Applied Information Technology (MS)

Who should apply?

If you’d like to learn how to excel in leading IT teams with a multidisciplinary approach, this program is essential for you. The ideal applicant will have a BS degree and several years of professional experience. You’ll have a history of strong work performance that demonstrates increasing leadership roles and responsibilities and a working knowledge of information technology. With an unwavering commitment to your technical, analytical, and management skill sets, you will show potential for even broader and higher-level assignments.

Why choose George Mason?

• Mason’s AIT Cyber Security program is ranked among the Top-25 online programs in the US — U.S. News & World Report, 2018, 2019, 2020.
• Your studies will be relevant and recognized professionally. The curriculum is developed with guidance from leading area employers who remain involved in the program throughout various programs and initiatives.
• Graduate students have unparalleled access to the nation’s top innovators as Mason is located in the heart of one of the East Coast’s most active tech corridors.
• We have cooperative research programs with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private-sector partnerships.
• Regional and national employers seek out MS AIT graduates as high-potential leaders.
• Student support services — online and face-to-face advising consultations, web resources, and social resources — help you stay connected with the university and keep you on track to graduate.

Program requirements may change. Please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Requirements: 30 credits total

To earn the MS in AIT, you’ll complete 10 courses that are three credits each.

Foundation Courses — 12 Credits

All students take these:

• AIT 512 Algorithms and Data Structures Essentials | 3 credits
• AIT 524 Database Management Systems | 3 credits
• AIT 542 Fundamentals of Computing Platforms | 3 credits
• AIT 664 Information: Representation, Processing, and Visualization | 3 credits

Concentration Courses — 18 Credits

Cyber Security Concentration

Foundation Courses

• AIT 660 Cyber Security Fundamentals | 3 credits
• AIT 670 Cloud Computing Security | 3 credits
• AIT 681 Secure Software Development | 3 credits
• AIT 682 Network and Systems Security | 3 credits

Electives

• AIT 502 Programming Essentials | 3 credits
• AIT 672 Identity and Access Management | 3 credits
• AIT 736 Applied Machine Learning | 3 credits

Data Analytics and Intelligence Methods Concentration

Foundation Courses

• AIT 580 Analytics: Big Data to Information | 3 credits
• AIT 614 Big Data Essentials | 3 credits
• AIT 677 Intelligence Analysis Methods | 3 credits
• AIT 624 Knowledge Mining from Big-Data | 3 credits

Elective Courses

• AIT 502 Programming Essentials | 3 credits
• AIT 526 Introduction to NLP | 3 credits
• AIT 736 Applied Machine Learning | 3 credits

Machine Learning Engineering Concentration

Core Courses

• AIT 526 Introduction to NLP | 3 credits
• AIT 614 Big Data Essentials | 3 credits
• AIT 636 Interpretable Machine Learning | 3 credits
• AIT 736 Applied Machine Learning | 3 credits

Electives

• AIT 502 Programming Essentials | 3 credits
• AIT 726 NLP with Deep Learning | 3 credits
• AIT 746 Applied Deep Learning | 3 credits

Program requirements for the master’s degree in applied information technology are subject to change.

Tuition & Fees (2023-2024):

Tuition is $950 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a Distance Learning fee.

Financial Aid:

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.

Career Descriptions

The MS in Applied Information Technology leverages scholarship, academic research, and industry best practices, processes, and methodologies to develop high-potential leaders. You graduate qualified to step into well-paid positions with faster-than-average growth rates such as:

• Machine Learning Engineer: $120,324
• Information Security Analyst: $102,600
• Cybersecurity Manager: $132,180
• Security Systems Administrator: $108,332
• Computer and Information Systems Manager: $159,010
• Data Scientist: $108,660
• Database Administrator and Architect: $98,860
• Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
• Business Intelligence Analyst: $100,910
• Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, and Tester: $110,140

Other titles you can pursue include:

• Cyber Security Consultant
• Security Engineer or Architect
• Intelligence Analyst
• Business Systems Analyst
• Project Management Analyst
• Senior IT Consultant
• Computer Engineers

As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.

All career data found in the BLS, accessed December 2, 2020.

If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request Information form or contact an admissions representative via the contact information below.

Phone: 703-348-5006
Email: online2@gmu.edu

How do I apply?

Applicants for the online MS in Applied Information Technology should apply here.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
• A GPA of at least 3.00 in the 60 highest-level credits
• Experience in the fundamentals of IT and quantitative methods
• International students must have a TOEFL score of 80 points total overall (with no section minimum) for Graduate Studies and/or Research Assistantships. A score of 88 points total overall (with a minimum of 20 points in each section) is required for international applicants seeking Graduate Assistantships.

Application Materials

• Graduate application
• Application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• Goals statement
• Resume

ADMISSIONS FAQs

Is a GRE/ GMAT required?

Neither the GRE nor the GMAT is required for admissions.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The online MS in Applied Information Technology degree is 30 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 18 months.

When are classes held?

Online classes are offered in an asynchronous format, meaning they can be viewed interactively at your convenience. However, students still must meet all study and deliverable requirements and deadlines.

What accreditation does George Mason hold?

George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.

How much does it cost to apply?

While there is a $75 application fee, there are multiple times throughout the year that it may be waived.