Applied Science, Technology and Innovation Concentration (BAS)

Who should apply?

This degree completion program is designed for students who hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in a technology or business-related field. Classes such as Information Security Fundamentals and Managing Information in a Global Environment blend business know-how and information technology to help prepare business people for state workforce demands and the global marketplace.

Why choose George Mason?

• Our program will build on your current skills to make you more competitive in Virginia’s growing workforce.
• We will help you maximize your accumulated credits and ‘life credits’.
• This entire concentration is taught by outstanding Mason faculty and offered entirely online so you can complete assignments from anywhere.
• Student support services, including phone consultations, are available to help you stay connected with the university and keep you on track to graduate.

Program requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Requirements: 120-126 credits total

• Transfer credits from AAS degree
• 9 credits core courses
• 27 credits concentration courses
• 40 credits Mason Core courses
• 45 credits upper-level courses

Some of the AAS transfer credits may count towards your Mason Core and upper-level course credits. Please consult with Krystal Dains (bas@gmu.edu) for more information.

All courses for this concentration are available online. Most courses are delivered asynchronously and offerings vary by semester.

Core Requirements (9 credits)

• BAS 300 Building Professional Competencies | 3 credits
• BAS 490 Introduction to Research Methods | 3 credits
• BAS 491 Applied Sciences Capstone | 3 credits

Concentration Requirements (27 credits)

In order to enroll in some concentration courses, you must first complete any pre-requisite course requirements. Pre-requisites that are not used to fulfill core or concentration requirements may fulfill remaining credits as electives. See the course catalog for required prerequisites.

• IT 105 IT Architecture Fundamentals | 3 credits
• IT 213 Multimedia and Web Design | 3 credits
• IT 214 Database Fundamentals | 3 credits
• IT 223 Information Security Fundamentals | 3 credits
• IT 304 IT in the Global Economy | 3 credits
• IT 343 IT Project Management | 3 credits
• MBUS 300 Accounting in a Global Economy | 3 credits
• MBUS 305 Introduction to International Business | 3 credits
• MGMT 303 Principles of Management
• MIS 303 Introduction to Business Information Systems
• MKTG 303 Principles of Marketing

Electives (variable)

Electives may fulfill remaining credit requirements. All BAS students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, including 40 general education (Mason Core) credits and at least 45 credits of upper-level courses. The requirement to complete at least 63-66 credits at Mason may lead to more than 120 credit hours. Students will work with their advisors to determine how to fulfill their outstanding credit hours to ensure they have met all major and university requirements.

Tuition (2021-2022)

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

For information on loans, scholarships, and other types of financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Career Descriptions

With a BAS in technology and innovation, you will be prepared for a career in computer specialist fields, assisting people and organizations to develop and use different technology, software, or equipment. There is a demand for computer specialists in numerous industries, including IT, education, finance, health care, and telecommunication. Examples of specific positions in the field include:

• Technical Support Specialist
• Help-desk Technician
• Software Engineer
• Network administrator
• Technical Trainer
• Project Manager

Key employers for graduates of related programs include:

• General Dynamics
• Ntiva
• DataMeaning

As a Mason student, you may contact the University Career Services center for more career information and counseling.

Program contact: bas@gmu.edu

Program website: https://bas.gmu.edu/bas/bascybersecurity/

Department/College contact/website: https://bas.gmu.edu/

Prerequisites

• Conferred Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in a technology or business-related field.
• • • All students are required to complete the BAS Admissions Agreement during the application process. You will be presented with this document in the online application: BAS Admissions Agreement
    • Importantly, students are required to have their AAS degree completed before their first day of classes at Mason. Students cannot co-enroll at Mason and the community college to complete their AAS requirements while beginning Mason courses. If AAS course completion is delayed, students must un-enroll from Mason, return to the community college to complete the AAS coursework, and then re-apply to Mason for a future term
  • A competitive cumulative grade point average.
  • Completion of English Composition with a grade of C or better before application to Mason
    • Recommended, but not required: A course equivalent to ENGH 101.
      • VCCS Preferred Course: ENG 112
  • Recommended, but not required: Completion of Math equivalent to Mason Core Math with a grade of C or better before application to Mason.
    • Course must be equivalent to MATH 106, 108, 110, 111, 113, 125 or STAT 250
    • VCCS courses that satisfy this requirement include: MATH 154, 261, 181, 182, 245, 273, and 286.

NOTE: If English is not your native language, the Admission Committee will require demonstrated English language proficiency before application to Mason. Proficiency may be satisfied by proficiency exams or by completing VCCS ENG 111 and 112 with grades of C or better. Several VCCS AAS degrees do not require ENG 112 (ex: Cybersecurity). Consult with your advisor early in your program to meet the English requirement before application to Mason.

Application Materials

• Undergraduate application
• Transcripts for all post-secondary education
• $60 non-refundable application fee