Mason Online

Archives: Programs

Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology
(Master of Professional Studies)

Program Description

George Mason’s online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology delivers the research-backed methods and understanding of data and analytics HR and business professionals need to foster a culture of innovation — where each employee feels empowered to contribute new ideas, effect change, and do their best work every day.

Learn how to consistently hire candidates who are the right fit for the company, identify employees’ individual motivations, establish meaningful evaluations and reward systems, and improve training and performance programs.

Main areas of study focus on understanding and applying concepts in:

  • Evidence-Based Practices
  • Research and Data Analytic Methods
  • Organizational Systems, Change & Development
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George Mason University
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
A world-class education within reach.
Rigorous academic standards.
Learn in a flexible online format. Designed for working students.
No GRE requirement.
Foster organizational change and innovation.
Renowned faculty sharing practical expertise.
Applied Leadership. Applied Teamwork. Motivation and well-being. Organizational change and development. Performance Management. Benefits and Compensation Training.

Health Informatics and Data Analytics (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

In just 12 months, the online graduate certificate in Health Informatics and Data Analytics prepares clinicians, health care managers, and IT professionals to apply advanced data science methods with a focus on the patient outcomes and quality of care.

As electronic health records, administrative data, consumer generated data and related data repositories experience exponential growth, you’ll be prepared to extract meaning from sensitive data with confidence. Explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, and other advanced analytic techniques that demonstrate how to handle complex problems found in observational data.

The Virginia Department of Health Professions recommends healthcare professionals who work with children to complete continuing education on communicating with those with autism spectrum disorder. Individual licensing boards may include specific continuing education programs. Learn more by visiting the Virginia Law website.

Data Analytics Engineering (MS)

Program Description

George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing has worked with Big Data and cybersecurity for more than 25 years. It’s led by faculty with rich industry experience and connections who draw upon both to teach a proven, career-focused curriculum and make you a top competitor for the future data architect, scientist, or analyst role you prefer.

The Data Analytics Engineering (DAEN) Master of Science Program is a multidisciplinary program in the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing. This program provides students with knowledge and experience across a broad range of data analytics algorithms, tools, and processes, and focuses on a flexible and broad set of courses to be used by graduates for solving a wide range of real-world problems.

The online program can potentially be completed in approximately two years and will provide the graduate with an expanded set of career options and opportunities.

  • The 20 Best Schools to Study Big Data Analytics — TechRepublic, March 2016
  • Top 50 Best-Value, Big Data Graduate Programs — Value Colleges, 2018
  • Top 50 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2023
Read More

Unique, Real-World Program

Faculty in the online master’s in data analytics program are dedicated to offering a career-focused program. They meet regularly with an industry-expert advisory committee to ensure coursework is rigorous and relevant.

The program addresses three types of data analytics engineering: a) data engineering; b) data architecture; and c) data analysis. The data engineering area of the program is focused on data conditioning required to fit data into specific data architectures and transform data to be exploitable. The data architecture area is focused creating frameworks that make data driven intelligence possible. The data analysis area is focused on creating repeatable means to draw key insight and signal from data. In your capstone course, you’ll create a functional team project and deliver a technical report and oral briefing at its completion.

The multidisciplinary curriculum includes coursework from several departments within the College of Engineering and Computing.

Online Graduate Certificate Option

Take four courses in roughly 12 months to gain foundational knowledge in data analytics engineering. Concepts covered include:

  • Data, data quality, and large volumes of data
  • Data management and data mining
  • Modeling and model usage for making decisions
  • Statistical methods and visualization

If you decide later to pursue the online MS in Data Analytics Engineering degree, credits from the graduate certificate will apply. For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics Engineering click here.

Learning Online

Learning online in an asynchronous format means that you can complete your degree at times and in locations that are best for you. Avoid commute times or “traditional” classroom hours, so you can complete your degree and advance your career even if you travel for work, have kids at home, or keep a busy or non-traditional schedule.

Coursework is delivered through a variety of prepared video lessons, readings, or engagement-orientated learning tasks that you’ll complete by predefined dates, but this doesn’t mean you learn alone. You’ll participate in lively conversations with peers and faculty in discussion posts, and many students form study groups with peers.

You will be required to participate in synchronous meetings for your capstone course – DAEN 690. This course is 15 weeks long*, as opposed to the rest of the courses which are 8 weeks in duration. This course will require virtual class lectures once a week from either 4:30 PM-7:10 PM or 7:20 PM-10 PM EST**. The day of the week will be determined once enrolled in this course. Students will be expected to discuss this with their employers and let them know that they are required to attend these sessions – no exceptions. DAEN 690 will be taken in the last semester of the program.

Students will also be required to meet once a week, for up to an hour, with the DAEN Program capstone partner who proposed the project and to which they are assigned to for the course. These meetings occur outside the regular class lecture meeting time and are set based on the availability of the capstone partner. Once again, if this occurs during the workday, students will need to notify their employers of the mandatory attendance at that partner meeting.

*DAEN 690 taken in the summer is 12 weeks long.

**DAEN 690 taken in the summer requires virtual class lectures once a week from 5-8:30 PM EST.

Faculty act as mentors throughout your program to ensure you’re on the right path to meet your career goals. You’ll get to know them well by phone, video conferences, emails, and through their thought-provoking questions and commentary within the course.

On-Campus Program Available

The master’s in data analytics engineering is designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies and methodologies necessary for data-driven decision-making. Topics cover data mining, information technology, statistical models, predictive analytics, optimization, risk analysis, and data visualization. Aimed at on-campus students who wish to become data scientists and analysts in finance, marketing, operations, business intelligence, and other information-intensive groups generating and consuming large amounts of data, the program also has wider applications, including concentrations in digital forensics, financial engineering, and business analytics. Learn more about the on-campus program.

Leadership and Human Development: Independent School Leadership Concentration (MEd)

Program Description

The MEd in Leadership and Human Development with a concentration in Independent School Leadership is a 30-credit hour program offered entirely online. The Independent School Leadership concentration is a non-licensure path within the Education Leadership program with a focus on the unique leadership and instructional needs of directors, heads of schools, and other professionals responsible for the growth and management of independent and private schools. Like other candidates in the Education Leadership program, students will develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create and maintain learning environments that value diversity, instructional leadership, innovative and ethical decision-making, reflective practice, and the successful achievement of all students, with an emphasis on the independent school context.

Computer Game Design (BFA)

Voted #11 in the U.S. Best Bachelor’s in Game Design in 2025 – CollegeRank

Voted #2 Best Colleges for Game Design in VA in 2025 – EduRank

Program Description

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Computer Game Design prepares students to create immersive, interactive experiences by combining game design, computer science, digital art, and storytelling.

Offered 100% online through the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University, this interdisciplinary degree balances artistic creativity with technical skills, including programming, visual design, audio, and team‑based production.

Designed for aspiring game designers and developers, the program emphasizes project‑based learning and real‑world experience, culminating in a required internship that positions graduates for careers in the commercial game industry, serious games, simulation, and interactive media.

The BFA in Computer Game Design enables students to focus on the artistic components of computer game design while providing them with the technical skills prerequisite to the field.  Required courses include computer science, art and visual technology, music, the humanities, and computer game design. The required internship provides students with practical experience that enhances their employability post-graduation. Students study both the sciences and the arts, all in a revolving-role team-based, project-based new pedagogical environment.

Banner code: AR-BFA-GAME

Psychology (BA/BS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology prepare students to understand human behavior, cognition, and mental processes through a rigorous and flexible 100% online program. The Department of Psychology offers both a Bachelors of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA), either of which can be completed 100% online.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology focuses on math and science within the psychology field. A broad range of courses includes social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology and biopsychology, as well as several of the department’s special topics courses such as forensic psychology and romantic relationships.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology focuses on liberal arts and general education courses including a foreign language requirement, within the psychology field. A broad range of courses includes social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology and biopsychology, as well as several of the department’s special topics courses such as forensic psychology and romantic relationships.

Banner code: LA-BA-PSYC / LA-BS-PSYC

Business (BS)

Program Description

The Online Bachelor of Science in Business from George Mason University is a 100% online, AACSB-accredited program designed for working professionals and transfer students seeking flexible, career-focused business education.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in business from George Mason University’s Costello College of Business prepares you to work in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace. The online Business degree program offers eight innovative concentrations—accounting, business analytics, finance, financial planning and wealth management, management, management information systems, marketing, and operations and supply chain management—so you can focus your studies to meet your personal and professional goals.

Concentrations

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Finance
  • Financial Planning and Wealth Management
  • Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Program Description

World University Rankings: Online MBA in the Top 100 2026

Ranked Top 60 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs, 2026

Ranked Top 35 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans, 2026

Connect to America’s epicenter of policy, economy, and thought leadership with an online MBA from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. We are cultivating the next generation of business, government, and public institution pioneers. The Costello Online MBA equips students with a diverse skill set and global perspective to solve a wide range of complex organizational challenges.

Students develop their analytical, managerial, and interpersonal skills in a rigorous, engaging business and management curriculum. The Costello Online MBA program adheres to AACSB accreditation requirements and emphasizes four primary areas of study:

  • Collaborative Communication and Leadership
  • Knowledge of Functional Business Disciplines
  • Analytical Decision Making
  • Contemporary Issues in Business

Global Residency Option

Online MBA students have the option to participate in our Global Residency program. Spend a week abroad; visit and study companies in a foreign country while completing a team project and gaining a transformative view of business from another country’s perspective.

Certificates that can be applied to the Costello MBA degree

Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics (BA)

The optional Business Analytics Graduate Certificate can be integrated into the MBA curriculum. Earn an additional, credentialed skillset immediately upon graduating with a focus on the collection, study, and delivery of data to make better business decisions and predictions.

Graduate Certificate in Affordable Housing (AH)

Add the optional Affordable Housing Graduate Certificate to your MBA electives — it does not extend your time to completion. You’ll build a working knowledge of the market forces, regulatory frameworks, and financing strategies that shape access to affordable housing, earning a credentialed skillset alongside your degree.

Graduate Certificate in Government Contract Management (GCM)

Students can fold the Government Contract Management Graduate Certificate into their MBA coursework without lengthening their timeline to graduation. The certificate hones in on the specialized demands of the GovCon industry, a natural fit given the program’s location in the National Capital Region.

Graduate Certificate in Human Capital and HR Management (HCHR)

Pursue the Human Capital and HR Management Graduate Certificate alongside your MBA electives with no impact on time to completion. Coursework covers change management, employee selection, performance management, and workforce training, adding a specialized HR credential to your degree.

Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management (ISM)

The Information Security Management Graduate Certificate can be built into MBA elective coursework without extending your graduation timeline. It bridges information technology, computer systems management, and business operations, preparing graduates to manage organizational security priorities.

Graduate Certificate in Marketing (MKT)

Layer the Marketing Graduate Certificate onto your MBA electives without adding time to your degree. You’ll graduate with hands-on experience designing data-driven, customer-focused marketing strategies and interpreting market trends.

Online Student Experience

As a Costello Online MBA student at George Mason University, you are able to learn in a flexible online environment allowing working professionals to access the curriculum from anywhere. Learn more about what you can expect from this program by viewing this video highlighting the online student experience.


Health Systems Management (MHA)

Program Description

George Mason University’s online CAHME-accredited Master of Health Administration (MHA) in Health Systems Management is a premier degree program, dedicated to preparing future executives for leadership positions in health care organizations. Students develop contemporary strategic, business, analytic, and decision-making skills needed to successfully navigate the evolving health care industry in the post-pandemic era.

In recognition of its high academic rigor and success in preparing the next generation of health care administration professionals, George Mason’s MHA was awarded the 2025 CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to one program each year for setting the standard in health administration education.

The Virginia Department of Health Professions recommends healthcare professionals who work with children to complete continuing education on communicating with those with autism spectrum disorder. Individual licensing boards may include specific continuing education programs. Learn more by visiting the Virginia Law website.

Built on the Same High Standards as Our CAHME-Accredited On-Campus Program

Our online MHA program combines the flexibility of online learning with the same rigorous standards of our on-campus degree. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), which is recognized as the accrediting body for master’s level health care management programs by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2025, George Mason’s MHA received the CAHME/George and Regi Herzlinger Innovation Education Award, which honors a program that sets the standard for academic rigor and preparation of the next generation of health care administration professionals.

Our expert faculty delivers a program driven by a set of professional competencies in each of the following domains:

  • Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  • Communications and Relationship Management
  • Business Knowledge and Skills (And Critical Thinking)
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism (Ethics)

Most courses are offered in convenient online, asynchronous classes. A field-based capstone practicum is completed in the final semester of study, providing students with experience and the opportunity to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills acquired from coursework.

Students must choose one concentration from the following:

Healthcare Quality

Addresses the growth of the health care industry to understand and evaluate the quality of care being delivered. Students will develop skills in quality methodologies, techniques, and patient safety law.

Executive Concentration

Prepares students for leadership positions in a wide variety of health care organizations by focusing on mastery of critical thinking needed for creative revenue cycle, business, and system management strategies.

Capstone Practicum

Spend 6 to 8 weeks with a health care organization, engaged in the analysis of a complex problem assigned by the host organization. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to key health care executives while conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to inform an executive decision regarding an important, real-life issue. Performance in this role can provide the student with a launchpad to pursue opportunities for future professional growth and development.

Health Informatics (MS)

Program Description

George Mason University’s CAHIIM accredited online Master of Science in Health Informatics, with concentrations in Health Data Analytics and Health Informatics Management, prepares students in a highly specialized area of health informatics that bridges technical and health disciplines. Students learn central concepts of health informatics including IT tools, data standards, information systems, and databases.

Health Data Analytics Concentration focuses on the specialized area of health data analytics, data science, and machine learning. Students learn theory and practical skills in the context of analyzing real health data.

Health Informatics Management Concentration provides students with knowledge and skills needed to administratively manage health information systems (ranging from system analysis and design, project management, privacy, security, and various statistical analyses), and support the increased adoption and use of electronic health records.

Read More

Learning takes place at the intersection of healthcare, technology, policy, and data science through a flexible, multidisciplinary, online curriculum designed for working professionals.

The online MS in Health Informatics is 36 credit hours, with the possibility of waiving two introductory courses depending on the student’s educational background and work experience.

Prior work experience in the healthcare or information technology is not required for admission but is considered as part of the admission process.

For students who are new to Health Informatics or who want to brush up on their skills, George Mason offers an MSHI Bridge course. This free course option is meant to create a successful transition for individuals interested in the Health Informatics field who might not have sufficient background in math, computing, and informatics.

The Virginia Department of Health Professions recommends healthcare professionals who work with children to complete continuing education on communicating with those with autism spectrum disorder. Individual licensing boards may include specific continuing education programs. Learn more by visiting the Virginia Law website.