M.S. in Systems 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 Systems Engineering program at George Mason University is a comprehensive and forward-looking academic endeavor that prepares students for a wide range of rewarding careers in the field of systems engineering. As a discipline that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems, graduates of this program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to address intricate challenges in various industries.

1. Systems Engineer: Graduates can step into roles as systems engineers, responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing complex systems. They work on interdisciplinary projects, ensuring that all components work harmoniously to achieve desired outcomes.

2. Project Manager: With a strong foundation in systems thinking and integration, graduates can excel as project managers. They oversee the development and execution of projects, ensuring they meet objectives within scope, budget, and schedule.

3. Consultant: Many organizations seek systems engineering experts to provide consultation on process improvement, system design, and efficiency enhancement. Graduates can work as consultants, aiding companies in optimizing their operations.

4. Risk Analyst: Complex systems often come with inherent risks. Systems engineering graduates can specialize as risk analysts, identifying potential issues and developing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring smooth operations.

5. Quality Assurance Engineer: Ensuring the quality and reliability of systems is crucial. Graduates can pursue roles as quality assurance engineers, conducting testing, validation, and verification to maintain the integrity of systems.

6. Systems Architect: Systems architects are responsible for designing the overarching structure of complex systems. They align components to achieve optimal performance and functionality, a role well-suited for systems engineering graduates.

7. Integration Engineer: Integration engineers focus on merging individual components into a coherent whole. Graduates can work in industries like aerospace, defense, and IT, ensuring that various subsystems function seamlessly.

8. Product Development Engineer: In industries such as manufacturing and technology, graduates can contribute as product development engineers, ensuring that new products are designed with a holistic approach to meet customer needs.

9. Logistics and Supply Chain Manager: Effective logistics and supply chain management are essential in modern businesses. Graduates can optimize these processes by applying systems engineering principles to streamline operations.

10. Academia and Research: Graduates interested in academia can pursue teaching and research positions. Their expertise in systems engineering can contribute to advancing the field's theoretical and practical aspects.