Starting in Fall 2025, students at the University of North Texas (UNT) will have the opportunity to enroll in a new game studies and design degree program. The program, offered in the Department of Media Arts, promises a tailored educational experience with focus on industry-specific concentrations.
The curriculum is designed to offer students a comprehensive foundation in game development, involving faculty from various disciplines. Gabriel Olson, the program director, explained, “We want every student in the major to gain some ability in all aspects of development, from script writing to a little bit of coding.”
The core courses will cover digital content and animation, game programming and design, as well as narrative storytelling and production. Students can then opt for concentrations in areas such as narrative design, programming and game studies, or art and design, with some becoming available in 2026 and 2027.
Olson highlighted that the program aims to make students versatile. Stephen Mandiberg, a senior lecturer involved in the curriculum development, emphasized the interdisciplinary approach designed to prepare students for diverse career paths in both industry and academia.
The structure of the program includes a two-semester capstone course that mimics real-world game development processes. According to Darin Bradley, assistant professor in English, this approach ensures that each graduate will have contributed to a published game.
Past efforts in game studies at UNT have already led to student successes. Jyrell Athan Go, who collaborated with faculty to design a custom degree, credited UNT’s interdisciplinary approach for his success in launching his own game studio. Similarly, Lillian Merrell, a senior student, mentioned that the capstone experience prepared her well for entering the industry.
- Fall 2025: Program begins
- Location: University of North Texas, Department of Media Arts
- Concentrations: Narrative Design, Programming and Game Studies (2026), Art and Design (2027)
- For more information, visit the program page.