Apply

Apply to George Mason through the Common Application or visit Mason's Admissions office for more information and to apply with the Mason Exclusive Online Application. After applying, and once you receive your G# from Admissions, you can move to step two. For current Mason students, see step two below.

In addition to the application to George Mason University, the Computer Game Design BFA requires the submission of two writing samples (see prompts below) and allows applicants the option to submit samples of artwork. You are strongly encouraged to submit your writing sample as soon as you receive your G# from admissions, in Step One.

Submit your materials through Slideroom. (Writing sample submission deadlines are due within two weeks of your application.)

Deadlines are as follows:

Freshmen

• Early Action deadline (Admissions application) – November 1
  • Deadline for GAME writing prompts - November 7

• Regular Decision deadline (Admissions application) – February 1
  • Deadline for GAME writing prompts - February 7

Transfers

• Spring admission priority deadline (Admissions application) – October 1
  • Deadline for GAME writing prompts to be submitted within two weeks

• Fall admission priority deadline (Admissions application) – March 1
  • Deadline for GAME writing prompts to be submitted within two weeks

Please note the following: 

The required writing sample is listed as "Portfolio" on the university application. You may see it referred to this when checking on the status of your application.   

Mason Korea

Find information about admissions requirements to Mason Korea.

Submit your materials here for Mason Korea. 

Write a 250- to 300-word essay about your interest in computer game design. Address why studying game design will help fulfill your intellectual/artistic, and professional goals, detail what industry career path interests you, and talk about how your studies will help you achieve that goal.

Write a 500-word review for a current computer or video game. Break down the game into its various elements and critique how they work in concert to deliver a unified experience to the player (or don't). How does the game compare with other current games in its genre? Support your claims with reasoned arguments. 

OR 

Write a 500-word response to an article about game culture. Find a news article or blog post that discusses race, violence, gender, or other current issues in games (please include a link). How do you see the article as relevant to your studies and future plans as a professional game designer? Do you agree with the author’s claims? Why? How might designers and players address this issue in the future? 

OR 

Write a 500-word “pitch” for an original game. Present an idea to potential producers/investors. Outline the mechanics, world, and characters of the game (be sure to include the title, genre, and target audience). Why would your game succeed? How is it different from other games on the market? 

Portfolio reviews are not required for students wishing to pursue a minor in Computer Game Design. The Computer Game Design minor requires 18-19 credits of coursework. For more information, please visit the Computer Game Design Minor page in the university catalog. 

Please contact Jeremy Tuohy to schedule an appointment to declare the minor.

Portfolio reviews are not required for students wishing to pursue a minor in Sport and Computer Game Design. The Sport and Computer Game Design minor requires 18-credits of coursework. For more information, please visit the Sport and Computer Game Design Minor page in the university catalog. 

Please contact Craig Esherick to schedule an appointment to declare the minor.