Entertainment Technology

The Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) is the premiere professional graduate program for interactive entertainment as it’s applied across a variety of fields. Our unique, two-year, Master of Entertainment Technology (MET) degree is jointly conferred by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science and the College of Fine Arts.  The MET is currently considered a terminal degree.

The ETC was founded in 1998 with Randy Pausch and Don Marinelli as the co-directors. The faculty and staff worked together to articulate our academic mission which focuses on educational goals and creative development. And we also created an R&D Agenda exploring transformational games, innovation by design and interactive storytelling. Throughout, we work to prepare students to graduate as creative professionals.

The Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University offers a unique two-year Master of Entertainment Technology (MET) degree. Through our curriculum, we emphasize leadership, innovation and communication by creating challenging experiences where students learn how to collaborate, experiment, and iterate solutions.

There are three variations to the standard curriculum requirements:

– Integrated Co-Op: during the second year of study (semesters 3 or 4) students can apply for a semester academic co-op with a company.
– Student-Defined Semester: after the first semester of study, students can apply for one student-defined semester of study in Pittsburgh during which they take four courses.
– Accelerated Master’s Program: students accepted into the ETC through an accelerated master’s program from an ETC-approved undergraduate program complete the first semester curriculum, followed by two project course semesters. (CMU CS / NUS CS)

After the first semester, students in good academic standing can apply to study at ETC-SV in California. ETC students can take specific sets of courses to graduate with a concentration in a distinct area of study (game design, themed entertainment or interactive storytelling). Students can do either a co-op or a student-defined semester, but they cannot do both. Students in an accelerated master’s program are not eligible for co-ops, student-defined semesters or concentrations. The varying routes through the MET enable students to make the most of their educational opportunities while they’re at the ETC. The ETC curriculum balances educational goals, professional development, and engaging experiences; as our students learn, work and play.

The application process is completed online and submitted electronically. You do not have to complete the online application process in one sitting. Use your assigned PIN and Password from any computer with an internet connection to access your application as many times as you like. Before proceeding to a new section, click the “Save” button. Once you have completed all the application forms and sections to your satisfaction, submit your application by clicking the “Submit” button at the top of the page. You will be guided through the steps to electronically submit your application to our office. Please note you can only submit your application once.Applicants are fully responsible for completing and submitting their applications on time and in accordance with the following admissions guidelines.

In order for you to have completed the application process, the following materials must be submitted.

1.  A completed online Application

2.  A completed Statement of Purpose, no more than 3 single spaces pages, in which you discuss:

• Part 1: Your objective in pursuing a Master of Entertainment Technology degree, including your career goals and your reasons for choosing to apply to Carnegie Mellon.
• Part 2: Your background in entertainment and/or technology and other fields relevant to your objective. Describe how your academic, industrial or commercial experience prepares you for admission to the ETC¬.
• Part 3: Any additional details you wish to give the Admission Committee, including projects on which you have worked.

3.  Applicants must submit a GRE Test score, OR a Portfolio, OR Both. If submitting the GRE, all test scores must be reported to the ETC directly, by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Please use institution code 2074 when having your scores sent to the ETC.  (You may leave the department code blank.)  Portfolios can be made up of examples of graphic arts, traditional artwork, music, writing, coding, or any other creative medium that highlights your skill set(s). It should include documentation that best represents your talent, abilities and potential.

4.  A $75 application fee payable by credit card. The application fee is non-refundable.

5.  Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic or professional qualifications. Recommendation requests are sent directly from the online application system via email to the person writing your recommendation.

6.  TOEFL or IELTS scores, if English is not your native language/mother tongue, official scores should be forwarded to ETC by Educational Testing Service (ETS)  and be no more than two years old.  Please use institution code 2074 when having your scores sent to the ETC.  (You may leave the department code blank.) ibTOEFL Requirements: 92 total

• ibTOEFL Listening Subscore 23
• ibTOEFL Reading Subscore 23
• ibTOEFL Speaking Subscore 23
• ibTOEFL Writing Subscore 23

IELTS minimum 7.

7.  A copy of official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate studies mailed to:

Director of Admissions
Entertainment Technology Center
700 Technology Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15219 USA

8. A admission’s interview after you have submitted your interview.  We will be conducting interviews on site and via Skype.  After your application has been submitted, you will be given further instructions.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course