George Mason University, The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering

Much like the American patriot for whom it is named, George Mason University fulfills many important roles: innovator, point of resource, compass, anchor, and pioneer. Its journey is as challenging as the region and country it serves, as vital and complex as the men and women it educates, and as deep and diverse as the scholars, corporations, community activists, organizations, and students it embraces each year. George Mason's Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering was established in 1985. The Volgenau School was the first engineering school in the United States to focus its scholarship primarily on information technology and computer-based engineering as opposed to the traditional physical, materials-based engineering approach. It was also the first to offer a doctoral degree in information technology (IT). One of the hallmarks of the Volgenau School is its responsiveness to the changing IT field. Today, the Volgenau School's programs cover the spectrum of IT education, from introductory courses in information technology to cutting edge research at the doctoral level in information technology, computer science, and engineering. The careful integration of these areas results in a unique academic experience for highly motivated students.
    The Volgenau School offers 25 degree programs that concentrate on important contemporary technological issues and needs. Seven bachelor's degree programs are offered: applied computer science, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. Minors in information technology, computer science, software engineering, and data analysis are available.
    Our graduates are prepared both to enter the workforce and to pursue graduate study. The requirements for the bachelor's degrees include required and elective courses in mathematics, humanities, and general education, and specialty courses in civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, or systems engineering. Each program strongly emphasizes English composition and communication.
    Civil and Infrastructure Engineering graduates plan, design, build and manage critical civil infrastructure projects in transportation, environmental, water, energy, communications, structural, and land systems. By combining expertise in the hardware and software aspects of computers, computer engineering graduates are the major players in the world of integrated circuit chip design, computer hardware design, engineering of large computer and data networks, and advances in cryptography and computer security. Computer Science graduates create the software systems that allow people to use computers and the Internet. Applied Computer Science combines a strong background in computing with various focus areas, allowing students to choose specific concentrations in computer game design, bioinformatics, or geographic information systems.
   Electrical Engineering graduates design and build computers, cell phones, televisions, satellites, communications and computer networks, environmental control systems, robots, and electric cars, to name a few. Information Technology graduates are prepared to creatively apply network, security, web, and database technologies to real-world business needs. Systems Engineering graduates typically work at the lead of their projects to define what a system must do, analyze its cost and performance, and manage the development and deployment of the system.
    At the end of their junior year, undergraduates majoring in a Volgenau School program and meeting overall grade point average requirements may apply to a five-year BS/Accelerated MS program.
    Students also have the opportunity to develop interest areas in other fields that offer undergraduate courses but do not now have undergraduate majors. The Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) degree program may appeal to adult students who have completed a substantial portion of their studies at other institutions.
    A student majoring in a Volgenau School program must have an acceptable plan of study. Many students work in professional IT positions while pursuing their undergraduate degree; however, students are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree during each semester they are enrolled.