Graduate Certificate in Narrative Design — Online

Develop expertise in creating interactive, media-rich stories for digital platforms through practice-oriented problem-solving approaches that meet growing industry demand.

Boston, MA Online

Take a Quick Look

We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.

Enrollment
Full-Time, Part-Time
Entry Terms
Fall, Spring
Completion Time
6-12 Months
F1 Visa Eligible
No
Program Type
Online

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Narrative Design provides interdisciplinary training in storytelling, interactive design, and digital media production. This program prepares students for roles in the gaming industry, digital entertainment, and interactive media by teaching them how to create compelling narratives that enhance user engagement and drive commercial success.

Students gain real-world experience through practice-oriented problem-solving approaches and real-world projects with industry collaborations. The certificate offers maximum flexibility for completion and helps establish pathways toward advanced degree programs for continued professional development.

Program Features

  1. Flexible learning options: Complete coursework through a combination of on-ground and virtual models built to accommodate working professionals.
  2. Global perspective: Learn alongside students from more than 15 countries, engaging with diverse cultural storytelling traditions and building international professional networks.
  3. Industry connections: Collaborate on real-world projects with gaming and digital media industry partners, gaining practical experience with immediate professional application.
  4. Expert faculty: Learn from renowned faculty with extensive experience in narrative design, game development, and interactive media production.

Career Prospects

Job Title Average Annual Salary (US) Source
Associate Narrative Designer $65,700 Glassdoor
Narrative Designer $92,700 Glassdoor
Senior Narrative Designer $106,000 Glassdoor
Lead Narrative Designer $99,000 (often up to ~$120,000+) Glassdoor

Program Curriculum

For details on required courses, concentrations, and electives, please consult the current academic catalog.

Faculty

  • Paul Lienard

    Full bio

  • Simon Cleveland

    Dr. Simon Cleveland, PMP, CSM, CSPO, ITIL, SSBB is a lecturer in project management at Northeastern University. He has worked for MD Anderson Cancer Center, NASA, and Accenture.
    Full bio

  • Tania Schlatter

    Full bio

Application Deadlines

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Admissions

Let’s Find Your Path Forward

Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.

Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727

Explore our Application Process