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Autism Spectrum Disorders (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The online Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) graduate certificate* at George Mason University provides students with the skills needed to successfully enhance opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This part-time online program prepares professionals and family members to work with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in school, home, and community settings. Most programs have an emphasis on school-age children with ASD – but this program has a broader range of application with a focus that expands to adolescence, transition to adulthood, adulthood, and aging. The emphasis on working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders across their lifespans makes this program unique.

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This certificate does not require any field experience (internship or practicum). Instead, the coursework has extensive video case studies of four individuals with ASD and application activities to aid in experiential learning. The program can be a stand-alone graduate certificate or a specialization of George Mason’s online special education master’s degree program.

*This program is intended to provide advanced study of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). George Mason University is currently exploring autism-specific licensure opportunities that may exist in your state upon completion of the program; however, this degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching licensure in any state. Students are strongly encouraged to be proactive and verify all licensure information.

Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

Education Leadership (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This 24-credit Education Leadership graduate certificate is reserved for applicants who already have a master’s degree and a valid teaching license. This 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.

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.

Banner code: SC-CERG-GI

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

The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology prepares students to analyze and interpret complex biological data using advanced computational, statistical, and bioinformatics methods.

Offered 100% online through the College of Science at George Mason University, this interdisciplinary master’s program integrates biology, computer science, and high‑performance computing to address real‑world challenges in biomedical research, genomics, drug discovery, systems biology, and data‑driven life sciences.

Designed for professionals and students with backgrounds in the biological or computational sciences, the program equips graduates with the skills needed to develop and apply modern bioinformatics tools and software in research, industry, and government settings.

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.

Banner code: SC-MS-BCB

Information Technology (BS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology prepares students to apply information technology solutions to real‑world business and organizational challenges.

Offered 100% online through the Volgenau School of Engineering at George Mason University, this ABET‑accredited undergraduate program emphasizes problem‑solving, communication, and technical skills across core IT areas such as information systems, networking, cybersecurity, and web technologies.

Designed for students seeking career‑ready preparation, the BS in Information Technology equips graduates to support business processes, manage IT resources, and adapt to emerging technologies, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate study in applied information technology and related fields.

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.

Banner code: EC-BS-INFT

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: 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.

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