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Graduate Admissions

We offer both a MS and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science. Whereas a Master's is intended for people wishing for advanced study in computer science as an engineering discipline, a Ph.D. is intended for an eventual career in Computer Science as a research field: this includes professional scientists, industry researchers, and academics. Besides universities, nearly every major computer software and hardware firm employs research positions for Ph.Ds. as part of their research and development. Ph.D.s are also common in government research positions.

Ph.D. Admissions

For information on applying to the Ph.D. program, see the CS PhD Program Page.

GMU Ph.D. students are typically supported by Fellowships, Graduate Teaching Assistantships, and Graduate Research Assistantships.

At GMU, the MS and Ph.D. programs are mutually independent, although it is possible to transfer between the two programs. Admission to the Ph.D. program is more competitive than to the MS program. (An MS degree is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program. You may wish to consider both programs.)

MS Admissions

For information on applying to the MS Computer Science program, see the CS Masters Programs Page.

Undergraduate Admissions

The department offers several programs for the undergraduate student, including a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science, and also a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Computer Science with various concentrations.

How to Apply

Admission to George Mason is competitive. Each candidate who presents sufficient admission qualifications is reviewed in the context of other qualified applicants. An offer of admission is valid only for the semester for which the student applied. Application for undergraduate admission can be made online at the GMU web site http://admissions.gmu.edu. The Office of admissions can also provide forms upon request.

Freshman Requirements

The following factors are considered when reviewing applications for admission:

  • Cumulative high school grade point average for course work completed in grades 9 through 12.
  • Level of difficulty of course work elected throughout the high school years, particularly in English, mathematics, and science.
  • Scores from Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Test (ACT).
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) where applicable

Transfer Requirements

The university accepts qualified students who wish to transfer from other colleges. A transfer applicant who has completed at least 30 semester hours of transferable credit must submit two copies of official transcripts from each collegiate institution attended. Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credit must also submit a copy of their secondary school record, as well as SAT or ACT scores. Students transferring from vocational programs or non-accredited institutions are normally expected to meet the University's requirements governing admission of freshmen.

See GMU's Transfer Admissions page for more information.