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Archives: Programs

Systems Engineering (MS)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MS) prepares engineers to lead the design, analysis, and management of complex, large‑scale systems across industries.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate program develops expertise in systems architecture, quantitative modeling, engineering tools, and systems thinking.

Designed for professionals seeking technical leadership roles, the program equips graduates to address real‑world challenges in areas such as autonomous systems, aerospace, cybersecurity, healthcare, transportation, energy, and large information systems.

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.

Banner code: EC-MS-SYST

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

Program Description

The Architecture‑Based Systems Integration Graduate Certificate prepares systems engineers to meet today’s evolving industry and defense acquisition requirements through an architecture‑based approach to systems integration.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate certificate develops expertise in systems architecture frameworks, modeling and simulation, structured and object‑oriented analysis, and integration strategies.

Designed for engineering professionals working with complex, multi‑system environments, the program equips graduates to effectively design, evaluate, and integrate large‑scale systems across defense, aerospace, technology, and industrial sectors.

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.

Banner code: EC-CERG-SYST

Applied Information Technology (MS)

Program Description

Prepare to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive IT strategic initiatives with a Master of Science in Applied Information Technology (AIT) from George Mason University.

Choose from 3 concentrations: Applied Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Cyber Security, Data Analytics & Intelligence Methods, and Machine Learning Engineering.

You’ll learn how to justify, design, develop, manage, and sustain mega-systems as you gain extensive knowledge of the top IT fields including:

  • Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies
  • Cyber Security
  • Machine Learning Engineering
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Intelligence Methods
  • Natural Language Processing
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You’ll gain experience in practical, day-to-day IT challenges, learning from highly credentialed and experienced faculty.

The MS in Applied Information Technology offers four tracks, including concentrations in Applied Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Cyber Security, Data Analytics & Intelligence Methods, and Machine Learning Engineering.

With the Applied Artificial Intelligence Technologies concentration, you’ll explore the latest advancements in AI, including language models, multimodal learning, and more. You’ll graduate ready to develop, deploy, and manage AI systems that drive innovation and solve complex problems in your industry.

With the Cyber Security concentration, you’ll gain experience addressing the most complex security challenges facing society right now through a high-quality, 100% online curriculum that leverages scholarship, academic research, and industry best practices, processes, and methodologies in the field of cyber security.

The Data Analytics & Intelligence Methods concentration offers a wide variety of methods to convert data in decisions in various contexts; including scarce data to big data, from factual data to probabilistic data, from statistical methods to data mining, and intelligence techniques.

The Machine Learning Engineering concentration examines data science techniques to address real-world challenges. With this track, you’ll learn how to select, adapt, optimize, and design machine learning algorithms for various applications.

Click to learn more about the program from our award-winning faculty.

The Master’s in Applied Information Technology has now been officially designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the NSA and DHS. This is a significant recognition that highlights the program’s strength in cyber security education and its alignment with national standards.

Fast Track Option Available for George Mason Engineering Alumni

This option is available for George Mason Engineering alumni who graduated with a 3.0 or better overall GPA, or current George Mason Engineering undergraduates within one semester of graduation with a 3.0 or better GPA (and a final 3.0 or better GPA in the BS must be confirmed prior to first course registration.) Click here for more information or contact your admissions representative.

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)

Learning Technologies, Blended and Online Learning in Schools Concentration (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Blended and Online Learning in Schools Graduate Certificate prepares K–12 educators to design, deliver, and evaluate effective blended and fully online instruction.

This program adds a valuable dimension to professional teaching qualifications, signifying advanced knowledge and expertise to employers. Subject to your school division guidelines, students may be able to earn professional development credits for taking courses in this program. It is expected that applicants to this program have a valid K-12 state licensure, but exceptions can be made for those teaching in private schools or other contexts where state licensure is not required.

Banner code: E1-CERG-LTCH-BOLS

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