Master of Applied Information Technology (MS)
Program Summary
100% Online
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 30 total
Cost Per Credit: $950
Degree: MS
Accreditation: SACSCOC
College/School: College of Engineering and Computing
Start Date: 5/16/2025
Find Your Calling
Program Description
Prepare to lead multidisciplinary teams to successfully support IT strategic initiatives in George Mason's MS in Applied Information Technology (AIT) program.
You'll learn how to justify, design, develop, manage, and sustain mega-systems as you gain extensive knowledge of the top IT fields including:
- Cyber Security
- Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Intelligence Methods
- Natural Language Processing
- IT Management
You'll gain experience in practical, day-to-day IT challenges, learning from highly credentialed and experienced faculty.
The MS in Applied Information Technology offers three tracks, including concentrations in Cyber Security, Data Analytics & Intelligence Methods, and Machine Learning Engineering.
With the Cyber Security concentration, you’ll gain experience addressing the most complex security challenges facing society right now through a high-quality, 100% online curriculum that leverages scholarship, academic research, and industry best practices, processes, and methodologies in the field of cyber security.
The Data Analytics & Intelligence Methods concentration offers a wide variety of methods to convert data in decisions in various contexts; including scarce data to big data, from factual data to probabilistic data, from statistical methods to data mining and intelligence techniques.
The Machine Learning Engineering concentration examines data science techniques to address real-world challenges. With this track, you'll learn how to select, adapt, optimize, and design machine learning algorithms for various applications.
Click to learn more about the program from our award-winning faculty.
Fast Track Option Available for George Mason Engineering Alumni
This option is available for George Mason Engineering alumni who graduated with a 3.0 or better overall GPA, or current George Mason Engineering undergraduates within one semester of graduation with a 3.0 or better GPA (and a final 3.0 or better GPA in the BS must be confirmed prior to first course registration.) Click here for more information or contact your admissions representative.
Application Details
Who should apply?
If you’d like to learn how to excel in leading IT teams with a multidisciplinary approach, this program is essential for you. The ideal applicant will have a BS degree and several years of professional experience. You’ll have a history of strong work performance that demonstrates increasing leadership roles and responsibilities and a working knowledge of information technology. With an unwavering commitment to your technical, analytical, and management skill sets, you will show potential for even broader and higher-level assignments.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
- A GPA of at least 3.00 in the 60 highest-level credits
- Experience in the fundamentals of IT and quantitative methods
- International students must have a TOEFL score of 80 points total overall (with no section minimum) for Graduate Studies and/or Research Assistantships. A score of 88 points total overall (with a minimum of 20 points in each section) is required for international applicants seeking Graduate Assistantships.
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- One letter of recommendation
- Goals statement
- Resume
How do I apply?
Applicants for the online MS in Applied Information Technology should apply here.
Career Opportunities
Career Descriptions
The MS in Applied Information Technology leverages scholarship, academic research, and industry best practices, processes, and methodologies to develop high-potential leaders. You graduate qualified to step into well-paid positions with faster-than-average growth rates such as:
- Machine Learning Engineer: $120,324
- Information Security Analyst: $102,600
- Cybersecurity Manager: $132,180
- Security Systems Administrator: $108,332
- Computer and Information Systems Manager: $159,010
- Data Scientist: $108,660
- Database Administrator and Architect: $98,860
- Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
- Business Intelligence Analyst: $100,910
- Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, and Tester: $110,140
Other titles you can pursue include:
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Security Engineer or Architect
- Intelligence Analyst
- Business Systems Analyst
- Project Management Analyst
- Senior IT Consultant
- Computer Engineers
As a George Mason student, you may contact the George Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.
All career data found in the BLS, accessed December 2, 2020.
Courses
Foundation Courses — 12 Credits
All students take these:
- AIT 512 Algorithms and Data Structures Essentials | 3 credits
- AIT 524 Database Management Systems | 3 credits
- AIT 542 Fundamentals of Computing Platforms | 3 credits
- AIT 664 Information: Representation, Processing, and Visualization | 3 credits
Concentration Courses — 18 Credits
Cyber Security Concentration
Foundation Courses
- AIT 660 Cyber Security Fundamentals | 3 credits
- AIT 670 Cloud Computing Security | 3 credits
- AIT 681 Secure Software Development | 3 credits
- AIT 682 Network and Systems Security | 3 credits
Electives
- AIT 502 Programming Essentials | 3 credits
- AIT 672 Identity and Access Management | 3 credits
- AIT 736 Applied Machine Learning | 3 credits
Data Analytics and Intelligence Methods Concentration
Foundation Courses
- AIT 580 Analytics: Big Data to Information | 3 credits
- AIT 614 Big Data Essentials | 3 credits
- AIT 677 Intelligence Analysis Methods | 3 credits
- AIT 624 Knowledge Mining from Big-Data | 3 credits
Elective Courses
- AIT 502 Programming Essentials | 3 credits
- AIT 526 Introduction to NLP | 3 credits
- AIT 736 Applied Machine Learning | 3 credits
Machine Learning Engineering Concentration
Core Courses
- AIT 526 Introduction to NLP | 3 credits
- AIT 614 Big Data Essentials | 3 credits
- AIT 636 Interpretable Machine Learning | 3 credits
- AIT 736 Applied Machine Learning | 3 credits
Electives
- AIT 502 Programming Essentials | 3 credits
- AIT 726 NLP with Deep Learning | 3 credits
- AIT 746 Applied Deep Learning | 3 credits
Program requirements for the master’s degree in applied information technology are subject to change.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees (2024-2025):
Tuition is $950 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a Distance Learning fee.
Financial Aid:
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
- George Mason’s AIT Cyber Security program is ranked among the Top-25 online programs in the US — U.S. News & World Report, 2018, 2019, 2020.
- Your studies will be relevant and recognized professionally. The curriculum is developed with guidance from leading area employers who remain involved in the program throughout various programs and initiatives.
- Graduate students have unparalleled access to the nation’s top innovators as George Mason University is located in the heart of one of the East Coast’s most active tech corridors.
- We have cooperative research programs with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private-sector partnerships.
- Regional and national employers seek out MS AIT graduates as high-potential leaders.
- Student support services — online and face-to-face advising consultations, web resources, and social resources — help you stay connected with the university and keep you on track to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GRE/ GMAT required?
Neither the GRE nor the GMAT is required for admissions.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The online MS in Applied Information Technology degree is 30 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 18 months.
When are classes held?
Online classes are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning they can be viewed interactively at your convenience. However, students still must meet all study and deliverable requirements and deadlines.
How much does it cost to apply?
While there is a $75 application fee, there are multiple times throughout the year that it may be waived.
What are the credit requirements?
Requirements: 30 credits total
To earn the MS in AIT, you’ll complete 10 courses that are three credits each.
Virtual Open House
The George Mason University faculty dedicates time throughout the year to hold interactive sessions online for those who want to learn more about the programs we offer. If you would like to know what to expect from an online MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, watch our pre-recorded virtual open house at your convenience. For information on upcoming sessions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Learn More
Accreditation
George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Contact
If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request For Information form or contact our admissions representative via the contact information below.
Phone: 703-348-5006
Email: [email protected]
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