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.
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 will open very soon. You can see the classes and schedule below.
Python Programming (Fairfax: July 8 - 12)
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.Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Week 4 July 8 – 12
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 12 and up
Minecraft 3D Modeling and Animation (Manassas: July 8 - 12)
In this intro course, students will learn fundamental knowledge in Game Design, 3D Modeling, 3D Texturing, coding, and Character Design, with a focus on the popular game Minecraft. Students will utilize software tools such as Blockbench 3D for creating their own Minecraft blocks/mobs, Visual Studio Code for modifying the mob’s behavior, and Minecraft Java Edition for playing/testing their mods.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Manassas) George Mason Sci Tech Campus
Dates: Week 4 July 8 – 12
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 11 and up
Unreal 3D Game Design (Fairfax: July 15 - 19)
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:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Week 5 July 15 – 19
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 12 and up
Roblox Game Development (Manassas: July 15 - 19)
In this intro course, students will use the Roblox game platform to learn game design and development. This class is for students who have a budding interest in game design, art and programming. The instructors will teach the student how to use the Roblox game platform to create levels and worlds for their avatars to play and roam around in. The subjects taught will include game design, level design and basic programming
Prerequisites:
Roblox account
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Manassas) George Mason Sci Tech Campus
Dates: Week 5 July 15 – 19
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 11 and up
3D Modeling with Blender (Manassas: July 22 - 26)
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:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Manassas) George Mason Sci Tech Campus
Dates: Week 6 July 22 – 26
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 12 and up
Game Design with Unity (Fairfax: July 29 - August 2)
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:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Week 7 July 29 – August 2
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 12 and up
Advanced 3D Modeling with Blender (Fairfax: July 29 - August 2)
In this course, students will learn 3D techniques using the Blender software, a free and open-source software used by both beginners and experts in the 3D animation/modeling industry. This class is for students who are interested in making 3D art for video games and film. The students will review the basics of Blender, after which, they will be exploring more advanced topics such as advanced 3D modeling techniques, 3D sculpting, lighting/rendering, scene composition and texture painting.
Please Note:
This class is more advanced than the normal 3D Modeling with Blender class and while it is not required that the student has taken this course previously, it is recommended that the student has some knowledge of 3D modeling. We will review the basics on the first day and then be delving into the more advanced subjects for the following 4 days.
Prerequisites:
Some 3D modeling knowledge
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Week 7 July 29 – August 2
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 13 and up
2D Digital Art for Games (Fairfax: July 29 - August 2)
In this intro course, students will learn the fundamentals of Photoshop and creating 2D art for games. This class is for students who are interested in drawing, animation and creating their own worlds and characters. The instructors will teach the student how to use a drawing tablet using the Photoshop software. The subjects taught will include Photoshop basics, concept art, character design, pixel art and animation and UV texturing for 3D models.
Prerequisites:
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: (Fairfax) George Mason University
Dates: Week 7 July 29 – August 2
Times: 9 AM – 4 PM (45 mins for lunch)
Ages: 11 and up
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.
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.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Fairfax George Mason Campus
Dates: Saturdays: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20
Times: 10 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
Ages: 12 and up
Advanced Unity Game Programming (Fairfax) (Registration Closed)
This class is a more advanced version of MGTA’s into to Game Design with Unity, offering a more in depth understanding of how to solve problems using more advanced coding methods. Students will learn how to solve problems using the fundamentals of programming to create effective and maintainable solutions in code. The course offers a collection of instructor led tutorials aimed at deepening the understanding of problem-solving through code as well as an instructor assisted final project where the student will create code from scratch, giving additional functionality to a base template project.
Please Note that this class is much quicker paced than the usual classes at MGTA. The class is 1 hour longer than normal and will only run for 4 weeks.
Prerequisites:
Students are expected to have a familiarity with Java and/or C# as well as an understanding of Algebra prior to taking this course.
Students are expected to know their way around a keyboard as well as basic computer skills such as navigating through files.
Location: Fairfax George Mason Campus
Dates: Saturdays: 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23
Times: 9 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
Ages: 13 and up
Roblox Game Development (Manassas) (Registration Closed)
In this intro course, students will use the Roblox game platform to learn game design and development. This class is for students who have a budding interest in game design, art and programming. The instructors will teach the student how to use the Roblox game platform to create levels and worlds for their avatars to play and roam around in. The subjects taught will include game design, level design and basic programming
Prerequisites:
Roblox account
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Manassas George Mason Sci Tech Campus
Dates: Saturdays: 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 4/6, 4/13
Times: 10 AM – 3 PM (1 hour off for lunch)
Ages: 11 and up
After-School: Game Design with Unity (Virtual) (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.
Please note that this course is a virtual course. Students will need to have reliable internet and computers to stream the lessons from the instructor.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Virtual classroom
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays
March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20
April 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
Times: 4 PM – 6 PM
Ages: 12 and up
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.
