Your Degree, Your Way.
Build a master's program that enhances your skills and accelerates your career.
George Mason University's Master of Science in Management program is designed to empower you to create a degree that matches your career aspirations. Build core business knowledge through the Costello College of Business while earning a certificate from schools across the University to customize your expertise. The program offers flexibility with online synchronous and in-person options for each core course, allowing you to mix formats or complete the program entirely online or in person. Together, your core coursework and certificate create a master's program that sharpens your business skills, broadens your perspective, and expands your professional network.
Certificate options include:
Business Analytics
Costello College of Business (12 credits)
Learn how to collect, organize, visualize and analyze data to provide strategic recommendations to stakeholders in any organization.
Business Fundamentals - Government Contract Management
Costello College of Business (15 credits)
Delve into essential business operations while gaining strategic insights tailored specifically for government contracting professionals or those looking to break into the industry.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution
The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution (15 credits)
Gain practical knowledge of conflict analysis and resolution relevant to your focused areas of work. This program integrates conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical techniques to prepare you to use conflict analysis and resolution approaches in your work.
Environmental and Sustainability Management
College of Science (12 credits)
Learn to develop and manage environmental and sustainability initiatives and practices that will reduce, remove, and redress environmental impacts in various types of organizations.
Human Capital and HR Management
Costello College of Business (15 credits)
Build essential skills for effective human capital development, including change management, employee selection, performance management, and workforce training.
Information Security Management
Costello College of Business (12 credits)
Learn how to implement tailored information security solutions, become adept at leading strategic discussions, and excel in managing complex information security issues.
Non-profit Management
Schar School of Policy and Government (15 credits)
This certificate program is designed for those currently employed, or are considering a career, in the nonprofit sector.
Public Management
Schar School of Policy and Government (15 credits)
This certificate program offers a variety of courses in public management including an overview of the operations required in public management and the processes that support them.
Responsible AI
College of Engineering and Computing Department of Mechanical Engineering (14 credits)
Gain the critical knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities needed to identify and address challenges in the design and deployment of systems that incorporate AI.
Sport Management
College of Education and Human Development (15 credits)
Develop skills for management of international sport enterprises and organizations, such as FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, Nike, global sport media, international events, international development agencies, and global marketing entities.
More Program Highlights:
Request More Information
To learn more about Mason Master of Science in Management program, submit this form:
Curriculum
The program requires 33 credit hours, including 18 credits in Business Fundamentals core courses, and a 12-15 credit graduate certificate. If your certificate is 12 credits, you’ll complete the remaining 3 credits through an internship, global residency, or global selective course.
Core courses focus on leadership, teamwork, decision-making, and global understanding. Flexible modalities let you tailor your learning to fit your schedule and preferences. Inside the classroom, professors enhance learning with simulations, projects, and guest speakers, connecting theory with real-world applications.
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Are you an interested in earning a 5th year Master’s degree? Academically strong Mason undergraduates can apply for an accelerated master’s program and earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in as little as five years. Visit our Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Programs page for more information.
Meet Your Instructors
Our faculty live, work, and consult in the Washington, D.C., area and draw on their real-world experience to enrich classroom instruction. They serve as your mentors and are involved in every aspect of your education. They also perform research in their areas of expertise and have achieved international recognition from their groundbreaking work in areas such as executive compensation, effects of insider training on e-commerce, and change management.
Faculty members include:
Victoria Grady
Masters of Science in Management Program Director
Tiago Requeijo
Assistant Professor, Finance
Candace Deans
Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Harvey Singer
Associate Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Russell Abratt
Professor, Marketing
Maria Nykyforovych
Assistant Professor, Accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions, call us at (703) 993-8006.
How do I create my curriculum?
The program requires an initial advising meeting with a program advisor to create your personalized curriculum plan. Depending on your timeline and the availability of courses, your advisor will help you design a path that aligns with your academic goals and ensures you meet the necessary credit requirements.
Is the MS in Management program STEM-designated?
No, the master’s in management is not a STEM-designated program. Graduating master’s in management students on an F-1 visa can be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, students can make their MSM into a STEM-designated program by pursuing a dual master’s degree with the MS in Business Analytics or the MS in Finance. With this STEM designation, F-1 students can extend their OPT period by up to 24 months or the equivalent amount of CPT. For information regarding individualized dual master’s degree programs of study, please contact the Graduate Admission Team.
Can undergraduate business majors apply to the Master of Science in Management program?
Yes, this program is open to all undergraduate majors, including business majors, with little to no work experience.
Where are Master of Science in Management classes held?
While in-person instruction for the Business Core courses will occur at the Mason Square (Arlington, VA) campus, students will also be able to participate virtually through Zoom. Certificate course schedules and locations will vary.
Are international students, requiring an F1 visa, eligible to apply?
Yes, international students are eligible for the program. Please ensure that you apply by the program deadlines to have enough time to secure a visa if admitted.
What does GMAT/GRE test-optional mean?
Under our test-optional policy, applicants are not required to submit their GMAT/GRE test scores or request a waiver. This means that our admissions committee will base their decision on an applicant's previous academic performance, personal statement, recommendations, and resume. If you would like to submit a GMAT/GRE test score with your application, we invite you to do so. Applicants are not penalized in the application review process for electing not to submit a test score.
If you elect to not submit your test scores:
In your graduate application, you will be asked “Would you like to submit your official GRE/GMAT test scores to be considered as part of your admissions decision?”. Select “No”. The question will be under the “GRE/GMAT Waiver Request” section.
Are there any situations in which it might be beneficial to submit a GMAT/GRE test score?
Yes. A GMAT/GRE test score may:
- strengthen your qualification for merit-based scholarships;
- OR enhance your application package and provide evidence of your quantitative aptitude. Be aware that poor test scores could have a negative impact on your candidacy for the MS in Management program.
If you elect to submit your test scores:
In your graduate application, you will be asked “Would you like to submit your official GRE/GMAT test scores to be considered as part of your admissions decision?”. Select “Yes”. The question will be under the “GRE/GMAT Waiver Request” section. Your application portal will be updated to include the GMAT/GRE test as a requirement.
You will need to have your official test scores sent directly by the testing agency to our Office of Graduate Admissions. To submit your scores, please use Institution Code 5827. Test scores are valid for five years from the test date. It can take several weeks for test scores to be processed into your application package so we strongly encourage you to take the test at least 30 days prior to the application deadline.
Can I work a full-time job while earning my degree?
Yes! We understand the importance of flexibility, and our program allows you to create a class schedule that accommodates your life so you can easily balance your professional and academic commitments.
Are there any scholarships available to Master of Science in Management students?
Yes, there are merit-based scholarships available for the Master of Science in Management program toward classes offered through the College of Business.
What can you tell me about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mason?
Diversity is one of Mason's core values; everyone is welcome here. Mason was recently named the most diverse university in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Mason, visit the university's DEI website. Visit this page to learn more about DEI at the College of Business.
What will I learn?
After earning your Master of Science in Management from George Mason University, you’ll gain:
- Professional Development:
- Demonstrate active interpersonal communication skills.
- Form, lead and work effectively with diverse organizational teams.
- Develop effective written and verbal presentation skills.
- Knowledge of Functional Business Disciplines:
- Integrate knowledge of the functional areas of business into a meaningful firm-level perspective.
- Analysis:
- Analyze ambiguous, complex situations using appropriate tools, techniques, and information systems for decision-making.
- Current Business Challenges:
- Demonstrate an awareness and consideration for complex global business awareness challenges.
- Identify and define a set criteria for ethical decision making business practice.
- Identify emerging business trends and implications.
News from the Master of Science in Management Program
- January 13, 2025
- July 19, 2024
- January 18, 2024
- January 4, 2024
- November 9, 2023