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Archives: Programs

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

Nursing (RN to BSN and Co-enrollment Programs)

Program Description

The RN to BSN  program allows registered nurses to progress quickly through the BSN program while meeting the objectives of the undergraduate curriculum.  RNs can complete the BSN program  in as little as two semesters.

The Co-enrollment BSN program allows students to begin taking online classes toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree while enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science nursing degree (AAS-Nursing) program at a partner Virginia community college. Applicants can earn their BSN in as little as one-semester after completing the AAS-Nursing degree and obtaining their RN license.

Both programs are 10 courses (30 credit hours), completely online, and can be taken on a full or part-time basis. Course offerings vary by term and are typically offered in a 7-week format, so students are expected to plan accordingly.  Courses include research, leadership and management, and health assessment.

Banner code: PH-BSN-NURS

Online MEd in Special Education – Behavior Analysis

Program Description

George Mason’s online Master of Education in Special Education – Behavior Analysis equips students to support individuals with complex learning disabilities and behavior disorders across the lifespan. Learning in flexible online courses taught by faculty who are practitioner-scholars, students gain research skills, complete a thesis, and are trained to work in diverse settings with populations ranging from children with developmental disabilities to adults with behavioral health goals. This 36-credit program aligns with the 2027 Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB) coursework requirements and prepares graduates to sit for the BACB exam.*

Ranked No. 5 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Special Education Programs (2025)

Program Mission

We approach training in behavior analysis as behavior analysts, with careful attention to principles of behavior in instructional design. The research, service, and scholarship opportunities we provide our students prepare them to conduct and become consumers of research. We train preservice and in-service professionals to serve across populations, roles, service settings, and geographic areas. Our overarching goal is to advance behavior analysis as a natural science.

Outcome data is not yet available for the current program. Once enough data is gathered, it will be linked here.

Leadership and Human Development (MEd)

Program Description

This 30-credit master’s degree in Leadership and Human Development prepares candidates for leadership and management positions in a variety of educational settings. The program emphasizes an understanding of the complexities of change in schools, communities, and organizations. Participants develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create and maintain learning environments that value diversity, continual knowledge acquisition, instructional leadership, innovative and ethical decision making, reflective practice, and successful achievement of all students.

Banner code: E1-MED-ELHD

Assistive Technology Concentration Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)

Program Description

Assistive Technology (AT) encompasses a wide range of assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices that promote independence for individuals with disabilities.

This master’s program in Assistive Technology is designed to prepare educators and professionals with the skills to evaluate, implement, and research assistive technology solutions across educational, clinical, and community settings.

Graduates develop the expertise needed to collaborate effectively with individuals with disabilities, service providers, and families, using evidence‑based AT practices to enhance participation and independence at school, home, work, and in the community.

Banner code: E1-MED-CRIN-AT

Concentrations

  • Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Assistive technology (AT) refers to any device that provides greater independence for those with disabilities, including assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices. This certificate program helps develop professionals who can effectively implement, assess, and research applications of assistive technology. The program provides supplemental knowledge for general and special educators, related service personnel, adult service providers, and families and caregivers who need to apply assistive technology solutions within their specific school, work, home, or community setting.

Technology and Innovation (BAS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Technology and Innovation is a degree‑completion program designed for students who hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and want to advance into technology‑focused and business‑driven careers.

There is a demand for computer specialists in numerous industries, including IT, education, finance, health care, and telecommunication. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupations in the computer and information technology fields are projected to grow anywhere from 5-25% from 2022 to 2032. Because of this need for tech-savvy workers, Virginia universities are increasing the number and capacity of programs focusing on meeting this need.

This degree is ideal for those who desire to gain workplace and industry-wide technical competencies, to complete a bachelor’s degree, and to enhance personal earning potential. Courses will enhance your business know-how and information technology skills in order to prepare you for the global business place.

If you have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in a technology- or business-related field, or in Contract Management, this degree is designed for you!

Banner code: UN-BAS-APLS

Concentrations

  • Technology and Innovation

Health – Wellness, and Social Services (BAS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Health, Wellness, and Social Services is a degree‑completion program designed for adult learners who want to advance in healthcare, wellness, and human services careers.

Offered 100% online in collaboration with the College of Public Health at George Mason University, this program develops critical skills in healthcare systems, social services management, and serving vulnerable populations.

Tailored for students with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), the BAS equips graduates with practical, interdisciplinary knowledge to support roles in health care delivery, wellness services, case management, and social services administration.

Designed to foster critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and an ability to synthesize information, the BAS meets students’ professional and personal goals while developing a depth of knowledge and proficiency of skill that translates well to the workplace. Adult learners who desire to understand the complex nature of managing health care and social service programs will benefit from this program. This concentration is in collaboration with the College of Public Health.

Banner code: UN-BAS-APLS-HWSS

Concentrations

  • Health, Wellness, Social Services