Master of Professional Studies in Game, Entertainment, and Media Analytics (GEM)

Curriculum:

Our interdisciplinary curriculum draws on skills and concepts from information management, advanced analytics techniques, information systems, information science, computer science, and data visualization. We blend theory, practical skills, and hands-on learning with industry professionals, preparing our graduates to apply their skills directly in their careers.  The GEM program requires 30 credit hours of academic work to be completed:

• 6 Core Courses (18 Credits) that teach our students Game, Entertainment and Media Analytics; Entertainment Theory; and advanced Data Analytics and Data Visualization
• 4 Elective Courses (12 Credits) that allow students to specialize in areas such as IoT and Streaming Analytics; Game Design; Social Media Analytics; or Data Governance

Learn more about the GEM curriculum and course planning.

Create a schedule that works for you:

We offer the GEM degree fully online, allowing you the flexibility to create a schedule that works for you. As a student in the program, you can choose to participate full-time and earn your degree in as little as 18 months – or take your time and set your own pace.

• Renowned faculty, including Professor Jen Golbeck, Associate Professor Tamara Clegg, Assistant Professor Caro Williams-Pierce, and many more.
• ACM Fellows and Distinguished Faculty
• World renowned research centers/groups create more hands-on learning opportunities for students
• #7 in USA – UMD – University for Entrepreneurship (The Princeton Review)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Patents Awarded (IPO Assoc)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Research Spending (NSF Survey)

The GEM degree was developed in consultation with industry leaders, such as Netflix and Respawn Entertainment, to fill a growing need for data specialists that have skills tailored to the game, entertainment, and media industry.

This program focuses on knowledge and skills in reporting, advanced analytics, and data science that are coveted by companies in the game, media, and entertainment arenas. Graduates will be positioned for roles as data scientists and analysts for game, sports, and other companies in the entertainment industries. At the same time, the transferable skills we teach for customer segmentation, recommendation, and prediction modeling can be applied in many other industries.

The GEM program is actively engaging professionals in the game and entertainment industries to develop a network of advisors (GEM industry speaker series) to provide internship, capstone project, and career opportunities.

Through internships, class projects, capstone projects, and events, students build relationships with the INFO College’s 400+ top industry and government partners, such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, Adobe, Netflix, Respawn Entertainment, Wargaming, Captain.TV, and Blizzard Entertainment. Meet some of our partners via the GEM industry speaker series.

Our students also have opportunities for hands-on learning at the INFO College’s world-renowned research centers and labs.

INFO’s faculty, staff, and 3000+ students come from over 63 countries and create a welcoming and encouraging environment. 56% of students identify as male, 45% female, 1% other; 63% of students identify Asian (29%), Black (24%), White (22%), Hispanic/Latino (9%), Biracial (4%), American Indian or Alaskan Native (<1%), Pacific Islander (<1%), Unknown/Other (12%). The INFO College is committed to bringing together many perspectives to foster deeper understanding and innovation.

At UMD students can also choose from hundreds of student organizations, including INFO student organizations, service opportunities, and social activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Virtual Information Sessions

Tuition

• In-State (Maryland resident) tuition and fees will amount to approximately $28,500 to complete 30 credit hours.
• Out-of-State tuition and fees will amount to approximately $58,000 to complete 30 credit hours.

View our detailed breakdown of tuition & fees.

Financial Aid

The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students may also reduce their tuition costs by serving as a TA or GA at UMD, but please note that these positions are competitive. There are also additional sources of financial aid offered by the University and by outside sources. Learn more about financial aid.

Application Deadline:

The deadline to apply to the Master of Professional Studies in Game, Entertainment, and Media Analytics (GEM) program is July 15, 2025 for admission to the following Fall (August) semester. A new cohort starts each Fall. We do not have Spring semester admissions for the GEM program.

Application Requirements:

• Must have earned a 4-year baccalaureate degree
• 3.0 GPA on prior undergraduate or graduate work
• GRE or GMAT scores are optional, they are not required
• A TOEFL,  IELTS, or PTE score is required for international applicants (more information below)
• Complete the UMD Graduate School application
• Complete the supplemental GEM application of four questions (max 150 word responses each)
• $75 application fee

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English speaking countries. Please check on the list of English speaking countries and options for providing evidence of English proficiency here.

• See the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for instructions on submitting scores. The University of Maryland’s TOEFL Institution Code is 5814.
• You can find English language proficiency requirements here. Please note that your English proficiency scores (including listening, writing, reading, and speaking sub-scores) must satisfy the criteria for full enrollment to be accepted to the GEM program. GEM is a very rigorous program that requires an excellent command of the English language. Therefore, Bridge and Intensive English programs are not an option for applicants to the GEM program. Please see the minimum English Proficiency Scores Requirements for full GEM admission:
  • iBT TOEFL: Total 96 (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
  • IELTS: Overall 7 (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)
  • PTE: Total: 68 (Writing 68)

For international students: This is an online program and is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

More About GEM Admissions