Mason Online

Topic: Engineering & Technology

Computer Engineering (MS)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MS) prepares engineers to lead the design, analysis, and management of modern computing systems, deeply understand interactions between software and hardware, and be responsible for safety-critical and performance-critical features of the entire products.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate program develops expertise in how to design new generations of computers, as well as embedded computing systems, such as those found in smartphones, cars, appliances, computer networks, smart factories, and the internet-of-things

The program covers the entire digital integrated circuit design process targeting Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), using various optimization criteria, such as speed, cost, power, energy, reliability, and security.

It also encompasses the complete software development process targeting microcontrollers, microprocessors, multi-cores, and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). It teaches students how to efficiently partition the system into software and hardware components, and develop high-performance interfaces between these two parts. Project-oriented courses and labs expose students to modern computer-aided design tools for hardware and software design. The students master the art of writing comprehensive technical reports and giving successful oral presentations.

Banner code: EC-MS-CPE

Responsible Artificial Intelligence (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate prepares professionals to design, deploy, and manage AI‑enabled systems responsibly by integrating technical foundations, systems engineering, and ethical governance.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate certificate focuses on AI system architecture, safety and risk assessment, testing and evaluation, and ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations. Designed for engineers, technologists, and policy professionals, the program equips students to ensure reliable, accountable, and safe AI performance across high‑impact domains such as autonomous systems, healthcare, finance, education, and public policy.

The graduate certificate in Responsible AI provides students with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI), how AI systems are architected, the principles of systems engineering as they relate to AI systems, theories of AI safety and risk, how to test and evaluate such systems to meet risk thresholds, and how to identify ethical, legal and regulatory issues that arise in such systems. Students will be prepared to develop and manage complex systems with embedded AI, including identifying unique requirements for systems with embedded AI, testing and certifying these systems, and defining and maintaining safe levels of performance for deployed AI. Graduates will also be able to develop acquisition plans for complex systems with embedded AI and develop AI maintenance programs including auditing. Areas of application include safety-critical physical systems like self-driving cars, air taxis and health applications, as well as software-based systems like financial and banking systems, and those that support education and research.

Banner Code: EC-CERG-RSAI

Data Analytics (BAS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Data Analytics is a degree‑completion program designed for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and want to advance into high‑demand data analytics and data science careers.

Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this program emphasizes data‑driven decision‑making, analytics technologies, and applied methodologies used across business, government, and industry. Created with working adults in mind, the BAS in Data Analytics equips graduates with practical, job‑ready skills in analyzing and interpreting large datasets for roles in finance, marketing, operations, business intelligence, and government analytics.

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.

Banner code: UN-BAS-APLS

Information Security Management (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The Information Security Management Graduate Certificate prepares professionals to manage and lead organizational cybersecurity and information security programs at the intersection of technology, business, and risk management.

Offered 100% online by the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, this graduate certificate emphasizes information security governance, cybersecurity strategy, data‑driven decision‑making, and security program implementation.

Designed for professionals who serve as a bridge between technical security teams and business leadership, the program equips graduates to address complex information security challenges, coordinate cybersecurity projects, and support enterprise‑wide security initiatives. 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.

Banner code: BC-CERG-ISMG

Computational and Data Sciences (BS)

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Computational and Data Sciences (BS) prepares students to solve complex real‑world problems through the integration of computer science, data analysis, scientific modeling, applied mathematics, and simulation.

Offered 100% online through the College of Science at George Mason University, this interdisciplinary STEM‑designated degree emphasizes hands‑on computational skills and data‑driven reasoning across physical and social sciences.

Designed for students interested in big data, modeling, and simulation, the program equips graduates for careers in data science, analytics, research, and high‑technology industries, as well as for continued graduate study.

Banner code: SC-BS-CDS

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (PhD)

Program Description

George Mason University offers an online Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (PhD) program focused on cutting‑edge research at the intersection of biology, computer science, and quantitative data analysis. This interdisciplinary doctoral program prepares students to solve complex biological problems using advanced computational methods.

Researchers in bioinformatics and computational biology use high‑performance computing to collect, store, analyze, and present large and complex biological datasets. Their work supports major advances in disease detection, drug development, forensics, agriculture, and environmental science, combining biological insight with powerful data‑driven tools.

This research focused online PhD program is designed to educate the next generation of computational biologists for careers in academia, industry, and government. Students complete an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes foundational bioscience courses alongside advanced coursework in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology.

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Most required coursework can be completed in approximately two years. After completing coursework, passing the comprehensive exam, and successfully proposing a dissertation, students advance to doctoral candidacy. In the final phase of the program, students focus on original research that culminates in the completion and defense of a doctoral 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

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

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.

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)

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