Mason Online

Program Type: Risepoint

Data Analytics Engineering (MS)

Program Description

The Data Analytics Engineering (DAEN) Master of Science Program is a multidisciplinary program in the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing. This program provides students with knowledge and experience across a broad range of data analytics algorithms, tools, and processes, and focuses on a flexible and broad set of courses to be used by graduates for solving a wide range of real-world problems.

The online program can potentially be completed in approximately two years and will provide the graduate with an expanded set of career options and opportunities.

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Unique, Real-World Program

Faculty in the online master’s in data analytics program are dedicated to offering a career-focused program. They meet regularly with an industry-expert advisory committee to ensure coursework is rigorous and relevant.

The program addresses three types of data analytics engineering: a) data engineering; b) data architecture; and c) data analysis. The data engineering area of the program is focused on data conditioning required to fit data into specific data architectures and transform data to be exploitable. The data architecture area is focused creating frameworks that make data driven intelligence possible. The data analysis area is focused on creating repeatable means to draw key insight and signal from data. In your capstone course, you’ll create a functional team project and deliver a technical report and oral briefing at its completion.

The multidisciplinary curriculum includes coursework from several departments within the College of Engineering and Computing.

Learn In a Top-Ranked School

George Mason’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 and make you a top competitor for the future data architect, scientist, or analyst role you prefer.

  • The 20 Best Schools to Study Big Data Analytics — TechRepublic, March 2016
  • Top 50 Best-Value, Big Data Graduate Programs — Value Colleges, 2018
  • Top 50 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Online Graduate Certificate Option

Take four courses in roughly 12 months to gain foundational knowledge in data analytics engineering. 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 later to pursue the online MS in Data Analytics Engineering degree, credits from the graduate certificate will apply. For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics Engineering click here.

Learning Online

Learning online in an asynchronous format means that you can complete your degree at times and in locations that are best for you. Avoid commute times or “traditional” classroom hours, so you can complete your degree and advance your career even if you travel for work, have kids at home, or keep a busy or non-traditional schedule.

Coursework is delivered through a variety of prepared video lessons, readings, or engagement-orientated learning tasks that you’ll complete by predefined dates, but this doesn’t mean you learn alone. You’ll participate in lively conversations with peers and faculty in discussion posts, and many students form study groups with peers.

You will be required to participate in synchronous meetings for your capstone course – DAEN 690. This course is 15 weeks long*, as opposed to the rest of the courses which are 8 weeks in duration. This course will require virtual class lectures once a week from either 4:30 PM-7:10 PM or 7:20 PM-10 PM EST**. The day of the week will be determined once enrolled in this course. Students will be expected to discuss this with their employers and let them know that they are required to attend these sessions – no exceptions. DAEN 690 will be taken in the last semester of the program.

Students will also be required to meet once a week, for up to an hour, with the DAEN Program capstone partner who proposed the project and to which they are assigned to for the course. These meetings occur outside the regular class lecture meeting time and are set based on the availability of the capstone partner. Once again, if this occurs during the workday, students will need to notify their employers of the mandatory attendance at that partner meeting.

*DAEN 690 taken in the summer is 12 weeks long.

**DAEN 690 taken in the summer requires virtual class lectures once a week from 5-8:30 PM EST.

Faculty act as mentors throughout your program to ensure you’re on the right path to meet your career goals. You’ll get to know them well by phone, video conferences, emails, and through their thought-provoking questions and commentary within the course.

On-Campus Program Available

The master’s in data analytics engineering is designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies and methodologies necessary for data-driven decision-making. Topics cover data mining, information technology, statistical models, predictive analytics, optimization, risk analysis, and data visualization. Aimed at on-campus students who wish to become data scientists and analysts in finance, marketing, operations, business intelligence, and other information-intensive groups generating and consuming large amounts of data, the program also has wider applications, including concentrations in digital forensics, financial engineering, and business analytics. Learn more about the on-campus program.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Program Description

Connect to America’s epicenter of policy, economy, and thought leadership with George Mason University’s online MBA. We are cultivating the next generation of business, government, and public institution pioneers. The online MBA equips students with a diverse skill set and global perspective to solve a wide range of complex organizational challenges.

Students develop their analytical, managerial, and interpersonal skills in a rigorous, engaging business and management curriculum. The online MBA program adheres to AACSB accreditation requirements and emphasizes four primary areas of study:

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  • Collaborative Communication and Leadership
  • Knowledge of Functional Business Disciplines
  • Analytical Decision Making
  • Contemporary Issues in Business
George Mason University, Costello College of Business

Ranked Top 20 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs, 2022

Ranked Top 50 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans, 2023

Global Residency Option

Online MBA students have the option to participate in our Global Residency program. Spend a week abroad; visit and study companies in a foreign country while completing a team project and gaining a transformative view of business from another country’s perspective.

Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics (BA)

The optional Business Analytics Graduate Certificate can be integrated into the MBA curriculum. Earn an additional, credentialed skillset immediately upon graduating with a focus on the collection, study, and delivery of data to make better business decisions and predictions.

Online Student Experience

As an online MBA student at George Mason University, you are able to learn in a flexible online environment allowing working professionals to access the curriculum from anywhere. Learn more about what you can expect from this program by viewing this video highlighting the online student experience.


Health Administration in Health Systems Management (MHA)

Program Description

George Mason University’s online CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration (MHA) in Health Systems Management is a premier degree program, dedicated to preparing future executives for leadership positions in health care organizations. Students develop contemporary strategic, business, analytic, and decision-making skills needed to successfully navigate the evolving health care industry in the post-pandemic era.

In recognition of its high academic rigor and success in preparing the next generation of health care administration professionals, George Mason’s MHA was awarded the 2025 CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to one program each year for setting the standard in health administration education.

Built on the Same High Standards as Our CAHME-Accredited On-Campus Program

Our online MHA program combines the flexibility of online learning with the same rigorous standards of our on-campus degree. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which is recognized as the accrediting body for master’s level health care management programs by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2025, George Mason’s MHA received the CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award, which honors a program that sets the standard for academic rigor and preparation of the next generation of health care administration professionals.

Our expert faculty delivers a program driven by a set of professional competencies in each of the following domains:

  • Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  • Communications and Relationship Management
  • Business Knowledge and Skills (And Critical Thinking)
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism (Ethics)

Most courses are offered in convenient online, asynchronous classes. A field-based capstone practicum is completed in the final semester of study, providing students with experience and the opportunity to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills acquired from coursework.

Students must choose one concentration from the following:

Healthcare Quality

Addresses the growth of the health care industry to understand and evaluate the quality of care being delivered. Students will develop skills in quality methodologies, techniques, and patient safety law.

Executive Concentration

Prepares students for leadership positions in a wide variety of health care organizations by focusing on mastery of critical thinking needed for creative revenue cycle, business, and system management strategies.

Capstone Practicum

Spend 6 to 8 weeks with a health care organization, engaged in the analysis of a complex problem assigned by the host organization. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to key health care executives while conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to inform an executive decision regarding an important, real-life issue. Performance in this role can provide the student with a launchpad to pursue opportunities for future professional growth and development.

Health Informatics (MS)

Program Description

George Mason University’s CAHIIM accredited online Master of Science in Health Informatics, with concentrations in Health Data Analytics and Health Informatics Management, prepares students in a highly specialized area of health informatics that bridges technical and health disciplines. Students learn central concepts of health informatics including IT tools, data standards, information systems, and databases.

Health Data Analytics Concentration focuses on the specialized area of health data analytics, data science, and machine learning. Students learn theory and practical skills in the context of analyzing real health data.

Health Informatics Management Concentration provides students with knowledge and skills needed to administratively manage health information systems (ranging from system analysis and design, project management, privacy, security, and various statistical analyses), and support the increased adoption and use of electronic health records.

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Learning takes place at the intersection of healthcare, technology, policy, and data science through a flexible, multidisciplinary, online curriculum designed for working professionals.

The online MS in Health Informatics is 36 credit hours, with the possibility of waiving two introductory courses depending on the student’s educational background and work experience.

Prior work experience in the healthcare or information technology is not required for admission but is considered as part of the admission process.

For students who are new to Health Informatics or who want to brush up on their skills, George Mason offers an MSHI Bridge course. This free course option is meant to create a successful transition for individuals interested in the Health Informatics field who might not have sufficient background in math, computing, and informatics.

Special Education (MEd)

Program Description

The online Master of Education in Special Education prepares students to address the complex learning needs of individuals with disabilities. George Mason’s unique, innovative approach to inclusive education is designed to benefit learners with disabilities throughout their entire lives.

Students enrolled in George Mason University’s online special education master’s degree program have the option of the supporting graduate certificate track in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate

  • Field experience not required
  • Extensive community, school, and agency perspectives addressed
  • Emphasis on working with autistic individuals across their lifespans

Ranked #5 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Special Education Programs

Learning Technologies (Graduate Certificate Concentration in e‑Learning)

Program Description

The Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in e-Learning provides specialized knowledge in instructional design and e-Learning practices that utilize current and emerging technologies to meet education and training goals in government, industry, and non-profit organizational settings. Individuals seeking to enhance their e-Learning skill set grounded in instructional design best practices are encouraged to apply.

Complete the certificate within a year and apply all 15 credits to the online MS in Learning Design and Technology degree. Gain specialized knowledge in learning or instructional design and e-Learning practices using current technologies and theories.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The online Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) graduate certificate* at George Mason University provides students with the skills needed to successfully enhance opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This part-time online program prepares professionals and family members to work with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in school, home, and community settings. Most programs have an emphasis on school-age children with ASD – but this program has a broader range of application with a focus that expands to adolescence, transition to adulthood, adulthood, and aging. The emphasis on working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders across their lifespans makes this program unique.

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This certificate does not require any field experience (internship or practicum). Instead, the coursework has extensive video case studies of four individuals with ASD and application activities to aid in experiential learning. The program can be a stand-alone graduate certificate or a specialization of George Mason’s online special education master’s degree program.

*This program is intended to provide advanced study of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). George Mason University is currently exploring autism-specific licensure opportunities that may exist in your state upon completion of the program; however, this degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching licensure in any state. Students are strongly encouraged to be proactive and verify all licensure information.

Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

Applied Information Technology (MS)

Program Description

Prepare to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive IT strategic initiatives with a Master of Science in Applied Information Technology (AIT) from George Mason University. 

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/AI Engineering
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Intelligence Methods
  • Natural Language Processing
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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.