MISSION STATEMENT

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 was founded in 2013 to provide students the rare opportunity to engage with university professors and advanced Game Design and CS students, through challenging enrichment courses that combine all of the STEM core competences in a challenging, fun and engaging way. 

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 .

We offer age appropriate courses for students ages 9-18, Teacher Training, Executive Education Certificates, and Adult Enrichment course. 

View our course catalog HERE:

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.  Capture the energy and magic of a live classroom by engaging in real-time learning and peer to peer interaction!