Mason Online

Archives: Programs

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Special Education (MEd)

Program Description

The online Master of Education in Special Education prepares students to address the complex learning needs of individuals with disabilities. George Mason’s unique, innovative approach to inclusive education is designed to benefit learners with disabilities throughout their entire lives.

Students enrolled in George Mason University’s online special education master’s degree program have the option of the supporting graduate certificate track in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate

  • Field experience not required
  • Extensive community, school, and agency perspectives addressed
  • Emphasis on working with autistic individuals across their lifespans

Ranked #7 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Special Education Programs

Learning Technologies (Graduate Certificate Concentration in e‑Learning)

Program Description

The Learning Technologies Certificate with a Concentration in e-Learning provides specialized knowledge in instructional design and e-Learning practices that utilize current and emerging technologies to meet education and training goals in government, industry, and non-profit organizational settings. Individuals seeking to enhance their e-Learning skill set grounded in instructional design best practices are encouraged to apply.

Complete the certificate within a year and apply all 15 credits to the online MS in Learning Design and Technology degree. Gain specialized knowledge in learning or instructional design and e-Learning practices using current technologies and theories.

Accounting (MS)

Program Description

Our highly ranked STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting prepares students to succeed in today’s fast-evolving financial landscape. The program emphasizes current trends in accounting, business ethics, and corporate governance, developing professionals equipped to solve complex challenges in the field. With a curriculum designed to meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure in Virginia and many other states, students gain the academic foundation needed to sit for the CPA exam and other professional certifications. The program builds advanced expertise in audit, financial reporting, and tax accounting, while offering the opportunity to tailor your degree with a graduate certificate in forensic accounting, government accounting, analytics, or government contracting. Graduates are prepared to pursue a wide range of respected credentials, including the CPA, CMA, CGFM, CFE, CFA, and CFP.

Gifted Education (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Gifted Child Education Graduate Certificate prepares experienced educators to design and deliver advanced, concept‑based learning experiences that meet the unique academic and social needs of gifted learners.

Offered 100% online, this graduate certificate emphasizes high‑level thinking, problem‑based learning, and curriculum differentiation, equipping teachers with research‑based strategies to challenge and engage gifted students.

Aligned with graduate standards from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the program supports professional growth for educators seeking leadership roles in gifted education, curriculum design, and instructional coaching.

Banner code: E1-CERG-EDGE

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.

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.

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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