4400 University Drive, MSN 2F2, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA


George Mason University began as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1957, initially established to serve the growing population in Northern Virginia. Originally named George Mason College, the institution was created to expand higher education opportunities beyond the traditional state universities. It gained independence in 1972, becoming George Mason University and setting the stage for rapid growth in both size and academic offerings. Over the following decades, it transitioned from a primarily commuter school to a more comprehensive university with a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. This evolution reflected its commitment to research and community engagement, positioning itself as a major public research university in the region. Throughout its development, George Mason University focused on addressing local and national educational needs by expanding disciplines and fostering innovation, which has contributed to its reputation as an accessible and forward-thinking institution for students pursuing a practical and impactful education.
George Mason University offers a diverse range of faculties and departments designed to cater to a wide array of academic interests and career goals. The university comprises several colleges, each dedicated to distinct areas of study that equip students with specialized knowledge and skills.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences encompasses departments such as History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, and Global Affairs. This college provides students with opportunities to engage deeply with societal issues, cultural studies, and human behavior.
The Volgenau School of Engineering houses fields including Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering, among others. It emphasizes hands-on learning and research, preparing students for technological and engineering challenges.
The School of Business features programs in Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Management, and Information Systems, aiming to develop proficient professionals for the dynamic business environment.
The College of Science includes departments like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Environmental Science. It promotes rigorous scientific inquiry and innovation.
Additionally, the university supports specialized education through the College of Education and Human Development, offering studies in education, human development, and related disciplines to train future educators and human service professionals.
Health-related programs are offered in the College of Health and Human Services, which covers areas such as Nursing, Health Administration, and Public Health, designed to address the evolving needs of healthcare sectors.
The School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution focuses on peace studies, conflict management, and mediation, appealing to students interested in global and community dispute resolution.
Furthermore, the university features creative disciplines within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, providing education in art, theater, music, and design.
George Mason University is situated in Fairfax, Virginia, specifically at 4400 University Drive, MSN 2F2, 22030. Fairfax is a suburban city that offers students a blend of urban convenience and a more relaxed environment. The university's proximity to Dulles International Airport provides accessible travel options for both domestic and international students, making it easier to commute for breaks or study abroad programs.
George Mason University is committed to fostering an educational environment that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. Its mission focuses on preparing students to become engaged citizens who can contribute thoughtfully to their communities and the broader world. The university aims to provide transformative learning experiences through a diverse and interdisciplinary approach, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve students throughout their careers.
The vision of George Mason University highlights its aspiration to be a leading public research institution known for its impact on global challenges and commitment to access and opportunity. It strives to cultivate an academic community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all students have the resources and support needed to thrive. Through collaboration with local and international partners, the university seeks to advance knowledge that benefits society as a whole.
Name of the institution
George Mason UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1972
Certificate of less than 1 year
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$56,805Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$40,070Anthropology
$23,524Area Studies
Data not availableAstronomy and Astrophysics
Data not availableAtmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Data not availableBiology, General
$29,849Biomedical/Medical Engineering
$46,303Business Administration, Management and Operations
$49,321Business/Commerce, General
Data not availableChemistry
$34,646Civil Engineering
$64,934Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
$69,322Computer Engineering
$80,254Computer Science
$71,514Criminal Justice and Corrections
$40,661Dance
$20,382Design and Applied Arts
Data not availableDrama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$25,883Economics
$55,517Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$70,242English Language and Literature, General
$28,330Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$24,682Finance and Financial Management Services
$52,937Fine and Studio Arts
Data not availableGeography and Cartography
$46,150Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
$39,578Graphic Communications
$26,474Health and Physical Education/Fitness
$34,209Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
$40,857History
$22,998Homeland Security
Data not availableHospitality Administration/Management
$42,258Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Data not availableInternational Relations and National Security Studies
$39,409Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$34,587Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
$41,771Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$57,420Marketing
$46,771Mathematics
$46,522Mathematics and Computer Science
Data not availableMechanical Engineering
$61,988Music
$27,836Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$34,052Neurobiology and Neurosciences
$31,574Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
$39,297Philosophy
Data not availablePhysical Sciences, Other
Data not availablePhysics
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
$42,975Psychology, General
$32,267Public Administration
$39,354Public Health
$32,071Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$63,950Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Data not availableReligion/Religious Studies
Data not availableRhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
$39,051Security Science and Technology
Data not availableSocial Work
$33,725Sociology
$35,119Statistics
Data not availableSustainability Studies
$33,709Systems Engineering
$71,876Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$38,384Visual and Performing Arts, General
$26,808