M.S. in Operation Research

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the chosen field of study for the postgraduate program.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The minimum GPA requirement for admission to most postgraduate programs at George Mason University is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  

3. English Language Proficiency:  

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 80.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120

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.

1. 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.

2. INTO Mason Scholarships: INTO Mason, a partnership program that helps international students transition to university life in the United States, offers scholarships to students who enroll in Pathway programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition costs and are awarded based on academic merit.

3. 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 commitment to their chosen area of study.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Operations Research program at George Mason University is designed to equip graduates with a strong foundation in the principles of operations research and analytical methods. This program opens the doors to a wide range of rewarding and impactful career opportunities in industries that require data-driven decision-making, optimization, and problem-solving.

1. Data Analyst: Graduates can work as data analysts, leveraging their skills in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to help organizations make informed decisions. They apply mathematical modeling and statistical techniques to extract insights from complex datasets.

2. Operations Research Analyst: With expertise in optimization and modeling, graduates can pursue roles as operations research analysts. They identify inefficiencies, improve processes, and develop strategies to enhance the overall performance of organizations.

3. Supply Chain Manager: Many industries rely on efficient supply chain management. Graduates can work as supply chain managers, optimizing logistics, inventory management, and distribution networks to minimize costs and maximize productivity.

4. Financial Analyst: The financial sector benefits from graduates who can use operations research techniques to analyze financial data, forecast trends, and make investment decisions that mitigate risks.

5. Consultant: Operations research consultants provide specialized expertise to organizations seeking to streamline operations, improve resource allocation, and enhance decision-making. They collaborate with clients to identify challenges and implement effective solutions.

6. Healthcare Analyst: In the healthcare sector, graduates can contribute to optimizing patient flow, resource allocation, and scheduling in hospitals and clinics. They play a vital role in improving healthcare services' efficiency and quality.

7. Transportation Planner: Graduates can work as transportation planners, using operations research to design efficient transportation systems, manage traffic flow, and develop sustainable urban mobility solutions.

8. Manufacturing Analyst: Manufacturing industries require professionals who can optimize production processes, minimize waste, and ensure smooth operations. Graduates can work to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.

9. Risk Analyst: Graduates with expertise in operations research can analyze risks and uncertainties in various industries, from insurance to energy, helping organizations make informed decisions to mitigate potential losses.

10. Project Manager: With their strong analytical and problem-solving skills, graduates can excel as project managers, overseeing complex projects, allocating resources, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.