Mason Online

Archives: Programs

Geospatial Intelligence (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

As a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Geospatial Sciences, Mason is a leader in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) education. Accredited by USGIF, this program is ideal for those employed in geospatial intelligence applications. Those working for federal agencies or as corporate personnel, or those interested in entering the field, will benefit from coursework in this program. Students gain fundamental GEOINT knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to a wide range of geospatial intelligence situations.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Through collecting, storing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting complex biological data, scientists in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology make critical contributions to disease detection, drug design, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences through the combination of biological analysis and high-performance computing. This program addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists, combining a solid foundation in biotechnology with computational skills relevant to bioinformatics. Ideal candidates have a background in biological and computer sciences.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (MS)

Program Description

Scientists in bioinformatics and computational biology collect, store, analyze, interpret, and present complex biological data. Through biological analysis and high-performance computing, critical contributions are made to basic biology, disease detection, drug design, modeling biosystems, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences. This program addresses growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists. Graduates are qualified to pursue careers that require knowledge and applications of current bioinformatics methods and the ability to develop and use new bioinformatics software.

Information Technology (BS)

Program Description

This bachelor’s degree program prepares students to apply IT to support business processes by producing graduates with strong problem-solving, writing, and communication skills who successfully compete for technical employment and are prepared for advanced study. Graduates are expected to achieve improved organizational objectives; progress through increasing levels of responsibility in the workplace; demonstrate ethical, social, and professional responsibility consistent with professional societies; work effectively in teams; and grow through self-study, continuing education, and professional development.

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.

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: Reading Specialist (K-12) (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.

Curriculum & Instruction, Mathematics Specialist Leader Concentration (MEd)

Program Description

This 30-credit program includes all required course work for state endorsement as a K–8 mathematics specialist. With 100% online program options, it is designed for working professionals, most of whom complete the degree in three years or fewer.

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

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.

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

Program Description

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.