George Mason University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED with a competitive GPA (typically 3.0 or higher). Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) may be required or optional depending on institutional policy.

About This Program

This online completion program allows students to leverage previous associate-level education to earn a degree focused on the practical application of cybersecurity principles.

Career Outcomes

Start Cybersecurity Analyst career in Cybersecurity AI with implement defensive measures focus

• 1. Cybersecurity Analyst
• 2. Penetration Tester
• 3. Digital Forensics Investigator
• 4. Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement secure network architectures and defense mechanisms against cyber threats
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and ethical hacking exercises to identify security weaknesses
• Investigate cyber incidents, collect digital evidence, and perform forensic analysis following chain of custody procedures
• Develop secure code, apply cryptographic principles, and manage risk through compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO standards)

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum focuses on applied cybersecurity topics, including network security, computer forensics, and information security theory, specifically tailored for bachelor-level completion students.

Top Employers

Top employers in cybersecurity include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), government agencies (NSA, FBI, DoD), and major financial institutions.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED with a competitive GPA (typically 3.0 or higher). Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) may be required or optional depending on institutional policy.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Optional
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor of Applied Science
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)