BFA in Computer Game Design

Technology + Design = Opportunity

Catalog Year: 2020-2021

The 120-credit Computer Game Design program enables students to focus on the artistic components of computer game design while providing them with the technical skills prerequisite to the field.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 120

Mason Core

ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core) 1 3
ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 3
AVT 180 New Media in the Creative Arts 3
MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4
Select one from the following: 4
PHYS 103
 Physics and Everyday Phenomena I (Mason Core)  
PHYS 160& PHYS 161
 University Physics I (Mason Core)
and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) (or another laboratory science course approved by advisor)		  
PSYC 100 Basic Concepts in Psychology (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 20

Non-Specific Mason Core Requirements

Oral Communication 3
Arts 3
Literature 3
Natural Science 1 4
Western Civilization/World History 3
Global Understanding 3
Total Credits 19

Approved courses may be found under the Mason Core section of this catalog.

Major Core 

AVT 104 Two-Dimensional Design and Color (Mason Core) 3
GAME 140 Applied Coding for Game Designers 3
or CS 112 Introduction to Computer Programming
GAME 101 Introduction to Game Design (Mason Core) 3
or GAME 210 Basic Game Design
GAME 230 History of Computer Game Design 3
GAME 231 Computer Animation for Games 3
GAME 232 Online and Mobile Gaming 3
GAME 250 Music for Film and Video 3
GAME 300 Portfolio Preparation 1
GAME 310 Game Design Studio 3
GAME 330 Computer Game Platform Analysis 3
GAME 331 Consumer Gaming Platform Analysis Lab 1
GAME 332 RS: Story Design for Computer Games 3
GAME 367 Writing and Editing Music and Sound 3
GAME 398 Advanced Game Design Animation 3
GAME 410 Advanced Game Design Studio 3
GAME 489 Pre-Internship Seminar 1
Six credits of 6
GAME 490
 Senior Game Design Capstone (Mason Core) (Must be taken twice for 3 credits each)  
GAME 491 Internship 3-4
Total Credits 51-52

Digital Media Electives

Select at least 12 credits from the following (or another course approved by your advisor): 12
AVT 280
 Introduction to New Media Arts  
AVT 354
 Digital Photography II  
AVT 382
 2D Experimental Animation  
AVT 383
 3D Experimental Animation  
AVT 390
 Video Art  
AVT 482
 Advanced Image Making  
AVT 487
 Advanced Topics: New Media Art  
ENGH 372
 Introduction to Film (Mason Core)  
FAVS 399
 Special Topics in Film and Video Studies  
GAME 320
 Digital Painting for Games  
GAME 399
 Special Topics  
GAME 431
 Advanced Game Animation I  
Total Credits 12

Visual Arts Electives

Select 6-8 credits from the following (or another course approved by your advisor): 6-8
AVT 215
 Typography (Mason Core)  
AVT 217
 Introduction to Web Design  
AVT 222
 Drawing I (Mason Core)  
AVT 232
 Painting I (Mason Core)  
AVT 243
 Printmaking I (Mason Core)  
AVT 252
 Darkroom Photography I (Mason Core)  
AVT 262
 Sculpture I (Mason Core)  
AVT 311
 Graphic Design Methods and Principles  
AVT 323
 Drawing II  
AVT 324
 Figure Drawing  
AVT 333
 Painting II  
AVT 337
 Figurative Painting  
AVT 343
 Printmaking II  
AVT 353
 Darkroom Photography II  
AVT 363
 Sculpture II  
Total Credits 6-8

General Electives

Select 8-11 credits of General Electives 8-11
Total Credits 8-11