Freshmen applicants are encouraged to apply to George Mason University by the November 1 Early Action deadline for full university scholarship consideration.
Game Design at George Mason wants every interested student to have the ability to pursue their education and develop their talent and skills. Scholarship opportunities are open to all students, undergraduate and graduate, unless otherwise noted.
Opportunities specific to the Game Design program are detailed below, and we strongly encourage students to apply by the November 1 early action deadline to also be considered for university admission scholarships.
Computer Game Scholarship Fund and Program Support Fund
These are two funds to which people may donate at any time. The Scholarship fund is also used to allocate the scholarship awards. The funds provides scholarships for and general operating support to the Computer Game Design Program.
Scholarships
Computer Game Design Program Scholarship
OVERVIEW
Undergraduate Computer Game Design students are invited to apply for the Computer Game Design Program Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This highly competitive and prestigious merit-based award recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creative excellence, and strong potential for leadership in the field of game design.
The Computer Game Design Program Scholarship is designed to elevate the quality of students’ academic and professional experiences by supporting their continued growth within George Mason University’s nationally recognized Computer Game Design Program. This undergraduate scholarship will enhance students’ learning experience in the Computer Game Design Program at George Mason University, enabling recipients to further develop the advanced technical, creative, and critical skill sets necessary to thrive in the evolving game design industry.
Through this distinguished award, selected scholars are given the opportunity to fully dedicate themselves to their studies, creative practice, and professional development, positioning them for future success in the global game design and interactive media landscape.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & DEADLINE
Applicants must be declared Computer Game Design majors prior to applying for this scholarship. Continuing students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in the major and a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA. Freshman applicants must have a minimum 3.5 unweighted high school GPA. Awards will be granted in semester increments equal to half of the total award.
Award recipients are expected to actively engage in program-related events and initiatives, coordinated through Ms. Mary Bean, Academic Program and Office Manager of the Computer Game Design Program. While the scholarship may be renewed, recipients must reapply annually to be considered for continued support.
The submission deadline is May 15th, 2026.
Students enrolled at Mason Korea are eligible to apply only if they are formally transitioning to the Fairfax Campus for the 2026–2027 academic year.
All applications must include:
1. A completed Computer Game Design Program Scholarship Application Form
2. A 2–3 page personal essay addressing the applicant’s achievements and qualifications
3. An additional 1–2 page essay reflecting on how the Computer Game Design Program has shaped the applicant as a designer
Freshman applicants may instead submit a 1–2 page essay outlining future goals and aspirations within the program
4. A portfolio or representative work samples
5. A current transcript (.pdf from Patriot Web is acceptable)
6. A letter of support
Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 may be compiled into a single folder labeled with the applicant’s last name and submitted as a compressed file via OneDrive or Google Drive. Applicants must provide a download link within the application form.
The application packet should be submitted online. The letter of support must be sent separately to Ms. Mary Bean.
CONDITIONS OF THE AWARD
Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in the major and a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA throughout the award period. Scholars are expected to actively contribute to the program community through participation in designated events and activities.
At the conclusion of the award term (Spring semester), recipients must submit a final reflective essay detailing how the scholarship has enhanced their academic and creative development within the program. Failure to meet these conditions may result in revocation of the award and the requirement to return awarded funds.
SELECTION PROCESS
Recipients will be selected through a rigorous review process conducted by a committee of faculty and staff from the Computer Game Design Program. Applicants may be contacted for additional information or invited to participate in an interview as part of the evaluation process.
Final awardees will be formally announced on the Computer Game Design Program website.
INQUIRIES
All questions regarding the scholarship should be directed to Ms. Mary Bean.
An invitation to apply for this Scholarship is sent out via email to current students only. Students can only apply for one scholarship.
Beck Family Scholarship for Computer Game Design
OVERVIEW
Undergraduate and graduate Computer Game Design students are invited to apply for the Beck Family Scholarship for Computer Game Design for the 2026–2027 academic year. This competitive merit-based award recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, creative achievement, and continued growth within the field of game design.
The Beck Family Scholarship is intended to support dedicated students as they advance their academic and creative work within George Mason University’s Computer Game Design Program. By providing targeted financial support, the scholarship enables recipients to further refine their portfolios, expand their technical and artistic capabilities, and pursue meaningful opportunities that contribute to their professional development in the game design industry.
Through this award, selected students are encouraged to deepen their engagement with the discipline, strengthen their creative voice, and continue building a foundation for long-term success in interactive media and game development.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & DEADLINE
Applicants must be current students in the Computer Game Design program and must have completed at least one academic year (minimum of 12 credits) at George Mason University prior to applying. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
The submission deadline is May 15th, 2026.
Students enrolled at Mason Korea are eligible to apply only if they are formally transitioning to the Fairfax Campus for the 2026–2027 academic year.
All applications must include:
1. A completed Beck Family Scholarship Application Form
2. A personal statement (1–2 pages) addressing the applicant’s academic progress, creative development, and future goals in game design
3. A portfolio or representative work samples
4. A current transcript (.pdf from Patriot Web is acceptable)
5. A letter of support (optional)
Items 2, 3, and 4 may be compiled into a single folder labeled with the applicant’s last name and submitted as a compressed file via OneDrive or Google Drive. Applicants must provide a download link within the application form.
The application packet should be submitted online.
CONDITIONS OF THE AWARD
Recipients are expected to maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA throughout the award period. Scholars are encouraged to remain actively engaged in their academic and creative work within the program.
SELECTION PROCESS
Recipients will be selected through a formal review process conducted by faculty and/or staff representatives from the Computer Game Design Program. The selection committee will evaluate applicants based on academic performance, quality of portfolio work, and demonstrated potential for continued growth in the field.
Applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification during the review process.
Final awardees will be announced on the Computer Game Design Program website.
INQUIRIES
All questions regarding the scholarship should be directed to Ms. Mary Bean.
An invitation to apply for this Scholarship is sent out via email to current students only. Students can only apply for one scholarship.
Pursuing a career in the gaming industry is something I look forward to....Receiving this scholarship not only supports my family in financing my education but also motivates me to maintain the standard of academic excellence that I have set for myself. Thank you again for believing in students like myself and supporting our ability to focus on our studies while attending George Mason University through your support of scholarship programs.
Academic Works
Academic Works is a useful tool for searching many scholarships across colleges and programs here at George Mason University.