Program Overview
The Computer Game Design at George Mason University is a MA programme in Computer Science & IT over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of computer science & it. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Computer Game Design programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Fairfax, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Computer Game Design programme are prepared for diverse careers in computer science & it:
- Software Engineer / Developer
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- IT Project Manager
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cloud Solutions Architect
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Research Methodologies in Game Design
- Computer Game Design Graduate Seminar,
- Game Business, Entrepreneurship, and Practice
- Game Production,
- Teaching Practicum
- Graduate Internship
- Advanced Game Art
- Advanced Game Animation
- Issues in Interactive Entertainment
- Game Studio Management
- Advanced Music and Sound for Games
- Interactive Game Systems Design
- Selected Topics, Movements, or Genres of Literature in English
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
Admission Requirements
Admission is contingent on satisfactory completion of in-progress course work, and graduation with a Bachelor degree, with a 3.0 GPA, or higher, from an accredited undergraduate institute of higher education. The following items are required with applications for admission in the M.A. in Computer Game Design Degree Program :
- Completed online application for graduate study;
- Application fee;
- Two official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended;
- Three letters of recommendation: letters from instructors, professional supervisors, who can evaluate the applicant\'s academic potential;
- Goals statement: 1,000 words, double spaced, 12 font;
- Writing sample: essay, review, project written within the last 3 years for academic course, college publication or competition, or for professional or community activity;
- Evidence of computer programming knowledge, at a minimum of 3 credits (undergraduate or graduate) of Peral or Python, and 3 credits of Java or C# is required; (Note: Course work must be evident on a college transcript)
- Portfolio: should be a website URL displaying 20 examples of the applicants\' most accomplished work: the applicant\'s portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant\'s most accomplished work. The portfolio URL should be sent to CVPA Graduate Admissions
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact George Mason University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About George Mason University
George Mason University
Fairfax County, United States
public liberal arts and research university in Fairfax County, Virginia
University Profile- Application Deadline Oct, 2026
- Start Date Jan, 2027
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
