MGTA PROGRAM
The MGTA Prep Program offers Game Design and STEM classes in spring, summer and fall. 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.
For more general information on our programs, please visit our Program FAQs page HERE.
Spring, summer and fall classes are listed below.
Fall Classes
MGTA’s Fall program is 6 classes which take place on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Welcome Letters and detailed program information will be emailed before classes start, with information concerning schedule, directions and classroom locations.
Registration is now closed.
Python Programming (Fairfax) (Registration Closed)
In this intro course, students will learn the fundamentals of Python and computer programming. This class is for students who are interested learning coding for video games and beyond. The subjects taught will include basic control structures such as boolean conditions, loops, and functions. More advanced topics include primitive python data structures such as using and manipulating lists, dictionaries, and creating a working game.
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Saturdays: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16
Ages: 12 to 18
Times: 10 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
Unreal 3D Game Design (Fairfax) (Registration Closed)
In this intro course, students will learn the fundamentals of the Unreal engine and coding with Blueprints. This class is for students who are interested in game design, building levels, and scripting gameplay features. The instructors will teach the student industry standard workflows with one of the most popular game development software. The subjects taught will include, Blueprint scripting, level design, importing assets, materials, and the basics of object-oriented programing
Prerequisites: Students should be reasonably proficient with a keyboard and mouse as this course requires some typing.
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Saturdays: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16
Ages: 12 to 18
Times: 10 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
3D Modeling with Blender (Manassas) (Registration Closed)
In this intro course, students will learn the basics of Blender, a free and open-source 3D software used by both beginners and experts in the 3D animation/modeling industry. This class is for students who are interested in making 3D models and animation for video games and movies. The instructors will teach the student how to use the Blender software to create a game character completely from scratch. The subjects taught will include Blender basics, 3D Modeling, color/texture materials, rigging and animation and lighting/rendering.
Prerequisites: Students should be reasonably proficient with a keyboard and mouse as this course requires some typing.
Location: (Manassas) George Mason Sci Tech Campus
Dates: Saturdays: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16
Ages: 12 to 18
Times: 10 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
Game Design with Unity (Manassas) (Registration Closed)
In this intro course, students will learn game design and development using the Unity game engine. This class is for students who are interested in making games as a potential career. The instructors will teach the student how to use the Unity engine by programming in C#. The subjects taught will include Unity basics, programming/C# fundamentals, level design and 2D game design.
Prerequisites: Students should be reasonably proficient with a keyboard and mouse as this course requires some typing.
Location: (Manassas) George Mason Sci Tech Campus
Dates: Saturdays: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16
Ages: 12 to 18
Times: 10 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
Spring Classes
MGTA’s Spring program is 6 classes which take place on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM.
The classes are located at George Mason University on the Fairfax campus or the Manassas campus. Please see class details.
Welcome Letters and detailed program information will be emailed before classes start, with information concerning schedule, directions and classroom locations.
Registration for spring is now closed for 2024.
Summer Classes
MGTA’s Summer program consists of five-day commuter classes that meet from 9 am to 4 pm each day.
The classes are located at George Mason University on either the Fairfax or Manassas campus. Please see class details.
Welcome Letters and detailed program information will be emailed before classes start, with information concerning schedule, directions, class locations, pick-up and drop-off information.
Registration for summer is now closed for 2024.