Mason Online

Archives: Programs

Conflict Analysis and Resolution (MS)

Program Description

The MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution integrates conflict analysis and resolution theory, research methods, practical techniques, and ethical perspectives of the field. Students learn specific practices for addressing sources of hostility and methods of altering negative patterns of interaction, applying this knowledge in laboratory simulations, workshops, internships, and field practice. Graduates work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful and interest groups are in conflict with current and emergent public policy.

Banner Code: CA-MS-CONF

Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management in Health Care Systems (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This program prepares working clinicians and administrative support staff to implement quality improvement initiatives and optimize efficiency and effectiveness of care and services. Students learn to work in interdisciplinary health care teams using the tools and techniques of statistical process control and selected methods of operations research and quality improvement. Through information management technology and qualitative decision-making applications, students identify opportunities for clinical and administrative improvement, support decision-making optimization, and improve health service outcomes for identified populations.

What it costs

The cost is $564.00 per credit hour for VA state residents or $1,421.75 per credit hour for out of state students, plus a $35 per credit hour Distance Learning fee. Education Resource, New Student, and other mandatory university and course fees may apply.

Application Deadline

This program has an application deadline of April 1 for Fall and November 1 for Spring.

Literacy/Reading Instruction: Reading Specialist (K-12 Licensure) (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Reading Specialist K-12 concentration of the Literacy/Reading Instruction graduate certificate is designed for teachers who already have a master’s degree and are interested in developing the expertise needed to serve as literacy leaders. Coursework helps teachers develop an in-depth understanding of literacy development across the lifespan, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups of students, and provides preparation as Reading Specialist. Successful completion of this state-approved sequence of courses can lead to eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist license in Virginia.  Additional state requirements for the license include holding a master’s degree, having an initial teaching license, earning a satisfactory score on the Reading for Virginia Educators: Reading Specialist exam, and having at least three years of teaching experience under contract.

Banner code: E1-CERG-LRIN-RSPL

Mathematics Specialist Leader Concentration Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)

Program Description

The Mathematics Specialist Leader (K–8) master’s program is a 30‑credit graduate degree designed to prepare educators for state endorsement as a K–8 mathematics specialist. Offered with 100% online options, this program is ideal for working professionals seeking advanced preparation in mathematics education, instructional leadership, and teacher development. Most students complete the degree in two years, balancing graduate study with professional responsibilities.

Students in this online master’s in mathematics education leadership gain transferable skills that can be applied directly in their school and district contexts. Through rigorous mathematics content and leadership coursework, candidates engage with expert faculty who lead change at local, state, and national levels. The program integrates coursework for both the master’s degree and state endorsement, preparing graduates to support high‑quality mathematics instruction, mentor teachers, and improve student learning outcomes across K–8 educational settings.

In this program you will:

  • learn skills that are 100% transferable to your context
  • engage with expert faculty who consistently spearhead change at all levels
  • gain knowledge and experience through mathematics content and leadership courses
  • participate in course work for your master’s degree and state endorsement

Systems Engineering (MS)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MS) prepares engineers to lead the design, analysis, and management of complex, large‑scale systems across industries.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate program develops expertise in systems architecture, quantitative modeling, engineering tools, and systems thinking.

Designed for professionals seeking technical leadership roles, the program equips graduates to address real‑world challenges in areas such as autonomous systems, aerospace, cybersecurity, healthcare, transportation, energy, and large information systems.

This masters degree program is ideal for engineers who strive to attain technical leadership positions in their organizations. Addressing a broad range of issues relevant to the design, implementation, analysis, and management of systems, this program prepares students for a professional career working with large complex systems of the future. Examples of systems include the national air transportation system, computer networks, autonomous vehicles, intelligent robots, the electric power grid, healthcare systems, and financial trading systems. The program balances an education in quantitative models and engineering tools with a proper understanding of the systems perspective.

Banner code: EC-MS-SYST

Systems Engineering, Architecture-Based Systems Integration (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Architecture‑Based Systems Integration Graduate Certificate prepares systems engineers to meet today’s evolving industry and defense acquisition requirements through an architecture‑based approach to systems integration.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate certificate develops expertise in systems architecture frameworks, modeling and simulation, structured and object‑oriented analysis, and integration strategies.

Designed for engineering professionals working with complex, multi‑system environments, the program equips graduates to effectively design, evaluate, and integrate large‑scale systems across defense, aerospace, technology, and industrial sectors.

This program prepares systems engineers for new industry regulations relating to the acquisition of systems, with a focus on an architecture-based approach for integrating proposed systems with other existing or planned systems. Students learn about formulation of the system integration problem, definition of architecture frameworks, use of structured analysis and object-oriented methodologies for the design of architectures, modeling and simulation for evaluation of architectures, and approaches to integration. Both defense and industrial applications are considered.

Banner code: EC-CERG-SYST

Applied Information Technology (MS)

Program Description

The MS in Applied Information Technology prepares students to design, develop, manage, and apply technology solutions to complex real-world challenges. The interdisciplinary curriculum spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data analytics and intelligence methods, human-centered computing, and IT management.

With learning designed for the AI era, students engage in hands-on projects and applied research while learning to use AI and other emerging technologies effectively and responsibly—developing the technical, analytical, and strategic skills needed to solve problems and lead technology initiatives across industries. The MS AIT equips students with in-demand skills for high-impact careers in today’s technology-driven world.

Read More

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 four tracks, including concentrations in Applied Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Cyber Security, Data Analytics & Intelligence Methods, and Machine Learning Engineering.

With the Applied Artificial Intelligence Technologies concentration, you’ll explore the latest advancements in AI, including language models, multimodal learning, and more. You’ll graduate ready to develop, deploy, and manage AI systems that drive innovation and solve complex problems in your industry.

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.

The Master’s in Applied Information Technology has now been officially designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS. This is a significant recognition that highlights the program’s strength in cyber security education and its alignment with national standards.

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.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Emergency Management and Homeland Security Graduate Certificate prepares students to address critical policy, planning, security, and organizational challenges related to emergency preparedness, disaster response, and homeland security.

Offered in a 100% online or hybrid format, this graduate certificate is ideal for professionals working in federal, state, and local government, the military, emergency services, public safety, and the private sector.

Through applied coursework, students gain practical knowledge and tools to mitigate natural disasters, manage crises, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect communities from external threats, while developing the interdisciplinary perspective needed to operate effectively across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Biodefense (MS)

Program Description

This master’s degree in biodefense prepares students to become the next generation of biodefense and biosecurity professionals and scholars. Coursework in this program provides students with a foundation in microbiology and biotechnology combined with a broader security and organizational context. Students who have a background in fields such as science, international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution are encouraged to apply to this program. Note that the online format of this program is only available on a part-time basis.

Digital Public Humanities (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Digital Humanities Graduate Certificate is a fully online, part‑time program that prepares students to use in‑demand digital tools for humanities careers.

Designed for both emerging and established humanities professionals, the curriculum emphasizes hands‑on digital scholarship, enabling students to create impactful digital projects that strengthen professional portfolios.

Coursework culminates in a remote, supervised internship, allowing students to apply their skills in real‑world settings from anywhere in the world.

Developed in collaboration with the Department of History and Art History and the internationally recognized Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media (RRCHNM), this certificate offers specialized training led by expert faculty from one of the nation’s top graduate programs in digital humanities. Students progress through the program as a cohort, completing three credits at a time over two years—an ideal structure for those working full‑time or pursuing other graduate study.

Banner code: LA-CERG-DPH