Mason Online

Topic: Engineering & Technology

Data Analytics (BAS)

Program Description

Mason’s Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS) is a unique program created specifically for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Designed with the adult-learner in mind, but open to students of all ages, the BAS degree offers a flexible learning experience for students.

This concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies and methodologies necessary for data-driven decision-making. It is aimed at students who wish to become data scientists and analysts in finance, marketing, operations, business/government intelligence and other information intensive groups generating and consuming large amounts of data.

Information Security Management (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Connect principles of information technology, computer systems management, and business operations to organizational information security.

Learn how to implement tailored information security solutions, become adept at leading strategic discussions, and excel in managing complex information security issues with a graduate certificate in information security management from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

George Mason University’s graduate certificate in information security management positions you to manage relationships between technical security experts and non-technical employees so you can serve as a vital liaison in any organization.

Through your coursework you’ll explore common issues in information security management and the programs needed to address them. You’ll also learn to use automated tools and data-driven decision making in information security, and to effectively coordinate project teams of cybersecurity engineers.

Students who complete at least two information security management certificate courses with grades of B or better will have their application requirements for our MBA program or master’s in management program reduced, and certificate course credits can be applied towards your degree requirements upon enrollment.

Computational and Data Sciences (BS)

Program Description

The aim of this degree is to provide students with technical skills and knowledge for rigorously investigating physical and social phenomena. The BS is a transformative approach that integrates science at George Mason University based on the combination of real-world computer science skills, data acquisition and analysis, scientific modeling, applied mathematics, and simulation. As an interdisciplinary STEM-designated program, this degree addresses the current central role of computation in the areas of “big data,” modeling, and simulation.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (PhD)

Program Description

Researchers in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology collect, store, analyze, and present complex biological data using high-performance computing. Through this work, critical contributions are made to disease detection, drug design, forensics, agriculture, and environmental sciences. This research-oriented program trains a new generation of computational biologists for careers in private industry, academia, and government agencies. The program provides students with interdisciplinary academic curriculum that includes fundamental bioscience courses as well as advanced courses in bioinformatics.

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In general, course requirements are completed within the first two years of study. Completion of coursework, the comprehensive exam, and a successful dissertation proposal results in advancement to candidacy status. In the next phase, students conduct research guided by a faculty member. The program is concluded with the defense of PhD dissertation.

The program is structured to be accessible for full- and part-time students. The courses are offered in a hybrid or distance learning format without requiring students to travel to campus. Because the research work is computational, students may choose to earn their doctoral degree entirely remotely or in a traditional face-to-face format.

Computer Science (MS)

Program Description

Prepare to create software solutions for the future in George Mason University’s online MS in Computer Science program.

You’ll gain expert-level problem-solving abilities while building skills in advanced programming, model construction and analysis, and analysis of algorithms as you advance your knowledge in the top areas of computer science, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Databases
  • Programming Languages
  • Software Engineering
  • Systems and Networks
  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Visual Computing
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You’ll learn how to create software solutions to complex issues as you learn from highly experienced, award-winning faculty.

By graduation, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to solve the challenges you’ll face as a computer software engineer, architect, or developer.

Ranked a Top 30 Program, and Highest-Ranked Computer Science Program in Virginia, by CSRankings.org

Top 65 Best Computer Science Schools by U.S. News & World Report, 2022

Data Analytics (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

Data analytics engineering has become an important activity for addressing Big Data and analytics required to solve problems and acquire valuable insights. The online Graduate certificate in Data Analytics engineering from George Mason University provides you with both knowledge and experience for working and solving real-world data analytics engineering problems. The certificate is a career enabler for students and working professionals that are interested in acquiring skills to expand the focus and scope of their current problem solving capabilities in the context of Big Data.

The certificate is based on four data analytics foundation courses and can be completed in roughly 12-months.  The foundation courses cover the key concepts and principals for practicing data analytics engineering roles of data engineering, data scientist, and data architect.

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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 to enroll in the online MS in Data Analytics Engineering degree at a later point, credits from the graduate certificate will apply. For more information on the MS in Data Analytics Engineering click here.

Learn In a Top-Ranked School

George Mason University’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.

Top 100 Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Data Analytics Engineering (MS)

Program Description

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.

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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.

Learn In a Top-Ranked School

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 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

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.

Computer Game Design (BFA)

Program Description

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.

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.

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.