full-time): % of all incoming full-time students (503) in Fall 2019 graduated in 5 years: 75%.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All incoming full-time graduate students (199) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 81%.
What to expect as a Academy of Art University student
Academy Award winners. Tech founders. Creative directors. CEOs. They join us live and on Zoom from around the world. They speak from experience. About the work. The risk. The path forward. No theory. Just real stories from people who’ve done it.
Every student is welcome. On campus or online. To listen. To ask questions. To make connections. These are conversations, not lectures.
Student Clubs
Whether you are an on-campus or online student you are welcome to join our student clubs. You’ll meet up, share ideas, and create art together. Sometimes it’s a quick sketch. Sometimes it turns into something big, a collaboration that lasts a lifetime. It’s always fun.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Academy of Art University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), currently on warning; its accredited status continues during the Warning period.
Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the San Francisco Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 910 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 83.4% rather than 100%.
Testimonials
Images
