Mason Online

Degree: Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate

Contemporary Dispute Resolution (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dispute Resolution is to prepare individuals with the analytical and practical skills using process such as mediation, negotiation, coaching or facilitation to deal effectively with disputes in work settings including schools, businesses, and local and state government. Students will be prepared to analyze and understand disputes in the context of larger social, structures (for example: economic and racial inequality, unequal access to the justice and education systems). Students will be trained to identify and implement appropriate dispute resolution strategies. Students will learn to analyze the factors underlying disputes, recognize power differential among disputing parties, and choose appropriate strategies to address those factors. Graduates will be able to use dispute resolution methodologies including mediation, negotiation, coaching and facilitation to assist people to manage disputes.

Mass Atrocity and Genocide Prevention (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Earn your Certificate in just 12 weeks during our Summer Term!

The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Mass Atrocity and Genocide Prevention is to provide students with practical knowledge of conflict analysis and resolution relevant to Mass Atrocity Prevention, including genocide and mass violence prevention. Designed for mid-career professionals studying in a cohort environment, or graduate students seeking specialized, practical knowledge, the certificate program integrates conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical techniques of preventing mass atrocities. Certificate courses include intensive sessions, lectures, seminars, and applied-mentored learning in real and simulated situations. Students learn strategies to prevent mass atrocities through policy planning, diplomacy, civil society building, development, and education. Graduates are prepared to apply peacebuilding, dialogue, and conflict resolution approaches designed specifically for hot spots where mass atrocities seem likely to occur.

Business Fundamentals (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Develop a strong foundation in the core principles of business with a graduate certificate in business fundamentals from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Designed to complement your current skillset by adding a fundamental understanding of effective business practices in key areas of business: accounting, finance, management, and marketing.

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George Mason University’s graduate certificate in business fundamentals is designed for graduate students in other non-business disciplines or those looking to quickly upskill in foundational business knowledge.

Develop both your soft skills (such as leadership, collaboration, and communication) and hard skills (such as analysis, management, and implementation). Aid your decision-making by learning how to develop tools for understanding individual and group behaviors, make and implement effective marketing decisions, analyze financial statements, and apply financial theory to investments.

Students who complete at least two business fundamentals certificate courses with grades of B or better will have their application requirements for the master’s in management program reduced should they choose to apply. Courses taken for the business fundamentals certificate can be applied to the MBA or master’s in management program upon acceptance into the program.

Human Capital and HR Management (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Successful companies drive organizational success by investing in their employees. Following guidelines from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the graduate certificate in human capital and human resource (HR) management is designed to help you build essential skills for effective human capital development, including change management, employee selection, performance management, and workforce training.

Information Security Management (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Connect principles of information technology, computer systems management, and business operations to organizational information security.

Learn how to implement tailored information security solutions, become adept at leading strategic discussions, and excel in managing complex information security issues with a graduate certificate in information security management from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

George Mason University’s graduate certificate in information security management positions you to manage relationships between technical security experts and non-technical employees so you can serve as a vital liaison in any organization.

Through your coursework you’ll explore common issues in information security management and the programs needed to address them. You’ll also learn to use automated tools and data-driven decision making in information security, and to effectively coordinate project teams of cybersecurity engineers.

Students who complete at least two information security management certificate courses with grades of B or better will have their application requirements for our MBA program or master’s in management program reduced, and certificate course credits can be applied towards your degree requirements upon enrollment.

Government Accounting (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Improve your government financial management knowledge with a graduate certificate in government accounting from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Better understand the expansive nature of government accounting and gain greater confidence in your career.

George Mason University’s graduate certificate in government accounting, in partnership with Kearney & Company, is an opportunity for you to acquire education in the field of government accounting with a federal government emphasis. Courses in the certificate program will also help prepare you to sit for the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) exam sponsored by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

Forensic Accounting (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Dive into the emerging field of forensic accounting with a graduate certificate in forensic accounting from George Mason University. Forensic accountants are employed by public accounting firms’ forensic accounting divisions; by consulting firms specializing in risk consulting and forensic accounting services; or by lawyers, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, government organizations, or financial institutions. Due to heightened awareness and growing intolerance of fraudulent activity, demand for forensic accountants is rapidly increasing.

Concentrations

  • Accounting

Accounting for Government Contracts (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Support the specific needs of the $500 billion government contracting industry with a graduate certificate in accounting for government contracts from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. Courses in the certificate program will also help prepare you to sit for the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) exam sponsored by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

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George Mason University’s graduate certificate in accounting for government contracts, in partnership with Unanet, is an opportunity to acquire education in the field of government accounting with a federal government contracting emphasis. Courses in the certificate program will also help prepare you to sit for the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) exam sponsored by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

Employers, whether government contractors or service providers of government contractors, have a significant need for employees with knowledge of acquisition regulations, project (cost) accounting, and the processes and systems required to remain compliant. Courses in this program will prepare you to meet that need and include the fundamentals of government contracting, auditing for government contracts, and how to adhere to the specific regulations required.

Students who complete at least two accounting for government contracts certificate courses with grades of B or better will have their application requirements for our master’s in accounting program reduced, and certificate course credits can be applied towards your master’s in accounting degree requirements upon enrollment.

Concentrations

  • Accounting

Spanish Heritage Language Education (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (SHLE) is an innovative interdisciplinary program that prepares educators and affiliated professionals to advocate for heritage speakers of Spanish as well as to design and implement teaching materials and curricula for heritage speakers of Spanish. The SHLE certificate, which can be completed fully online, will provide you with expertise on the educational needs of heritage speakers of Spanish as well as antiracist, social justice-oriented approaches to teaching Spanish. You’ll also learn about current Latinx and Latin American literature, culture, film, and television, and how to effectively incorporate them into Spanish curricula.

Please visit the program page on the Spanish Department website for more information on the program.

Data Analytics (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Data analytics engineering has become an important activity for addressing Big Data and analytics required to solve problems and acquire valuable insights. The online Graduate certificate in Data Analytics engineering from George Mason University provides you with both knowledge and experience for working and solving real-world data analytics engineering problems. The certificate is a career enabler for students and working professionals that are interested in acquiring skills to expand the focus and scope of their current problem solving capabilities in the context of Big Data.

The certificate is based on four data analytics foundation courses and can be completed in roughly 12-months.  The foundation courses cover the key concepts and principals for practicing data analytics engineering roles of data engineering, data scientist, and data architect.

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Concepts covered include:

  • Data, data quality, and large volumes of data
  • Data management and data mining
  • Modeling and model usage for making decisions
  • Statistical methods and visualization

If you decide to enroll in the online MS in Data Analytics Engineering degree at a later point, credits from the graduate certificate will apply. For more information on the MS in Data Analytics Engineering click here.

Learn In a Top-Ranked School

George Mason University’s College of Engineering and Computing has worked with Big Data and cybersecurity for more than 25 years. It’s led by faculty with rich industry experience and connections who draw upon both to teach a proven, career-focused curriculum.

Top 100 Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report, 2023