M.S. in Computer Engineering

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 Computer Engineering program at George Mason University is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of computer engineering. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to excel in a variety of roles within the technology industry and beyond.  

1. Embedded Systems Engineer: Graduates with expertise in computer engineering are highly sought after for roles involving the design and development of embedded systems. These professionals work on creating hardware-software integrated systems found in consumer electronics, automotive systems, medical devices, and more.

2. Hardware Engineer: Computer engineering graduates can work as hardware engineers, responsible for designing and testing computer components such as processors, memory systems, and communication interfaces. They play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of computer systems.

3. Software Engineer: The program equips students with the skills to develop complex software applications, ranging from operating systems to applications for various platforms. Software engineers play a vital role in creating innovative and user-friendly software solutions.

4. Network Engineer: Network engineers design, implement, and manage communication networks. With expertise in computer engineering, graduates can excel in roles focused on building secure and efficient networks that enable data transfer and communication.

5. System Architect: System architects design and plan complex computer systems, ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. Their role is critical in creating systems that meet performance, security, and scalability requirements.

6. FPGA Engineer: Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) engineers work on developing customizable hardware components that can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Graduates can pursue roles involving FPGA design and optimization.

7. Data Scientist or Analyst: The program's focus on data processing and analysis equips graduates to work in data-related roles. They can contribute to data-driven decision-making by analyzing large datasets and deriving insights.

8. Research and Development Engineer: Graduates interested in innovation and cutting-edge technologies can work in research and development roles, contributing to the advancement of computer engineering solutions.

9. Telecommunications Engineer: Telecommunications engineers design and maintain communication systems, including networks and satellite systems. Their expertise is essential in ensuring efficient and secure data transmission.

10. Consulting and Entrepreneurship: M.S. in Computer Engineering graduates often possess the skills to provide technical consulting services to businesses or even start their own technology-related ventures, leveraging their expertise to create innovative solutions.

11. Academia and Research: Some graduates may choose to pursue doctoral studies, entering academia or research institutions to contribute to the academic community and advance knowledge in computer engineering.

12. Career Progression: As computer engineering is a constantly evolving field, graduates have the opportunity for continuous learning and career progression. They can move into leadership positions, managing teams and projects, or specialize further in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, or cybersecurity.