Summer Games Research & Learning
The important and flourishing field of Gaming offers an exciting opportunity to expand the range of inquiry and invigorate interests in research for gifted high school students who will become future leaders.
UCI x GATI’s GSET is pioneering both the content of the instruction — emphasizing the intersection of technology, computational analysis, new media, and traditional interpretive modes — as well as in the integrated cross-departmental nature of the course of study. With connections to an impressive range of existing majors — including Anthropology, Art, Communication, Computer Science, Digital Humanities, Education, English, Music, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology—the program offers gifted pre-collegiate students an opportunity to cross disciplinary boundaries, build critical technical skills, and explore research opportunities as well as future careers affiliated with the gaming industry.
UCI x GATI looks for visionaries, researchers, developers who can not only play games, but also design, research, and create them. Our GSET program will take you through the wide spectrum of careers and fields related to games, including esports, gamification, game research, and more.
GSET will help you achieve your college and game-related goals by giving you access to experienced mentors that will help you realize your college goals, and by enabling you to pitch your ideas to judges, investors, and other people who can help take your ideas from GSET to the world.
For Future Majors in:
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Sociology
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Communication
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Digital Humanities
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Computer Science
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Political Science
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Psychology
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Education
The Entire Gaming Ecosystem:
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Esports
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Game Design
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Research
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Shoutcasting
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Business
Popular Research Topics:
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Rage or Sage: Social Effects of Extreme Gaming
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Psychological Benefits of Gaming
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Gamification of Learning
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Communication and Gaming
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Call of Duty: Gamification of Warfare
GSET Curriculum
Research
Game-Based Research & Learning
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Research topics in esports and games with top faculty and leaders in informatics and gaming.
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Access to UCI's resources for game-based research, including the esports arena and state-of-the-art labs.
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Get feedback on your explorations of gamification, game learning and game science.
Innovation
Application &
Design
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Apply elements of game design, including design mechanics, user research, virtual reality and augmented reality.
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Create and prototype basic games or esports concept with guidance from industry professionals.
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Pitch esports club/organization or a game concept to principals, investors and/or judges.
Every GSET fellow will experience the entire gaming ecosystem through various lectures, workshops, and activities. Your capstone projects should integrate research and innovation/entrepreneurial skills.
GSET Daily Residential Schedule
Morning Classes
Lectures &
Innovation Workshops
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Attend university lectures and workshops on game science, game learning and innovation.
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Work closely with world's leading professors and experts in games and digital media
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Learn how to turn your idea into a real project, organization, and/or business.
Afternoon Arena / Lab
Research & Site Visits
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Engage in research of cognitive, intellectual and social aspects of esports and multiplayer online video games.
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Special access to UCI esports arena and state-of-art research facilities for hands-on demonstrations of advanced lab techniques.
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Field trips to / Guests speakers from gaming and entertainment companies in Southern California.
Evening Innovation
Capstone Projects
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Connect your gaming knowledge and experience with college-readiness.
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Build long-lasting relationships with mentors and other gifted and talented students from around the world.
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Complete your capstone project(s) — design your own game, compete in leagues, build your presentation for establishing your own high school esports club and/or finalize your cognitive research on game learning.
Tuition & Scholarship
Program Fees*: $4,595 (2 college credits**)
* Fees include all college credits, instructional materials, room & board and GSET-arranged activities.
**All UCI credit is earned in conjunction with UCI Division of Continuing Education.
Scholarships Available for:
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California residents
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Outstanding applicants that demonstrate superior knowledge and skills in gaming (i.e. game design, esports, game research, etc)
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UCI DUE (Division of Undergraduate Education) full-ride scholarship for a member of an underrepresented group in Gaming/Game Science


