Applying to graduate programs at Mason Engineering is a multi-step process. All applications are processed through central admissions.
Admission standards and the general university admission requirements can be found in the University catalog under Graduate Admissions Policies. For additional information, please go to our Academics page and select your program of interest.
Eligibility to apply:
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Must have a baccalaureate degree from a Mason-recognized institutional accrediting agency.
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Earned or will earn a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution, or an equivalent degree from a nationally recognized non-US institution.
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Applications may be submitted during the final year of undergraduate study. Note: Acceptance is contingent on the award of a baccalaureate degree before matriculation to a graduate or professional program at Mason.
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Earned a 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or better in your baccalaureate study. Note: The GPA requirement can be higher for individual programs.
Please note: CEC Office of Graduate Studies does not offer an application fee waiver for graduate admission. George Mason University offers limited application fee waivers for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Application Deadlines
Graduate application requirements by program are available here: Application Deadlines and Requirements
Fall 2023
Funding Deadlines for Doctoral Programs
Funding Deadlines for Doctoral Programs:
- December 1, 2022
Students who apply and submit application materials by December 1st will receive priority review for funding consideration. Please note that many of our academic departments begin the review process for doctoral funding consideration between January and March.
Standard Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs
Standard Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:
- March 15, 2023
Graduate Non-degree Studies
Graduate Non-degree Studies:
- August 15, 2023
Fall 2023 Space Available Deadlines
Space Available Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:
Students who apply and/or submit materials after March 15th will be considered on a space-available basis based on program capacity. Space-available deadlines do not guarantee a decision in time for the start of the semester.
MS in Computer Science program:
- April 15, 2023
All other programs:
- June 1, 2023 for applicants requiring a visa to study in the U.S.
- July 15, 2023 for applicants not requiring a visa to study in the U.S.
Spring 2024 application will open in April.
Spring 2024
Funding Deadlines for Doctoral Programs
Funding Deadlines for Doctoral Programs:
- August 15, 2023
Students who apply and submit application materials by August 15th will receive priority review for funding consideration, if offered in spring term. Please note that not every doctoral program may offer funding in spring term.
Standard Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs
Standard Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:
- October 15, 2023
Space Available Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs
Space Available Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:
Space available deadlines will be posted at a later date. Students who apply and/or submit materials after October 15th may be considered on a space-available basis based on program capacity. Space available does not guarantee a decision in time for the start of the semester. Students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit application materials early to meet the October 15th deadline.
Graduate Non-degree Studies
Graduate Non-degree Studies:
Required Basic Documentation
The following are required documents for the application process according to the degree sought. Note: Internationally-educated students may require additional documents. See the Internationally-educated applicant section of this page for details.
Certificate Program
- College Transcripts
- Goals Statement
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- Résumé
Masters Program
- College Transcripts
- Goals Statement *
- 2 Letters of Recommendation *
- Résumé
* Notes on admission requirements:
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Goals Statement and Recommendation Letters are NOT required for the following programs:
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Computer Engineering, MS
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Electrical Engineering, MS
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Recommendation Letters are NOT required for the following program:
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Software Engineering, MS
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Doctoral Program
- College Transcripts
- Goals Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation*
- Résumé
- GRE (see 'notes on admission requirements)
* Notes on admission requirements:
- 2 Letters of Recommendation are required for the following program:
- Computer Science, PhD
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The GRE exam is required for the following programs:
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Bioengineering, PhD
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Systems Engineering & Operations Research, PhD.
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GRE exam is waived for all other doctoral programs and is optional for admission consideration. Applicants who took the GRE (General Test) with exams no older than five years, are encouraged to provide official test scores to help the review committee with decision-making.
- Computer Science, PhD program recommends the GRE for internationally-educated applicants.
Graduate Non-degree Studies
- College Transcripts
- Résumé
Internationally Educated Applicants
Internationally-educated students must submit additional requirements to complete a graduate studies application:
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Transcript evaluation from a NACES approved agency. See International Graduate Requirements for details.
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English proficiency exam: TOEFL iBT for Graduate Studies and/or Research Assistantship (80 points total overall, with no section minimum); for Teaching Assistantship (88 points total overall, with a minimum of 20 points in each section). For additional details on TOEFL, IELTS or PTE, see Examination and Scores.
Application Procedures
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Step 1: Gather Your Documents Compile the documentation required for your desired degree level (basic documentation is listed on this page). |
Step 2: Choose Your Program Select your program of study and check the requirements for your specific program and degree. |
Step 3: Apply Online Have your documents prepared and ready to upload before beginning the application. The central Office of Graduate Admissions handles all graduate applications to the university. |
Contact Us
Graduate Studies
Email: cecgrad@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-1512
Prospective students and applicants are encouraged to email us to set up a virtual appointment.