M.S. in Information Security and Assurance

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 Information Security and Assurance program at George Mason University is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and evolving field that plays a critical role in safeguarding digital assets, data, and systems. Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to thrive in a variety of cybersecurity roles.  

1. Cybersecurity Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers as cybersecurity analysts, responsible for identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, monitoring network traffic for potential threats, and implementing measures to prevent cyberattacks.

2. Information Security Manager: Information security managers oversee an organization's cybersecurity strategy. They develop policies, manage security teams, ensure compliance with regulations, and establish protocols to protect sensitive data.

3. Security Consultant: Security consultants work with organizations to assess their cybersecurity posture, identify weaknesses, and recommend solutions to enhance security. They may provide expertise on various aspects of information security.

4. Network Security Engineer: Network security engineers design and implement security measures to protect an organization's network infrastructure. They configure firewalls, encryption protocols, and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Penetration testers evaluate an organization's security by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This role helps identify weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them.

6. Cybersecurity Architect: Cybersecurity architects design and build secure systems and networks. They ensure that all components of an organization's IT infrastructure are designed with security in mind.

7. Incident Responder: Incident responders are on the frontline of cybersecurity, managing and mitigating security breaches and cyber incidents. They work swiftly to minimize damage and restore systems to normalcy.

8. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): CISOs are high-level executives responsible for an organization's overall information security strategy. They collaborate with senior management to ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into business operations.

9. Compliance Analyst: Compliance analysts ensure that an organization adheres to relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards. They work to keep systems in line with industry best practices and legal requirements.

10. Security Software Developer: Security software developers create applications and tools designed to enhance cybersecurity. They play a crucial role in developing solutions for encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection.

11. Threat Intelligence Analyst: Threat intelligence analysts monitor and analyze emerging cyber threats and trends. They provide valuable insights that help organizations stay ahead of potential risks.

12. Forensic Analyst: Forensic analysts investigate cybercrimes and security breaches. They collect and analyze digital evidence to determine the nature and extent of a cyber incident.

13. Researcher or Academic: Some graduates may choose to pursue careers in research or academia, contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity knowledge through studies, publications, and educational roles.

14. Government and Defense Roles: Graduates can find opportunities in government agencies, military organizations, and defense contractors, working to protect sensitive information and national security interests.

15. Private Sector and Industry-Specific Roles: Various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and energy, require specialized cybersecurity expertise. Graduates can pursue roles tailored to the specific security needs of these sectors.