M.S. in Management of Secure Information Systems

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 7, with no individual band score below 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 , with no band less than 20.
• 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 Management of Secure Information Systems program at George Mason University is designed to prepare students for a wide range of exciting and in-demand career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity and secure information management. This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to protect sensitive data, manage information systems, and lead cybersecurity initiatives in various industries.

1. Cybersecurity Analyst: Graduates can work as cybersecurity analysts, responsible for monitoring networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to security breaches. They play a crucial role in safeguarding an organization's digital assets.

2. Information Security Manager: Information security managers oversee an organization's overall cybersecurity strategy. They design security protocols, manage security teams, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

3. IT Risk Analyst: IT risk analysts assess an organization's IT infrastructure to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. They develop risk management strategies and collaborate with other departments to implement security measures.

4. Security Consultant: Security consultants offer expert advice to organizations on enhancing their cybersecurity posture. They conduct assessments, recommend improvements, and help clients navigate complex security challenges.

5. Security Engineer: Security engineers design and implement security solutions, such as firewalls, encryption systems, and intrusion detection systems. They work to create robust defenses against cyber threats.

6. Network Security Administrator: Network security administrators are responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's network infrastructure. They configure firewalls, monitor network traffic, and implement security policies.

7. Compliance Officer: Compliance officers ensure that an organization follows relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards. They develop policies, conduct audits, and ensure the organization's adherence to legal requirements.

8. Incident Responder: Incident responders are the first line of defense during cybersecurity incidents. They investigate breaches, contain threats, and work to restore normal operations.

9. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Graduates with extensive experience and leadership skills can aspire to become CISOs. They hold the highest-level responsibility for an organization's cybersecurity strategy and implementation.

10. Data Privacy Officer: Data privacy officers ensure that an organization's data handling practices comply with privacy regulations. They develop and enforce policies related to data protection.