Admission Requirements

Register/log in to our application system, 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 SMU 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 SMU Graduate Application
- 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 application.

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 SMU 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 application. These should be non-family members who can attest to your aptitude and skill level. Good examples include past professors, supervisors, or employers.

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 SMU 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 SMU be completed and returned after you accept admission to SMU 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 SMU 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.