Application Requirements and Deadlines

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several programs have waived the GRE exam requirement for spring 2022 and fall 2021 applications. See section titled "Required Basic Documents" for details. 

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:

  • Must have a baccalaureate degree from a Mason-recognized institutional accrediting agency.

    • Earned or will earn a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally acredited US institution, or an equivalent degree from a nationally recognized non-US institution.

    • Applications may be submitted during the final year of undergraduate study. Note: Acceptance is contingent on award of a baccalaureate degree before matriculation to a graduate or professional program at Mason.

  • 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.

Spring 2022 Application Deadlines 

(Spring semester applications open mid-April)

Funding Deadline:

  • August 15, 2021

Standard Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:

  • October 15, 2021

Space Available Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:

  • F1/J1 Visa students, November 1, 2021

  • Domestic students, December 15, 2021

Applications received or missing supplementary materials after October 15, 2021 will be considered on a space-available basis until November 1, 2021 for those who require an F1/J1 visa for study in the United States, and December 15, 2021 for those who do not need a visa. 

Graduate Non-degree Studies: January 15, 2022 

Fall 2021 Application Deadlines 

The fall 2021 application opens on September 15, 2020.

Funding Deadlines for Doctoral Programs:

  • December 1, 2020 for the following doctoral programs:

    • Computer Science, PhD
    • Bioengineering, PhD
    • Electrical & Computer Engineering, PhD
  • December 15, 2020 for all other doctoral programs

Standard Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:

  • March 15, 2021

Space Available Deadline for Graduate Degree Programs:

  • F1/J1 Visa students, June 1, 2021 ​
  • Domestic students, July 15, 2021

Applications received or missing supplementary materials after March 15, 2021 will be considered on a space-available basis until June 1, 2021 for those who require an F1/J1 visa for study in the United States, and July 15, 2021 for those who do not need a visa. 

*Note: Applications for the Bioengineering, PhD program will not be accepted after March 15, 2021.

Graduate Non-degree Studies: August 15, 2021

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 One Letter of Recommendation
Goals Statement Resumé

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Master's Program  
College Transcripts Two Letters of Recommendation
Goals Statement Resumé

Notes on admission requirements:

  • Recommendation letters are NOT required for the following MS programs:

    • Computer Engineering

    • Electrical Engineering

    • Software Engineering

  • Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 applications only: The GRE is waived for all MS programs.

 

Doctoral Program  
College Transcripts Three Letters of Recommendation
Goals Statement Resumé
GRE (see notes on admission requirements)  

Notes on admission requirements:

  • Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 applications ONLY: GRE exam is waived for all programs except for the following program where the GRE exam is mandatory: PhD in Systems Engineering and Operations Research. 

    • PhD in Computer Science, PhD Bioengineering program: The GRE exam is optional and not required for admission consideration for fall 2021 and spring 2022 applications. However, 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. 

  • PhD in Computer Science program requires two letters of recommendation for admission consideration.

 

Graduate Non-degree Studies  
College Transcripts  
Resumé  

 

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.

Internationally Educated Applicants

Internationally-educated students must submit additional requirements to complete a graduate studies application:

  • Transcript evaluation from a NACES approved agency. See International Graduate Requirements for details.

  • 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.

Contact Us

Graduate Studies

Email: vsegadm@gmu.edu

Phone: 703-993-1512

Office Location: 2400 Nguyen Engineering Bldg (Fairfax Campus) - Our office is working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospective students and applicants are encouraged to email us to set up a virtual appointment.