M.A. in Sociology
George Mason University, a prestigious institution located in Fairfax, Virginia, offers...
B.S. in Information Technology
Fairfax, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Technology program at George Mason University (GMU) is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving field of IT. This interdisciplinary program combines technical knowledge with practical skills in information systems, software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, equipping students with the expertise needed to address complex IT challenges in various industries.
STEM Designated: GMU's B.S. in Information Technology program is STEM designated, emphasizing its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This designation highlights the program's commitment to providing students with a rigorous education in STEM fields, preparing them for careers in IT, computer science, and related disciplines.
ABET Accredited: The B.S. in Information Technology program at GMU is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and excellence in IT education. ABET accreditation signifies that the program adheres to rigorous criteria related to curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and continuous improvement, providing assurance to students, employers, and the public that graduates have received a quality education.
Curriculum: The curriculum of GMU's B.S. in Information Technology program covers a broad spectrum of topics, including programming languages, database management, network administration, cybersecurity principles, software engineering, and IT project management. Courses may include but are not limited to, introduction to computer science, data structures and algorithms, computer networks, web development, information security, and cloud computing. The curriculum also incorporates hands-on projects, internships, and capstone experiences to provide students with practical skills and real-world experience in IT.
Research Focus: Research is an integral component of the B.S. in Information Technology program at GMU, with faculty and students engaged in research projects addressing cutting-edge IT issues and advancements. Research areas may include but are not limited to, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, human-computer interaction, and digital forensics. Students have opportunities to participate in research initiatives, internships, and collaborative projects, working alongside faculty mentors to contribute to technological innovation and IT solutions.
Industry Engagement: GMU's B.S. in Information Technology program emphasizes industry engagement to ensure that students gain practical skills and real-world experience relevant to IT careers. The program collaborates with technology companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations to provide students with internships, co-op opportunities, and industry-sponsored projects. Through industry engagement, students gain insights into IT trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices, as well as opportunities to network with professionals in the field.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected world, GMU's B.S. in Information Technology program encourages students to develop a global perspective on IT issues and challenges. Students explore the impact of globalization on IT infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, digital innovation, and IT governance, as well as the role of IT in addressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare access, and social equity. They may have opportunities to study abroad, participate in international IT projects, or engage in coursework focusing on global IT issues, gaining a broader understanding of IT's role in shaping societies and economies worldwide. By embracing a global perspective, students learn to navigate the complexities of the global IT landscape and contribute to global efforts to harness technology for positive social change and sustainable development.
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 39170
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: Waiver
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 80 is often required.
- PTE : A minimum overall score of 59 is required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 110 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.
Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.
College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong their chosen area of study.
Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.
International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.
Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.
It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.
Graduates of George Mason University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Technology program are well-positioned to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors of the technology industry.
Systems Analyst: Systems analysts assess an organization's IT needs and design systems solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness. They analyze existing systems, identify areas for improvement, and recommend technological solutions to meet business objectives. Systems analysts work closely with stakeholders, including business users and IT professionals, to ensure that systems meet organizational requirements.
Network Administrator: Network administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-based networks. They configure network hardware and software, troubleshoot network issues, and implement security measures to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access. Network administrators also monitor network performance and optimize network infrastructure to ensure reliability and scalability.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts play a crucial role in protecting organizations' digital assets from cyber threats and attacks. They monitor networks for security breaches, investigate security incidents, and implement security controls to safeguard sensitive information and prevent data breaches. Cybersecurity analysts also conduct security assessments, develop security policies and procedures, and educate employees on cybersecurity best practices.
Software Developer: Software developers design, develop, and maintain software applications to meet the needs of users and organizations. They analyze user requirements, design software solutions, write code, and test software for quality assurance. Software developers work across various platforms and programming languages, including Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, to create web applications, mobile apps, and enterprise software solutions.
Database Administrator: Database administrators manage and maintain databases that store and organize an organization's data. They ensure the integrity, security, and availability of databases, perform database backups and recovery procedures, and optimize database performance for efficient data retrieval and storage. Database administrators also design and implement database schemas, configure database servers, and troubleshoot database issues.
IT Project Manager: IT project managers oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects within organizations. They define project goals, develop project plans, allocate resources, and manage project budgets and timelines. IT project managers collaborate with cross-functional teams, communicate project status to stakeholders, and mitigate risks to ensure successful project outcomes. They may specialize in areas such as software development, network infrastructure, or cybersecurity projects.
Cloud Solutions Architect: Cloud solutions architects design and deploy cloud-based solutions and services for organizations migrating to cloud computing platforms. They assess business requirements, design cloud architectures, and select appropriate cloud technologies and services to meet organizational needs. Cloud solutions architects also optimize cloud infrastructure for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency, and ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards.
IT Consultant: IT consultants provide expertise and guidance to organizations on IT strategy, technology solutions, and digital transformation initiatives. They assess organizational needs, conduct technology assessments, and develop customized IT strategies and roadmaps to support business objectives. IT consultants may specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, enterprise systems, or digital innovation, providing valuable insights and recommendations to help organizations achieve their IT goals.
