Media & Information Masters Programs
WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE
We are currently accepting applications for the fall semester 2026 (starting August 2026) cohort. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so complete your application early. Last date for applications for fall 2026 is March 1st, 2025. If you are a domestic student, we are accepting applications until Learn more details about the application process.
IN PERSON: MEDIA AND INFORMATION M.A.
- Focus areas include game design, UX, media policy
- Work closely with advisors and faculty
- Join research labs, consortiums and projects
- Classes are at the MSU campus
- Opportunities for scholarships and research support
ONLINE: USER EXPERIENCE M.S.
- Entirely online and asynchronous
- Coursework designed by UX experts
- MS degree focused on career growth
- Small courses for individualized attention
- Comprehensive approach, from UX discovery through product assessment
ONLINE: SERIOUS GAMES M.A. CERTIFICATE
- Three-course certificate
- Classes are entirely online
- Learn game theory, games research methods, and game design principles
- Games in education, business, healthcare, and more
Our globally recognized program is a STEM approved major. In our small classes, students have the opportunity to gain research skills that are applicable across many industries and focus areas. See our page for prospective students for more detailed information.
The master’s degree is 30 credits. Our program allows students to take classes full time or part time. Classes are small and allow intense learning and mentoring from faculty, who are leaders in their fields. Most students take about 3 semesters of full time classes to complete the program. The time to complete the program varies based on internships, final project complexity, or specializations.
Our students have gone on to positions in both industry and Ph.D. programs. The rigorous training, research opportunities, and Spartan Network support leads to preparing you for your life goals.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
Learn how to do deep analysis of how humans interact with technology and the impacts. Our graduates have gone on to work for major companies as well as starting their own companies. Career paths include: user experience researcher, designer, analyst, usability tester, interaction designer, information architect, web application front end developer.
GAME DESIGN & RESEARCH
Through games studies we see how stories are increasingly told through interconnected experiences across multiple media platforms such as virtual reality, mobile apps, social media, and traditional games. Students can learn both how to analyze the impacts of games or how to work in teams to develop games.
AI & MEDIA POLICY
We interact with world leaders in technology policy. Our close affiliation to the Quello center provides expert insights and the opportunity to work on research projects. This program is Ideal for students seeking to pursue doctoral level study in the media and information domain. Or, for those going tow work for business, government, and nonprofits.
AWARD WINNING PROGRAM
Top MA Video Game Design Program
Our Video Game Design MA emphasis is rated #9 in the United Staes by Princeton Review for 2025. We also were rated #13 for Game Design Schools in the UX by Animation Career Review.
Work with teams that are making games or exploring game impacts. Our students have gone on to work for both major studios as well as indie game startups.
Master's in HCI/UX rated #10 in the US
The expertise developed in our HCI/UX track is highly rated. Master’s Program Guide rated us in the top ten. Students can participate in labs that are doing research in several major areas. We have teams looking at how to help autistic youth with mental health tools, using robots in education, improving medical interfaces, and using games for education in developing nations.
AI & MEDIA POLICY
AI is impacting almost everything we do that is connected to technology. Working with industry and government leaders we are exploring how to build policies that will benefit society.
Our students have the opportunity to work with leading scholars and contribute to academic papers. Many of our policy focus graduates have gone on to major PhD programs or work in NGOs and think tanks.
CONTACT US
Address: 404 Wilson Rd., Suite 409, East Lansing, MI 48824
Hours: Mon-Fri. 8:00am-5:00pm EST
Email: migrad@msu.edu