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George Mason University
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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Computer Game Design


Art and Design Building, Room 2019
Phone: 703-993-5734
Web: http://game.gmu.edu

Faculty

Scott Martin, Program Director

Associate Professor: Martin (director), Willis

Assistant Professors: Grimsby, Hudson, Nam (associate director, graduate coordinator), Nolan, Piccione, Wren

Administrative Faculty (Instructional): Casey (associate director, Virginia Serious Game Institute)

Undergraduate Program

The 120-credit Computer Game Design program enables students to focus on the artistic components of computer game design while providing them with the technical skills prerequisite to the field.  Required courses include computer science, art and visual technology, music, the humanities, and computer game design.  The required internship provides students with practical experience that enhances their employability post-graduation.

Undergraduate Admissions

A writing sample will be reviewed prior to admission into the Game Design Program.  Students will either be accepted, provisionally accepted, or denied.  Visit http://game.gmu.edu for further instruction.

Graduate Program

The MA in Computer Game Design prepares graduate students, who may have studied game design at the undergraduate level or who have degrees in a related technology, humanities, or arts discipline, for a career in game development and design. The program’s intention is to prepare students for employment and further study in the computer game design and development fields with a curriculum that reflects the gaming industry’s demand for an academically rigorous, technical program coupled with an understanding of the artistic and creative elements of the evolving field of study.

Graduate Admissions

Admission is competitive. An offer of admission is valid only for the semester for which the student applies.  For application requirements and deadlines, applicants should visit the Computer Game Design website at http://game.gmu.edu. Mason encourages early applications from prospective students who wish to be considered for academic scholarships or grants. 

Courses

The Computer Game Design Program offers all courses designated GAME in the Courses  section of this catalog.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all undergraduate students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students in the BFA in computer game design fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GAME 332 - RS: Story Design for Computer Games Credits: 3 .

Upper-Level Credits

All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses at the 300-499 level.  Fulfilling degree requirements does not guarantee this requirement will be met.

Major GPA

All GAME undergraduate students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major.

All GAME courses except GAME 101 - Introduction to Game Design Credits: 3 , GAME 250 - Music for Film and Video Credits: 3  and GAME 367 - Writing and Editing Music and Sound Credits: 3  must be passed with a grade of C or better.

Academic Policies

All GAME majors are required to adhere to the George Mason University Honor code.  Failure to do so may result in academic sanctions up to an including dismissal from the University.

Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts  for college academic policies.

Programs

    Undergraduate Degree(s)Undergraduate Minor(s)Master’s Degree(s)