Mason Online

Archives: Programs

Computer Engineering (MS)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MS) prepares engineers to lead the design, analysis, and management of modern computing systems, deeply understand interactions between software and hardware, and be responsible for safety-critical and performance-critical features of the entire products.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate program develops expertise in how to design new generations of computers, as well as embedded computing systems, such as those found in smartphones, cars, appliances, computer networks, smart factories, and the internet-of-things

The program covers the entire digital integrated circuit design process targeting Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), using various optimization criteria, such as speed, cost, power, energy, reliability, and security.

It also encompasses the complete software development process targeting microcontrollers, microprocessors, multi-cores, and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). It teaches students how to efficiently partition the system into software and hardware components, and develop high-performance interfaces between these two parts. Project-oriented courses and labs expose students to modern computer-aided design tools for hardware and software design. The students master the art of writing comprehensive technical reports and giving successful oral presentations.

Banner code: EC-MS-CPE

Responsible Artificial Intelligence (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate prepares professionals to design, deploy, and manage AI‑enabled systems responsibly by integrating technical foundations, systems engineering, and ethical governance.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate certificate focuses on AI system architecture, safety and risk assessment, testing and evaluation, and ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations. Designed for engineers, technologists, and policy professionals, the program equips students to ensure reliable, accountable, and safe AI performance across high‑impact domains such as autonomous systems, healthcare, finance, education, and public policy.

The graduate certificate in Responsible AI provides students with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI), how AI systems are architected, the principles of systems engineering as they relate to AI systems, theories of AI safety and risk, how to test and evaluate such systems to meet risk thresholds, and how to identify ethical, legal and regulatory issues that arise in such systems. Students will be prepared to develop and manage complex systems with embedded AI, including identifying unique requirements for systems with embedded AI, testing and certifying these systems, and defining and maintaining safe levels of performance for deployed AI. Graduates will also be able to develop acquisition plans for complex systems with embedded AI and develop AI maintenance programs including auditing. Areas of application include safety-critical physical systems like self-driving cars, air taxis and health applications, as well as software-based systems like financial and banking systems, and those that support education and research.

Banner Code: EC-CERG-RSAI

Advanced Biomedical Sciences (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Advanced Biomedical Sciences (ABS) graduate certificate is a program offered jointly by George Mason University and Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC). This program is designed for students who have all of their core coursework and extracurricular prerequisites for medical, dental or other health-related fields, but otherwise have a comparatively limited science background (non-science majors with only the pre-health curricular core, for example), modest grades in the sciences as undergraduates, and/or also need to improve their Medical College Admission Test, Dental Admission Test, or other pre-professional scores. This is a 9-month full-time program that begins each fall semester. Most classes are held at George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia with cadaveric anatomy labs held at GUMC.

Master of Education in Literacy Education, Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure) (MEd)

Program Description

The Master of Education in Literacy Education (MEd), K–12 Literacy Instruction (Non‑Licensure) prepares educators to strengthen evidence‑based literacy instruction and assessment across K–12 classrooms.

Offered 100% online or in a hybrid format, students will develop additional expertise in scientifically-based literacy research and evidence-based K-12 classroom literacy instruction and assessment along with an understanding of the literacy development and unique learning needs of K-12 students. Courses combine current research and theory with practical, hands-on experience.

Banner code: E1-MED-EDLI-KLIN

Arts Management (MA)

Program Description

Arts Management is a developing field established to meet the ever-growing demand for leadership and organizational expertise within arts and cultural organizations, both private and public. Arts managers bridge the worlds of performing and visual arts with applied managerial, financial, and programmatic skills.

The Arts Management program at George Mason University is excited to offer an online Master’s Degree in Arts Management. Providing a high-quality education is key to our mission at Mason.

All online courses are designed and taught by experienced faculty who also work in the field as managing directors, chief financial officers, arts lawyers, event planners, fundraisers, marketing professionals, cultural heritage facilitators, among others. They work at leading theaters, performing arts centers, museums, cultural heritage sites and as arts consultants.

Data Analytics (BAS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Data Analytics is a degree‑completion program designed for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and want to advance into high‑demand data analytics and data science careers.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this program emphasizes data‑driven decision‑making, analytics technologies, and applied methodologies used across business, government, and industry. Created with working adults in mind, the BAS in Data Analytics equips graduates with practical, job‑ready skills in analyzing and interpreting large datasets for roles in finance, marketing, operations, business intelligence, and government analytics.

This concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies and methodologies necessary for data-driven decision-making. It is aimed at students who wish to become data scientists and analysts in finance, marketing, operations, business/government intelligence and other information intensive groups generating and consuming large amounts of data.

Banner code: UN-BAS-APLS

Contemporary Dispute Resolution (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dispute Resolution prepares professionals with the analytical, interpersonal, and practical skills needed to manage and resolve disputes effectively across a variety of professional settings. Through focused coursework, students develop expertise in mediation, negotiation, coaching, and facilitation to address workplace conflict in environments such as schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local and state government agencies.

Students learn to analyze disputes within broader social and institutional contexts, including economic and racial inequality and unequal access to justice and education systems. The program emphasizes understanding the root causes of conflict, identifying power dynamics among disputing parties, and selecting appropriate dispute resolution strategies tailored to each situation.

Graduates of the Contemporary Dispute Resolution graduate certificate gain hands‑on training in conflict analysis and resolution methodologies, enabling them to support individuals and organizations in managing disputes constructively. Upon completion, students are prepared to apply mediation, negotiation, coaching, and facilitation techniques to promote collaboration, reduce conflict, and foster effective problem‑solving in professional and community settings.

Mass Atrocity and Genocide Prevention (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

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

The Graduate Certificate in Mass Atrocity and Genocide Prevention provides 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.

Banner code: CA-CERG-MAGP

Business Fundamentals (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Online Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals provides students with opportunities to gain broad business knowledge while offering choice in courses that best suit their career needs. Students will augment their skillsets from their own academic and professional disciplines with a fundamental understanding of effective business practices.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals Concentration in General Business provides students with foundational knowledge in six key business areas of their choice while adding a fundamental understanding of effective business practices in key areas of business: accounting, finance, management, and marketing.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals Concentration in Government Contract Management features a blend of required and elective courses tailored to government contracting professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in public procurement.

Human Capital and HR Management (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Human Capital and HR Management Graduate Certificate prepares professionals to build and lead effective, people‑centered organizations through strategic human resource management and workforce development.

Offered online by the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, this graduate certificate follows guidelines from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and focuses on essential competencies such as change management, employee selection, performance management, and workforce training. Designed for current and aspiring HR professionals, the program supports career advancement in human capital management, organizational development, and talent strategy across industries.

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.