It's easy to apply to 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall!
Below you will find detailed steps to apply as well as additional details about our admission requirements. Rest assured, our admissions team is available to answer your questions along the way.
Start your application to 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall now:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
The following steps must be completed for an application to be considered:
Choose one of our two full-time, 2-year game development programs:
- Master of Interactive Technology (MIT) in Digital Game Development
- Professional Certificate in Digital Game Development
*To confirm your program eligibility, scroll down on this page to 'Admission Requirements'.
Then select which specialization (area of study) you wish to pursue:
- Art Creation
- Level Design
- Production (available to Master's program students only)
- Software Development
Learn More About our Academic Programs
Register/log in to our , then follow the on-screen instructions. Until you submit, you can return to this site as often as you like to update your information.
Application deadlines for Fall 2025 enrollment:
- December 1, 2024 (early)
- February 15, 2025 (regular)
- March 15, 2025 (extended)
- April 15, 2025 (final)
*Note: The $100 USD Nonrefundable 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall Application Fee has been waived for all applicants this year!
Describe your motivation, interests, life experiences, and biggest challenge overcome as a creative person related to your desire to pursue a professional career in game development. Applicants should explain why one of their portfolio pieces is a good/interesting/skillful piece of work. The applicant must be shown in the video speaking to the camera for some or all of the essay. *An applicant to the production specialization should also describe their understanding of the role of a video game producer and why they believe they would be well-suited to the role, including examples demonstrating leadership skills used in a team environment.
How to submit your essay:
- Register/login to the
- Select the 'Portfolio' page of the application
- Submit your video essay as an upload in the media section of your online portfolio
Consists of examples and/or assignments that showcase your aptitude and preparation.
Following the same process as in Step #2 above, upload a link to your existing digital portfolio or your completed portfolio assignments to our online .
You must follow all instructions for your specialization detailed on the Portfolio Requirements Page
Submit transcripts from each university you have attended, including summer terms. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the review phase. Official transcripts are only required upon admission. All foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation.
- Unofficial Transcripts: You may upload the transcript(s) on the 'Academic History' page of your application or email the transcript(s) to gradappmaterials@smu.edu. Please do not upload or send duplicate transcripts. Doing so will slow down the processing of your application. *If you have already submitted your application, you can upload the transcript(s) on your status page.
- Official Transcripts: When you have been offered admission, send official transcripts, certified and translated if from a foreign institution, directly from each school of higher education you have attended to the Grad App Processing Center (address listed below).
- Electronic Transcripts: Send electronic transcripts to gradappmaterials@smu.edu, please note that 91ÇÑ×Ó will only accept electronic transcripts sent from the transferable institution via a secure means (e.g., Scrip-Safe, NSC). Electronic transcripts sent by students are not considered official.
Mailing Address (for application-related documents only):
Graduate Appplication Processing
PO Box 518
Dallas, TX 75275-0518
(or)
Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Bldg:
Graduate Application Processing
6185 Airline Rd., Suite 310
Dallas, TX 75275
Standardized test scores such as the GED, SAT and GRE are optional but will be accepted (copies are acceptable at this stage.) TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency test scores are required if you are a non-U.S. applicant and do not hold a degree from an accredited English-speaking college or university.
Following the same process as in Step #2 above, input the two references on the 'Admission Information - Guildhall' page of our online . These should be non-family members who can attest to your aptitude and skill level. Good examples include past professors, supervisors, or employers.
Admission Requirements
Please review the eligibility requirements below before applying:
Admission to the MIT program requires a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000 (on a 4.000 scale).
Admission to the certificate program does not require a bachelor's degree. You must submit all requirements above except for the requirement of a minimum GPA and/or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Those who have already earned a certificate from 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall may apply for "Admission with Advanced Standing" into the MIT program to continue the pursuit of their master's degree if they meet all academic requirements for admission to the degree program.
*Note that the graduate professional certificate program is not offered in the production specialization
English Language Proficiency — International students are required to submit test scores from an internationally recognized English language test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency tests, if the applicant is from a country where the predominant language of instruction is not English. A score of at least 550 (paper test) or 80 (computer test) is required on the TOEFL for admission consideration. A score of 6.5 or higher is required on the IELTS for admission consideration. More information
Visas — For students requiring a U.S. Visa, it is mandatory that your Financial Certification for Study at 91ÇÑ×Ó be completed and returned after you accept admission to 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall. Please review and complete the documentation requirements. Note this an estimate only and that we will have a solidified cost of attendance by mid-spring 2025. Financial statement must be original documents stamped by financial institution official and converted into US dollars.
Health Care – all international students who are enrolled in one or more credit hours are required to maintain 91ÇÑ×Ó Health Insurance as a condition of your enrollment. International students must enroll* in the student health insurance plan unless they have a special waiver personally granted by the Student Health Center staff. This does not have to be done at the time of your application, but must be done prior to registering for classes.
Application Review
In reviewing your application, the admission committee looks for a good academic and personal match between student and institution, and seeks to identify students who will best benefit from and contribute to the 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall community in a variety of ways within and beyond the classroom. On average, once we have received your application and transcripts, it will take our admission committee approximately 15 business days to render an admission decision. You will receive that decision via email.
Reach Out With Questions
As you prepare to apply and complete each step of the process, we are available to answer your questions. Don't hesitate to call or email along the way.
Rene Archambault
Deputy Director, Admissions and Marketing
reneja@smu.edu
214-768-5139
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Apply to 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall today
Hopeful applicants should visit our Application Checklist to prepare and follow our steps to apply. This will include submitting your application form, a video essay, a specialization-specific portfolio, transcripts, test scores, and references. 91ÇÑ×Ó Guildhall utilizes rolling admission dates in order to allow applicants ample time to work on their portfolio submissions.
View our upcoming application deadlines
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