Are you passionate about creating interactive worlds, crafting immersive stories, or analyzing how games influence our culture? A Bachelor of Science degree in Game Studies and Design (GMSD) at the University of North Texas provides the skills and experiences you need to launch a career in the ever-evolving games industry.
Pursuing this degree prepares you for careers in:
Within this interdisciplinary major, you’ll gain hands-on game production skills using industry-standard tools, learn to craft compelling interactive narratives, and examine the cultural, social, and theoretical underpinnings of games—equipping you to make a meaningful impact in a field that continues to shape our 21st-century world.
In the Game Studies and Design program, you’ll receive a comprehensive education in both the creative and critical aspects of gaming. You’ll learn about the game production pipeline, build prototypes in collaborative studio environments, and gain practical experience in narrative design for interactive media. At the same time, you’ll explore how games affect players, communities, and culture at large.
Our course work examines a wide range of subjects, including:
By incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives from English, Media Arts, Communication, and Philosophy, you’ll emerge with a strong foundation in storytelling, design thinking, and cultural critique—skills that are in demand across numerous industries.
The concentration in Narrative Design focuses on:
Through this concentration, you’ll hone the craft of storytelling while developing creative leadership skills—preparing you for a variety of careers, including writing for AAA game studios, developing indie games, or pursuing graduate study in game narrative and theory.
You can declare your GMSD major at any time, provided you meet the university’s admission requirements. Once you’re a Game Studies and Design major, you’ll complete a set of required classes, including:
Beyond these required courses, you’ll choose advanced classes in Game Studies and in Games, Ethics, and Justice. Students opting for the Narrative Design concentration take additional courses in level design, advanced narrative design, and creative writing or media production electives.
A minimum of 120 total semester hours—including 42 advanced hours—is required for the degree. Electives vary based on your choices and any remaining university core requirements. Consult with an academic advisor to map out the best course sequence for you.
Because of UNT’s prime location in the Dallas-Fort Worth region—one of the country’s largest and most vibrant markets—students have access to an array of internship opportunities in game development, interactive media, and tech industries. Internships allow you to build real-world experience, professional networks, and potentially earn academic credit.
We also encourage you to get involved with campus initiatives and student groups focused on gaming and media production. These experiences enable you to collaborate, build a portfolio, and gain leadership skills that will set you apart in a competitive job market.
Scholarships are available to qualifying students who need financial assistance while pursuing their degree. Contact our department or the UNT Financial Aid office to learn about scholarship eligibility and application procedures.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Game Studies and Design at UNT opens the door to a world of creativity, innovation, and critical engagement in one of the fastest-growing entertainment fields. Whether you dream of writing the next groundbreaking narrative, analyzing gaming trends and culture, or shaping the future of interactive technology, our GMSD program is the place to begin your journey. We look forward to supporting you every step of the way.