Mason Game and Technology Academy 2025

The MGTA Prep Program offers Game Design and STEM classes in spring, summer and fall for students ages 9 through 18 both on-campus at George Mason University (in Fairfax, VA) and online. All of our Prep classes are taught by a mix of George Mason University faculty, graduates, and advanced-level students to maximize on fun, interactive, and cutting-edge instruction. With subjects from Game Design to Intro to Python to Art and Animation, there is a class for everyone.

The Mason Game & Technology Academy has developed an exciting and engaging STEM & Game program curriculum this fall. All of our online courses include a mix of live streamed interactive learning experiences combined with team and/or virtual classroom research, design, and creation time, as well as help sessions from TAs.

One of the most transformational community programs in the nation, The Mason Game & Technology Academy (MGTA) is part of the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI) and the nationally acclaimed Mason Computer Game Design Program. MGTA inspires students to pursue advanced studies in the STEM fields of the future, and helps prepare them for success.

MGTA classes are developed and taught by faculty and graduate students from Mason’s Game Design and Computer Science programs. Many of the faculty members and students also have start-ups at the VSGI, and engage in applied research in Serious Game development, mixed reality, or ML/AI. They bring their academic and industry experience into each class, inspiring and mentoring participating students to also aspire them to be the next wave of entrepreneurs.

MGTA courses are modeled after the university’s Computer Game Design program’s curriculum, infusing aspects of entrepreneurship, team dynamics, and project-based learning into every class. MGTA classes bridge education and technology through experiential learning activities that ensure student engagement. The program does not teach students how to “use” software; instead, it teaches them long lasting skill sets that help them adapt to the rapid changes and advancements in technology.

MGTA classes have small student-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized instruction customized to each student’s learning pace and interests within each course topic. Each class concludes with a final project and presentation, to enhance participants’ college application portfolios .

Experience on-site commuter courses in the Computer Game Design Labs at Mason in Fairfax, and Prince William or enroll in our pre-college residential program and experience tours of the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI). We have Fall & Spring weekend classes and summer programs available.

You can also take classes from anywhere at our MGTA Virtual Academy.