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911�� is #1 among Virginia and DMV region public universities for upward mobility, and a top 5 school for best value in Virginia, according to U.S. News

ckearney — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:26:29 +0000

911�� is #1 among Virginia and DMV region public universities for upward mobility, and a top 5 school for best value in Virginia, according to U.S. News ckearney Mon, 09/22/2025 - 15:26

911�� stands out as Virginia’s No. 1 public university for upward mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026, as Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck” in the commonwealth, and as a top 50 public university nationally according to Forbes magazine.

911�� leads in upward mobility, ranking No. 1 among Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region public universities by U.S. News. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

911�� is the only public doctoral university in the state—and one of just five very large public universities in the nation—designated by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) in the highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities for its combination of Higher Access, Higher Earnings and being a top research university. This distinction reflects 911��’s preparation of more students to build grand solutions for a brighter future.

“These latest rankings and accolades help spotlight the opportunities, excellence, research capacity, value and successful student outcomes at 911��,” said 911�� President Gregory Washington. “The university achieves all this at scale like few other universities in the country, and we transform more lives than any public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These rankings are impressive—our graduate success stories are even more so.”

High-Quality Education Within Reach

911�� leads in upward mobility, ranking No. 1 among Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region public universities by U.S. News.

The university is also recognized for affordability, access, and value, ranking No. 1 in Virginia in Washington Monthly's Best Bang for Your Buck in the Southeast (16th overall), and No. 1 in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for access (16th overall). U.S. News places 911�� in the top 5 in Virginia for best value, and the Princeton Review names 911�� as a top Mid-Atlantic university for value.

These rankings measure how well universities provide high-quality education and opportunity while minimizing student debt and preparing graduates for long-term career advancement.

Academic Excellence

For academics, U.S. News ranks the university in the top 5 in Virginia for undergraduate programs in business, economics, computer science, engineering, nursing, and psychology. It also named 911�� as one of the best colleges for veterans and No. 1 in Virginia for several graduate programs, including online MBA for veterans, special education, industrial engineering, part-time law, public health, and public affairs and policy programs.

Overall, U.S. News ranks 911�� 57th among public universities nationwide and tied for 117th among all universities, both public and private.

Forbes places 911�� as 47th among publics and 114th nationally overall.

A Dream School

The Energy Exploration Center engages students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering educational activities. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

911�� was recently featured in Jeff Selingo’s Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You as one of 75 universities recognized for strong job prospects after graduation and broad accessibility. 911�� achieves a 70% graduation rate while maintaining a 90% acceptance rate, with 85% of graduates staying in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region to work for leading employers.

The university is Virginia’s largest and most diverse student body in origin, identity, circumstance, and thought. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) ranked 911�� 21st among publics and 2nd in Virginia for its commitment to free speech and free thought, based on a survey of more than 250 students’ perception and experiences on campus.

“911�� provides access and flexible pathways to academic excellence for all students interested in pursuing a rigorous education and bold research portfolio,” said Provost Jim Antony. “With graduation rates above national average and high post-degree job placement, 911�� supports students succeed both during their studies and after graduation through ongoing career services and a strong alumni network.”

A Talented Workforce

911�� enrolled its largest incoming class of new undergraduates this fall, with about 70% of students holding a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and roughly one quarter achieved a 4.0 or higher. About one in four students is a first-generation college student, and transfer enrollment reached a three-year high, with a 4% increase over fall 2024, drawing in more than half of all transfer undergraduates.

To support student success, 911�� provides robust resources and opportunities, including:

Internships for all students, with financial support for unpaid positions (U.S. News ranked 911�� as the No. 1 university in Virginia and 20th nationally for internships in 2025).
Mason Career Academy, offering more than 90 online micro-credentials and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, and IT support.
Career resources, including multiple career fairs, professional development programs, career preparation courses, and job placement support.

911�� graduates consistently achieve strong outcomes:

Graduation rates above the national average—follows a record-setting Spring Commencement in which more than 12,000 students earned degrees or certificates.
85% of 2024 graduates reporting a positive career outcome within six months of graduation.
Among the highest starting salaries of any Virginia public university—approximately $8,000 more on average.
Strong regional impact, with 73% of in-state graduates and 29% of out-of-state graduates launching their careers in Virginia.

The full list of 911�� rankings is available at gmu.edu/rankings.

See more of 911�� in the Rankings

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911�� highlighted as one of Carnegie’s Opportunity Colleges and Universities

Katarina Benson — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:52:10 +0000

911�� highlighted as one of Carnegie’s Opportunity Colleges and Universities Katarina Benson Wed, 04/23/2025 - 12:52

The Student Access and Earnings Classification recognizes institutions that foster opportunities for student success.

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) announced Thursday that 911�� was named to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Carnegie said universities earning this distinction “are higher access, higher earnings institutions that can serve as a model for fostering student success,” according to information from the foundation.

“This ranking from Carnegie and ACE reaffirms 911��’s commitment to providing access to a high-quality education to all students who are academically prepared for the challenges of an R1 institution,” said 911�� President Gregory Washington. “It reflects our values, our student success rate, and our commitment to graduating students who are prepared to enter the evolving workforce in the commonwealth and beyond.”

The designation is composed of two parts. The access portion refers to Pell Grant recipients and undergraduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. In fall 2024, 24% of 911�� undergraduate students were first-generation, and 28% were eligible for federal Pell grants, which is greater than the state average. The fall 2024 incoming class also boasted record enrollment for African American, Hispanic, and international students.

911�� does not use race-based admissions and admits nearly 90% of applicants. The university’s graduation rate exceeds national graduation rates regardless of race, ethnicity, or wealth status. The university’s ADVANCE partnership with Northern Virginia Community College creates successful transfer pathways for students and reduces or eliminates credit loss in the transfer process, saving students time and money.

The earnings portion of the ranking reflects how much graduates earn compared to their peers in the job market. The methodology for this ranking involves Carnegie’s “calculated comparison values,” which are based on the locations served by the institution, using U.S. census data, Carnegie said. A value of 1 indicates that an institution’s data exactly matches the comparison value. Values greater than 1 therefore show that the institution’s data is higher than the comparison value.

Institutions like 911�� that meet the Opportunity Colleges and Universities criteria (Higher Access, Higher Earnings) have an access ratio at or above 1 and earnings ratio at or higher than 1.5, for baccalaureate and higher institutions.

With an access score of 1.2 and an earnings score of 1.64, 911�� is the only public doctoral university in Virginia to achieve the designation. Marymount, a private doctoral university, also received the designation.

As an institution that has been named the top university in Virginia for value and upward mobility by The Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report, 911�� is a catalyst for student success. U.S. News also named 911�� the top school in Virginia for internships reflecting its commitment to developing the talent needed for today’s dynamic workforce.

911�� graduates earn among the highest starting salaries of graduates from Virginia public universities, on average about $8,000 more. According to a survey of 2024 911�� graduates, 85% reported a positive career outcome within six months of graduation. According to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 73% of in-state 911�� graduates launch their careers in Virginia, as do 29% of out-of-state 911�� graduates. That out-of-state figure is 45% higher than the state average of 20%.

In the 2025 classifications, 479 institutions have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all classified institutions.

In addition, Carnegie also named 911�� a Mixed Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Large institution, as part of its revamped institutional classifications. This classification includes 107 institutions, or 3% of U.S. colleges and universities in the institutional classification.

The “Mixed” portion recognizes the breadth of degrees 911�� offers, with fewer than 50% awarded in any one category. The “Undergraduate/Graduate” portion requires what Carnegie calls “a sufficient focus on the doctorate,” and the “Large” designation is for schools with at least 20,000 students.

911�� is one of 107 schools nationwide to earn this designation, representing 3% of U.S. colleges and universities in this institutional classification.

The Carnegie Classifications are updated every three years, with the next scheduled for spring 2028. More information is available here.

Check out 911�� in the Rankings

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911�� ranks among Top 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields

ckearney — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:40:17 +0000

911�� ranks among Top 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields ckearney Mon, 04/07/2025 - 15:40

911�� ranked among the top 5 in Virginia across all 25 categories in the engineering, law, nursing, and policy programs in which it was included in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Program rankings.

Cherry trees by Mason Pond on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Engineering Ranks Top 3 in Virginia and Top 50 Nationally

The College of Engineering and Computing at 911�� ranks among the top 3 colleges in Virginia across all six engineering categories with civil engineering rising 14 spots to 73rd nationally and 51st among publics, and computer engineering climbing 20 spots among publics to 42nd. Nationally, 911��’s systems engineering program ranks in the top 50, placing 37th overall and 27th among publics.

911�� plays a key role in strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in engineering education, with top-ranked programs in multiple disciplines. 911�� was one of only four Virginia universities recognized in bioengineering, civil engineering, and systems engineering, and one of five Virginia universities honored in overall engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and dispute resolution programs.

"With 13% of the world’s data centers based in Northern Virginia, the university continues to expand its engineering and computing programs, and state-of-the-art facilities to support the region’s workforce requirements for skilled professionals,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. ”911�� is home to the first school of computing in the commonwealth and just announced Virginia’s only master's degree in artificial intelligence.”

Additionally, earlier this year, two of the college’s online programs made their debut by earning top national rankings in U.S. News. The master’s in industrial engineering debuted as the No. 1 in Virginia and 10th nationally, and the master’s in IT for veterans ranked 21st nationally and 13th among publics.

911�� also recently opened its Life Sciences and Engineering Building at its Science and Technology Campus. These spaces provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields such as bioengineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics, equipping them to meet industry demands.

Law School Retains Strong Rankings and Employment Outcomes

The Antonin Scalia Law School ranked 2nd among Virginia law schools, 31st among all U.S. law schools, and 12th among public schools. The part-time program was ranked 4th nationally among public law schools. The school ranked 11th nationally in the number of graduates employed in federal clerkships.

“Scalia Law is ranked 3rd among the 16 schools in the DMV,” said Ken Randall, Allison and Dorothy Rouse Dean and 911�� Foundation Professor of Law. “Our No. 1 employment ranking among metro-DC schools highlights the marketability of our graduates. The faculty, staff, and students deserve thanks and recognition.”

As the legal profession continues to grow—with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 5% increase in lawyer employment by 2033, or approximately 36,000 jobs per year over the next eight years, Scalia Law is well-positioned to prepare students to enter an expanding field and meet the rising demand for qualified legal professionals.

Nursing Ranks Number 1 in Virginia

The School of Nursing within the state’s first College of Public Health set the standard for nursing education in Virginia, ranking first in the state for both its master’s in nursing and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. Nationally, the doctor of nursing practice program placed in the top 6% according to U.S. News & World Report, while both programs ranked among the top 10 at public universities.

“The rankings reflect 911��’s leadership in public health education and commitment to innovation,” said College of Public Health Dean Melissa Perry. “This dedication is exemplified by the one-of-a-kind interprofessional curriculum offered in the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, providing hands-on experience that enhances students’ expertise and readiness in the field.”

Schar School’s Public Affairs Ranks Number 1 in Virginia

The Schar School of Policy and Government at 911�� continues to excel, with all of its ranked programs placing in the top 50 nationally and the top 25 among public universities. Most notably, the school's ranking among public affairs programs rose to No. 1 in Virginia, ranking 36th nationally and 24th among publics.

“Students choose the Schar School the strong depth of our faculty expertise and the opportunity to interact with thought leaders in various fields of policy and government studies,” said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. “These rankings reflect the rising reputation of the Schar School for high-quality degree programs that prepare students for success.”

The school is ranked 4th nationally in homeland security and 48th in political science, making 911�� one of only two Virginia universities recognized in both fields. Additionally, the school is the only Virginia university ranked for nonprofit management and holds its position at 13th nationally and 10th among publics. The school also ranks 33rd nationally and 25th among publics for public management and leadership, as well as 31st nationally and 17th among publics for public policy analysis.

Growing as a Top 50 University

Other highly ranked programs at 911�� among the Top 50 among public universities nationwide include computer science (35th), health care management (16th), history (36th), public health (40th), and part-time MBA and economics (both 48th).

“911��’s representation in these rankings underscores its role as a leading institution and top choice for today’s career-focused students, both in Virginia and nationally,” said Provost James Antony. “The university’s strong performance in these programs highlights its ability to produce highly skilled graduates ready to make an impact in their fields, with the majority staying in the commonwealth after graduation.”

Check out the full list of 911�� rankings at gmu.edu/rankings.

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Schar School of Policy and Government

Strategic Direction

911�� achieves “Top Producing Institution” status from Fulbright Scholars program

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:27:11 +0000

911�� achieves “Top Producing Institution” status from Fulbright Scholars program Katarina Benson Mon, 02/24/2025 - 13:27

The U.S. Department of State has named 911�� a “Top Producing Institution” of Fulbright U.S. Scholars in 2024-25. The university has more Fulbrights this academic year—eight—than in any year in its history.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The “top-producing” designation reflects 911��’s “deep commitment to international exchange and to building lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Scott Weinhold said in a letter informing the university of the honor.

The Fulbright Program was founded in 1946 to increase understanding between people in the United States and 160 countries through academic and cultural exchange. You can find the complete list of 2024-25 Fulbright “Top Producing Institutions” here.

The eight honorees this year come from seven 911�� schools and colleges: Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera (Schar School), Carolyn Drews-Botsch (College of Public Health), Amy Fowler (College of Science), Chawky Frenn (Center of Visual and Performing Arts), David J. Gerleman (College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Jennifer Leeman (CHSS), Linda J. Mann (Carter School) and Risto Marttinen (College of Education and Human Development). Frenn also was honored as a Fulbright in 2017-18.

These faculty members are sharing and growing their expertise in Hungary, Ireland, Finland, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain.

“This recognition is all about the excellence and dedication of 911��’s faculty,” said Provost James Antony. “Earning a record number of Fulbright awards in a single year speaks to the incredible work our scholars are doing—not just in their research, but in connecting with colleagues around the world, exchanging ideas, and bringing new perspectives back to our students. That’s what makes 911�� special: a faculty committed to making an impact, here at home and across the globe.”

Of 911��’s 103 Fulbrights, according to the Fulbright Scholar Directory, 27 have come in the past seven years. The previous high for Fulbrights in a year for 911�� was five in 1994-95. 911��’s first Fulbright was history professor Ernest Cassara in 1975-76, who taught at the University of Munich.

911�� has hosted 98 Fulbrights, according to the organization’s website, including six this academic year.

In This Story

Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera

Chawky Frenn

David J. Gerleman

Learn about our 2024 Fulbright Scholars

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911�� leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings

ckearney — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:53:30 +0000

911�� leads Virginia with strong U.S. News online program rankings ckearney Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:53

911�� continues to distinguish itself as a top academic institution and a top 50 public university. Today, U.S. News & World Report released their 2025 Best Online Programs rankings, highlighting the university’s exceptional offerings across several disciplines, especially for veterans.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

911�� advanced its rankings in nearly every online master’s degree program where it was included. The university is one of just five institutions in Virginia ranked in at least nine of the 13 categories where it is included, earning No. 1 rankings in four of those categories, more than any other university in the state for these categories.

“These rankings affirm that 911�� is a leader in Virginia in producing graduates for high-demand industries critical to the growth and prosperity of the commonwealth,” said 911�� President Gregory Washington. “We achieve these outcomes by partnering with industry leaders to develop academic programs that prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.”

A Leader for Military-Affiliated Students

With more than 4,700 students identifying as active-duty service members, veterans, or dependents, 911�� remains a vital resource for Virginia’s largest military-connected community. This year, approximately 20% of the university’s incoming freshman, transfer, and graduate cohorts have military connections, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a top destination for military-affiliated students.

911�� earned the top spot in Virginia and nationally among public universities for its MBA program for veterans, and was first in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region for its master’s in nursing for veterans.

In September 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked 911�� as one of the state’s best colleges for veterans. The university was also recognized with “Gold” status as a top Military Friendly University, underscoring its commitment to supporting those who have served.

“We are proud to serve a region that is home to a significant number of military members, veterans, and their families,” said Jennifer Connors, 911��’s director of Office of Military Services. “At 911��, we are committed to providing resources to support their unique needs. It is our duty to honor their service to our nation by empowering them to excel academically and professionally.”

Strong Performances Across Disciplines

In addition to its programs for veterans, 911��’s online master’s programs excelled in several other areas: education, nursing, business, and engineering.

Northern Virginia boasts some of the nation’s top public school systems, and 911�� playing a significant role in that success. Approximately half of the region’s K-12 school administrators and an estimated one third of its teachers hold degrees or certificates from 911��.

In the face of a national shortage of special education teachers, the university’s master’s in special education program stands out, ranking No. 1 in both Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and 5th nationally.

“We are thrilled to see our special education program recognized among the top five in the country,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “This achievement is a reflection of our faculty’s remarkable expertise, dedication, and innovative approaches to preparing graduates to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.”

The School of Nursing within 911��’s College of Public Health saw significant advancements in its rankings. The master’s in nursing program ranked No. 1 in Virginia, climbing up eight spots to 41st nationally (34th among public universities). Additionally, the Master’s in Nursing for Veterans program rose to 14th nationally (up from 18th), and 9th among public universities (up from 11th).

“Through hands-on clinical training and cutting-edge simulation technologies, our students are equipped with unmatched knowledge and cultural competencies,” said College of Public Health dean Melissa J. Perry. “Our graduates are among the most well-prepared nurses in the country.”

The Costello College of Business earned significant accolades, with its MBA for veterans program climbing to 30th (up from 41st) among public universities and 34th nationally (up from 50th). The MBA program also rose to 41st among public universities (up from 54th), 55th nationally (up from 74th), while its non-MBA program ranked 39th among public universities (up from 44th) and 56th nationally (up from 62nd).

911��’s College of Engineering and Computing saw two of its newest programs make strong debuts. The master’s in industrial engineering is best in Virginia and 10th nationally. The master’s in engineering for veterans’ program ranked 29th nationally. The master’s in engineering program climbed 22 spots to 45th nationally, and 38th among public universities (up from 51st).

The new master’s in IT for veterans program also made a strong first impression, ranking 21st nationally and 13th among public universities.

A Commitment to Excellence in Online Education

The strong performance of 911��’s online programs aligns with the university’s mission to support students where they are. The flexible class offerings are a welcome boon to the university’s large number of post-traditional students, many of whom are professionals who continue to work full-time jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing academic goals to enhance their careers.

Check out the full list of 911�� rankings at gmu.edu/rankings.

See more of 911��'s rankings

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Office of Military Services

Veterans

Strategic Direction

Mason’s research is best in Virginia in multiple EduRank rankings

sholla4 — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 16:41:23 +0000

Mason’s research is best in Virginia in multiple EduRank rankings sholla4 Wed, 04/03/2024 - 12:41

Eighteen 911�� programs are ranked the best in Virginia in a new report by EduRank that focuses on performance in research.

Students enjoy the cherry blossoms on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Eduardo de Souza/Office of University Branding.

Topping the list is Mason’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, which for the second consecutive year was ranked No. 1 among all public institutions and No. 2 among all institutions nationally.

Best-in-Virginia programs were spread across the university and included those from the Costello College of Business, the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Engineering and Computing, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Antonin Scalia Law School, the College of Education and Human Development, and the ROTC.

That research is supported by entities such as the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, which has overall responsibility for Mason’s research enterprise and support of entrepreneurship and innovation. And Costello College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship lets students dig into entrepreneurship, from the theoretical to the experimental.

Mason’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is anchored by the university and reaches out into the broader community. Mason Enterprise, a division of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, is a strategic collection of 24 programs that support entrepreneurs and small business owners across Virginia, and conducts more than 1,500 training programs and more than 30,000 hours of one-on-one counseling with entrepreneurs in the community and from universities each year.

It is that environment of research, discovery, and innovation, which is a main contributor to Mason’s R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education as one of the nation’s top research universities.

And though the EduRank rankings focus mainly on research performance, they are an indicator of the quality of the programs from which that research is produced.

“Mason is committed to accelerating the translation of research into practice by leveraging university talent, infrastructure, and partnerships to create solutions for societies’ toughest challenges at speed and scale,” said Andre Marshall, Mason’s vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “It is a credit to our faculty and students that Mason is a place where we can put theory into practice.”

Added Paula Sorrell, Mason’s associate vice president of innovation and economic development, “Mason was originally created by the business community to serve its needs, and for 50 years it has been doing just that. In the past four years, we’ve significantly amped up our tech entrepreneurship to support and mirror the rapidly growing tech economy, adding 16 new programs and counting.”

Research is the bedrock of entrepreneurship, Costello College dean Ajay Vinzé said.

The university’s top rankings “are in many ways reflective of our approach to business education and the business of higher education,” he said. “Our approach—built on the foundation of a rich university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem, powered by a growing body of faculty research across multiple fields of study—is changing the arc of higher education expectation and delivery as we prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Costello College is a contributor to the top entrepreneurship ranking, along with the Schar School and the Mercatus Center, all of which produce volumes of research, articles, and papers for an abundance of publications.

Schar School dean Mark J. Rozell called entrepreneurship research “a very distinguishing feature for a public policy and government school.”

Its research at the Center for Micro-Economic Policy Research (CMEPR), for example, is focused on diversity and disadvantaged groups among entrepreneurs, especially those who are Black, immigrants, and female. It also looks at job creation by minority entrepreneurs in minority and low-income communities.

“The center brings an unusual contribution to research on entrepreneurship by focusing on these issues,” said John Earle, the center’s director and a Distinguished University Professor, who has published more than 60 articles and scholarly papers. “While the typical focus for entrepreneurship studies is for performance, especially for firms receiving venture-capital support, CMEPR research analyzes a much broader range of businesses, and how public policies affect the entry, growth, and survival of those owned by minority entrepreneurs.”

At the College of Engineering and Computing, Dean Ken Ball noted that CEC faculty garnered more than $119 million in research awards in 2023.

Dean Alpaslan Ozerdem's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution class. Photo by: Ron Aira/Office of University Branding.

“I’m proud that our research has informed and strengthened our academic programs and led to innovation and economic growth that benefits society,” Ball said. “Mason has consistently been a national leader in cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, aviation, and web development. These rankings reflect the impact CEC researchers have in areas of engineering and computing that are relevant to everyone, as well as our leadership position among Virginia’s public universities.”

CHSS dean Ann Ardis said her college’s contributions to research in best-of-Virginia areas such as criminology, broadcasting, law enforcement, journalism, and political economy “are a testament to the scholarly excellence of our faculty. We take immense pride in our researchers’ contributions to Mason’s growing reputation nationally as a comprehensive R1 institution with strengths across a range of research areas.”

For Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School, the ranking in conflict resolution “fuels our dedication to shaping a more peaceful and understanding world.”

Özerdem noted that the school has been at the forefront of teaching, researching, and implementing conflict resolution for four decades.

“So being recognized as the premier institution for conflict resolution in Virginia deepens our pride and reaffirms our vital role within the broader conflict resolution ecosystem of the commonwealth,” he said.

Here are the programs ranked the best in Virginia, with ranking among public institutions and overall national ranking; best in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland (DMV) where noted:

Aviation: 8, 11 (best in the DMV)

Broadcast Journalism: 40, 58

Cinematography: 29, 48 (best in the DMV)

Conflict Resolution: 15, 28

Criminology: 19, 26

Cybersecurity: 21, 33

Data Administration: 19, 29

Entrepreneurship: 1, 2 (best in the DMV)

Human Rights Law: 9, 28 (best in the DMV)

Intellectual Property Law: 6, 18 (best in the DMV)

Law Enforcement: 5, 10 (best in the DMV)

Military Science: 33, 47

Political Economy: 14, 28

Public Policy Administration: 17, 29 (best in the DMV)

Radio & TV Broadcasting: 37, 55

Remote Sensing: 29, 39

Software Engineering: 11, 15

Web Development: 12, 18

See EduRank’s methodology here.

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Topics

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Antonin Scalia Law School

Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Costello College of Business News

Schar School of Policy and Government

Schar School Featured Stories

Schar School News for April 2024

Nine Mason online programs ranked by U.S. News in top 50 among public universities

mbalog — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:25:00 +0000

Nine Mason online programs ranked by U.S. News in top 50 among public universities mbalog Wed, 02/07/2024 - 12:25

911�� continues to advance as a top 50 university in the national rankings. U.S. News & World Report rankings of online master’s degree programs, announced today, include nine Mason programs in the top 50 among public universities and eight in the top 50 among all institutions. Nursing, education, business, and offerings for veterans were among the top-ranked programs.

Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall is home to the College of Public Health, whose online graduate nursing program was ranked best in the Virginia-Maryland-D.C. region by U.S. News and World Report. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“These rankings are a testament to the strength of our degree programs, the talent of our faculty, the excellence of our student body and their aptitude for rigorous coursework,” College of Education and Human Development Dean Ingrid Guerra-López said. “Our year-over-year rise confirms and reinforces our ongoing commitment to innovate and grow to meet the needs of today’s workforce.”

As a university that prides itself on access and affordability, Mason’s strong showing in online rankings resonates with students, professionals looking to enhance their careers, and others looking for flexible class offerings. The online program rankings come on the heels of several top 50 rankings for Mason last fall as well. You can check out all of Mason rankings on our rankings page.

The nursing program climbed to 34th in U.S. News, best in the Virginia-Maryland-Washington, D.C., region, up 12 spots from last year, and the program’s overall national ranking rose 15 spots to 49th. In the nursing program geared toward veterans, Mason is 11th among public universities and 18th overall nationally.

“911��’s interprofessional approach to nursing and our innovative teaching practices, including virtual reality applications, prepare students for tomorrow’s health care challenges today,” College of Public Health Dean Melissa J. Perry said. “Mason nurses build knowledge and gain cultural competencies, distinguishing them as some of the most well-rounded nurses in the country.”

Amid a national shortage of special education teachers, Mason ranks eighth nationally in special education, and eighth among public universities, up three spots in both from last year. Education for veterans is 14th among publics and overall, up three and four slots from last year, respectively. In addition, education is 40th among publics and 45th overall, topping by eight and seven spots the rankings from last year. Curriculum and instruction is 17th among publics and overall.

Mason’s education program is why Northern Virginia is home to some of the nation’s top public school systems. An estimated half of Northern Virginia K-12 school administrators, and by some estimates one-third of teachers, have Mason degrees or certifications.

“We are so proud to support the region with skilled and well-prepared professionals,” Guerra-López said. “We work collaboratively with school divisions, community organizations, government, business, and other partners to help build an educated and thriving community.”

The Costello College of Business earned three high rankings, including 41st among publics, and 50th overall, in online MBA for veterans. About 1 in 10 students at Mason identifies as active duty, veteran, or dependent.

“Mason is a place of possibility for active-duty service members and veterans to acquire new skills and qualifications, and to ease the transition to civilian life and advance their careers,” Costello College of Business Dean Ajay Vinzé said. “This is an important role Mason plays for the military community as they continue to contribute and lead in society.”

Non-MBA business is 44th among publics and up four spots to 62 nationally. MBA is 54th among publics and 74th overall.

Among the other highlights from the rankings are information technology at 35th among publics and 50th overall, both slightly up from last year. Engineering came in at 51st among publics and 67th overall.

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NSF rankings show Mason ahead of research funding goals

ckearney — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:04:05 +0000

NSF rankings show Mason ahead of research funding goals ckearney Mon, 01/29/2024 - 14:04

Mason in top 25 in social, computer, and information science research funding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

911��’s $230 million in research funding in fiscal year 2022 was a 7% increase from 2021, putting the university three years ahead of its goal of $225 million by 2025.

“We’re ahead of schedule and that is a testament to faculty, students, and staff researchers and those who support them who continue to drive discoveries with real-world impacts that make a difference in our communities,” said Andre Marshall, Mason’s vice president of research, innovation, and economic development. “The scholarship and community partnerships that thrive in our multidisciplinary and collaborative culture are a testament to the university’s commitment to research of consequence.”

The latest figures released by the National Science Foundation (NSF) show Mason’s research funding in the top 25 nationally in the areas of:

Social sciences: 10th among all universities (best in the Washington, D.C., area) and seventh among public universities.
Computer and informational science: 21st among all universities and 13th among public universities in federally funded research.
Engineering continued its impressive gains by moving up five places to 73rd nationally among all universities (rising 69 places since 2018), and advancing four spots to No. 52 among public institutions.

Overall, Mason’s research and development funding was 75th among public institutions and 60th among public institutions without medical schools.

“These rankings are a testament to the commitment of our remarkable social sciences faculty to lead impactful research that drives action that addresses the interconnected needs and priorities of our regional, national, and global communities,” Ann Ardis, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), said.

Added Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC): “The groundbreaking work in our college demonstrates our continued strength and substantial contribution to Mason’s overall research portfolio. For decades, Mason has proudly and consistently been a national leader in computer science. I’m proud that our research has lasting impacts across society.”

Some of the long-term projects either funded or ongoing in FY 2022 that have positioned Mason as a leader in research of consequence include:

An interdisciplinary team from CEC and the College of Science (COS) studying underwater explosions and their effects on civil engineering infrastructure.
A study on health equity and the impact of Medicaid telehealth policy from the CHSS and the College of Public Health.
Research in machine learning, cloud security, and hardware security led by CEC assistant professor Khaled N. Khasawneh.
Helping military personnel fight hemorrhagic diseases through research led by COS professor Aarthi Narayanan.
Identifying natural mechanisms to boost the immune process through research by COS associate professor Ramin Hakami.
Brain research by the CEC professor Giorgio Ascoli.
The researchers are from Mason’s Center for Ocean Land Atmospheric Studies updating the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s drought forecasting system.
Establishing the Virginia Climate Center, an effort is led by faculty from the COS, CEC, and CHSS.
A team from the Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy working to enhance research and practice in police encounters of individuals in mental health crisis.

Funding for the Virginia Climate Center was made possible through the efforts of Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11). Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine were the primary sponsors of the project to help police in encounters with individuals in mental health crisis.

In the social sciences, which includes CHSS, the College of Public Health, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and the Donald G. Costello College of Business, initiatives came in several forms.

"The Schar School is a proud contributor to Mason's social science research drawing from a deep pool of esteemed scholars and rising stars engaged in cutting edge interdisciplinary and disciplinary research," said Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell.

Some examples:

Examining the human response to climate change during the last glacial period with CHSS’s Jamie Clark leading an international team.
Translating research into actionable guidelines to help probation officers support their clients to achieve better outcomes, a collaboration between the College of Public Health and the Schar School.
Exploring the intricacies and prevalence of the illicit trafficking of human kidneys. Headed by the Schar School with input from the CEC’s Systems Engineering and Operations Research Department.
Identifying ways to use human-robot teaming to open the field of construction to neurodiverse individuals, specifically those with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Teams are from the Schar School, CEC, and CEHD.
Examining whether school safety and security measures have negative, academic, behavioral, and social effects on low-income students and students of color. The effort is led by CEHD.
A team from the Schar School, led by Louise Shelley and CEC’s Edward Huang, is investigating how to disrupt illicit supply chains and influence policy.
Researchers in the College of Public Health and CEC are developing a machine learning approach to accurately identify the age of bruises.
Creating an interprofessional Learning Laboratory for Community Health that trains students to serve and improve health care for underserved communities. Led by professor of nursing Rebecca Sutter, the effort includes faculty from the College of Public Health and the Costello College of Business.
Developing accessible and culturally appropriate communications of new scientific findings to communities most affected by the opioid crisis. The research is led by Schar’s Faye Taxman and CHSS’s Xiaoquon Zhao.

The NSF collected its data from 900 universities in the Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey, sponsored by the NSF’s National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics unit.

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Carter School is No. 1 for conflict analysis and resolution

ckearney — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:43:12 +0000

Carter School is No. 1 for conflict analysis and resolution ckearney Tue, 11/21/2023 - 11:43

911��’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution is ranked No. 1 nationally among public institutions for its overall performance, and No. 1 among all institutions for its online offerings, according to a new report by Authority.org.

Carter School students in the classroom. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The website’s methodology can be found here.

“This recognition is really important to us,” Carter School Dean Alpaslan Özerdem said. “Having this recognition by a third party and based on the merits, it gives me the confidence that the quality of education we provide our students, in person and online, is significant.”

“And with COVID, we learned to offer the full MS degree program in the online format, sharing the unique program that has developed over 40 years with people near and far,” said Susan Allen, the Carter School’s director of graduate programs.

For Özerdem, the Carter School’s uniqueness begins with its status as a standalone college within Mason. An important distinction, he said, because it showcases the significance the university places on the subject matter.

That subject matter is explored with a dynamic combination of academic pursuits and experiential learning in the form of centers and Peace Labs.

At the centers, students study all aspects of conflict analysis and resolution and put them into practice in the field. The Peace Labs develop and test tools and processes to assist governments, educational institutions, peacebuilding organizations, and communities to assess the root causes of conflict, preventing violence, and creating a more inclusive and just society.

Members of the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation at a United States Institute of Peace workshop. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“When it comes to what our professors teach us, it goes beyond right and wrong, or good and bad,” said Simi Kumar, a conflict analysis and resolution major who expects to graduate in 2025. “They take an approach that encompasses other lenses, other perspectives. We’re taught to seek those out and effectively utilize them, which is what I love most about our academic environment.”

Added Özerdem: “We encourage students to be part of these activities and research, so, as part of learning, they have the opportunity to engage with real-world challenges.”

A prime example is the Carter School’s recently announced agreement with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. With a select number of other universities, the Carter School will be a partner in the State Department’s Academic Center of Conflict Anticipation and Prevention.

Developed under the supervision of Özerdem, Allen, and Professor Karina Korostelina, the partnership will allow Carter School students to contribute to international peacebuilding with actionable research.

Point of View in Mason Neck, Virginia, is a space for peacebuilding, practice, teaching, and research. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Carter School helped facilitate the signing of a historic peace accord in the Democratic Republic of Congo, using a community-centered approach the school developed in which local leaders led the negotiations. The school’s peacemaking skills and expertise nurtured the process rather than dominating it, giving the stakeholders a sense of ownership.

The school also is holding events on the Israel-Palestine conflict, including dialogue sessions, roundtable discussions, and workshops.

“With all the conflicts in different parts of the world, we need more and more peacemakers and peacebuilders,” Özerdem said. “We need people who are able to respond to these challenges effectively.”

For Kumar, that means learning “cultivating the ability to engage with and comprehend people at the forefront, which is a foundational pursuit that establishes a great base for collaboration and understanding across diverse fields and situations. That’s just one of the facets that makes the Carter School special.”

Academically, the Carter School is expanding its footprint with minors in the Costello College of Business and the College of Education and Human Development. Another will be in the College of Engineering and Computing in the next academic year.

“The goal,” Özerdem said, “is that no matter what you study here at Mason, you should be able to gain conflict analysis and resolution skills. That way every graduate can say that in addition to their expertise they are also able to do conflict analysis and resolution. That is a huge added value.”

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Alpaslan Özerdem

Susan Allen

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