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George Mason makes the National Academy of Inventors Top 100

ckearney — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:04:53 +0000

George Mason makes the National Academy of Inventors Top 100 ckearney Thu, 03/19/2026 - 14:04

91��, a university that has been recognized consistently for its innovation and entrepreneurship, has been named to the top 100 U.S. universities for patents. This spring, the National Academy of Inventors ranked George Mason No. 92 on its list for patents granted during 2025.

Utility patents cover the creation of a new or improved product, process, or machine. In 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued 14 utility patents to George Mason inventors for methods to improve virtual reality (VR) navigation, traffic congestion, and wound healing.

Craig Yu with VP Andre Marshall. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“This recognition from the National Academy of Inventors signals more than a ranking—it reflects George Mason’s vision for how research can shape the future,” said Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. “Each of the 14 patents granted in 2025 represents an idea with the potential to improve lives, strengthen industries, and fuel economic growth. Our place among the nation’s top 100 universities affirms our commitment to turning bold research into meaningful solutions, expanding our global impact, and creating an environment where innovation thrives and talent is drawn to make a difference.”

Scene-aware teleportation, developed by George Mason researcher Craig Yu of the College of Engineering and Computing and his former doctoral student Changyang Li, PhD Computer Science ’24, gives VR users a significantly smoother navigation experience in virtual environments. The technique improves the navigation through teleportation by determining the most suitable teleport positions for the user. This invention may be used in a wide range of applications, such as gaming, virtual touring, and VR-assisted navigation of hazardous and military environments.

Brian Mark of the College of Engineering and Computing and Melvin Friedman, a retired physicist from the Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, developed a method for coordinating traffic lights and reducing traffic congestion. In 2023, Mark worked with three senior design teams on the traffic light control methodology, road geometry design, and hardware, which enables motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to make every traffic light with a suitable road geometry. This invention can eliminate or minimize traffic congestion by substantially reducing red light wait time while maximizing traffic flow.

Monique van Hoek (right) in her lab on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

George Mason researchers Monique L. van Hoek and Barney M. Bishop of the College of Science were awarded an additional patent for their work with antimicrobial peptides inspired by the Komodo dragon’s natural defenses. The duo has been collaborating since 2009 to study the peptides and their activity against important bacterial pathogens. These synthetic peptides represent a breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant infections.

Also among the patents awarded in 2025 was the GMU Dynamic Low Visibility Pneumatic Cofferdam, invented by George L. Donohue, professor emeritus and founding director of the Center for Air Transportation Systems Research at the College of Engineering and Computing, and a team of students, now alumni. The coastal resilience system designed to protect against flooding was licensed by serial entrepreneur Anthony Fung and his company Valorlox LLC earlier this year and is the first commercial product to move forward under the state’s new Lab-to-Launch initiative, marking an early milestone in the commonwealth’s push to accelerate university research into the market.

“We are incredibly proud of the innovative work coming out of George Mason’s research community,” said David Grossman, senior director of technology transfer and industry collaboration. “Our role is to help move these ideas beyond the lab and into real‑world applications. By working closely with industry partners, we reaffirm our commitment to translating research into solutions that benefit society.”

The academy’s Top 100 lists are created using data provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The last time George Mason made the list was in 2022. Other Virginia universities in the top 100 included University of Virginia ranked at 38 and Virginia Commonwealth University at 88.

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George Mason online graduate programs rank among Virginia’s best

ckearney — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:27:58 +0000

George Mason online graduate programs rank among Virginia’s best ckearney Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:27

91�� earned top Virginia placements across business, nursing, and education, and leads in the region as a college destination for veterans and working professionals in the 2026 Best Online Programs rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released today.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Recognized as the No. 1 public university in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region for upward mobility, George Mason translates access into outcomes through its nationally ranked online programs. Ranked in 13 U.S. News online graduate program categories, the university appears in highly selective fields statewide; in eight of those categories, only a small number of Virginia universities are included, sometimes as few as two or three.

A National Leader for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

As a designated Military Friendly® School, George Mason demonstrates a long-standing commitment to serving military-connected students at scale. Approximately 14% of George Mason’s 40,000-plus students are current or former service members or military dependents, and approximately one in five freshmen, transfer, and graduate students this year has military ties, making George Mason a leading destination for military-affiliated learners in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

That commitment translates into nationally recognized outcomes across multiple programs:

Master’s in business programs for veterans ranked No. 1 in Virginia, including both MBA and non-MBA options. The master’s in business (non-MBA) for veterans debuted 18th nationally and 14th among public universities.
The master’s in nursing for veterans pathways was ranked No. 1 in Virginia and among public universities in the Washington, D.C., region.
The master’s in information technology for veterans program ranked 19th nationally and 13th among public universities.
The master’s in education for veterans program ranked 18th nationally and among public universities, placing 2nd in both Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

Overall, four of six veteran-focused programs included in the rankings placed in the top 20 nationally, with all six ranking in the top 50, underscoring George Mason’s role as a regional and national leader in education designed for those who have served.

Beyond rankings, George Mason provides comprehensive support for military-connected students and their families, grounded in an understanding of the academic, professional, and lived experiences they bring to the university. Through the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative and the Office of Military Services students are connected to academic advising, career preparation, and regional resources that recognize the realities of military service and transition.

“These rankings are a testament to both the strength of the faculty and curriculum, as well as the overall student experience that we provide for our veterans,” said Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education and professor of psychology. “They’re reflective of our comprehensive approach to serving those who have served our nation.”

Preparing Business Leaders

George Mason’s master’s in business programs within the Costello College of Business posted some of the strongest gains this year, with the master’s in business (non-MBA) program climbing 19 spots nationally to 37th, rising 12 spots among public universities to 27th, and ranking 2nd in Virginia.

At a time when many traditional MBA graduates face prolonged job searches, George Mason’s business programs emphasize practical, career-aligned learning designed for working professionals. This year, two of the university’s four business programs ranked No. 1 in Virginia, with all four placing among the top five statewide, reflecting a consistent focus on applied skills, flexible online delivery, and workforce-aligned preparation.

“We continue to innovate across our online programs and the significant rise in our master’s in business ranking, along with our online business programs placing within Virginia’s top 5, are indicative of Costello’s growing prestige among business schools in our region,” said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business. “These rankings reinforce our success in delivering an educational experience that meets learners' needs—with graduate programs that emphasize career outcomes, flexibility, and affordability.”

Excellence Across Key Academic Disciplines

Strong national and regional standing was also evident across multiple master’s programs, including education, nursing, engineering, and information technology.

In education, George Mason stands out for its national leadership in special education, a field facing persistent workforce shortages in Virginia and across the country. The master’s in special education ranked 7th overall and 8th among public universities, being only one of two Virginia universities included in the category.

That leadership aligns with George Mason’s broader efforts to address special education workforce challenges. Through innovative training programs, the university is helping prepare the next generation of special education leaders through a focus on evidence-based practice, policy expertise, and leadership training.

"National recognition matters because it affirms the responsibility we carry,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “These rankings reflect the depth of our faculty’s expertise and our focus on preparing educators and leaders who think critically, continue learning and adapting, and work across boundaries to solve real-world challenges.”

The School of Nursing within George Mason’s College of Public Health also earned strong recognition as demand for nurses remains high across Virginia and the country. The master’s in nursing ranked No. 1 in Virginia and among public universities in the Washington, D.C., region, placing 41st nationally among public universities. The master’s in nursing for veterans program ranked 15th nationally and 10th among public universities, reinforcing George Mason’s role in preparing nurses to meet growing health care demands.

"At the School of Nursing, we advance nursing excellence by offering flexible, accessible pathways to advanced degrees,” said Dean Melissa Perry, College of Public Health. “Through online and veteran-focused options, we are strengthening the nursing workforce and preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a rapidly changing health care environment. The recognition as the top program in Virginia reflects the College of Public Health's commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders in health care."

George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing demonstrated strength across engineering and information technology programs aligned with high-demand technical fields critical to the region’s innovation economy. The master’s in industrial engineering ranked 11th nationally, and several programs placed among the top 50 nationally, including master’s in engineering (50th), master’s in engineering for veterans (34th), and the master’s in information technology (38th).

“We’re happy to be so well represented in this year’s rankings,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “Our college has a successful history in online education, which includes offering George Mason’s first online master’s degree—a master’s in computer science—in 2005. We’re proud to provide flexible learning opportunities that support one of the university’s Grand Challenge [Initiative] solutions: advancing 21st-century education for all.”

Commitment to Access

Taken together, these rankings reflect George Mason’s sustained investment in education that expands access, strengthens workforce pipelines, and delivers meaningful outcomes. For veterans, working adults, and post-traditional students, George Mason’s online programs support upward mobility and regional impact across high-demand fields.

View the full list of George Mason in the Rankings

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College of Public Health

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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 91�� 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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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

91��’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.”

In This Story

Alpaslan Özerdem

Susan Allen

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Mason is No. 1 among public institutions for research performance in entrepreneurship

ckearney — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:48:55 +0000

Mason is No. 1 among public institutions for research performance in entrepreneurship ckearney Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:48

91�� is No. 1 among public universities for research performance in entrepreneurship, and No. 2 overall nationally, in the latest report from EduRank.

Students at work in the MIX. Photo by Evan

Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The rankings were determined by analyzing 1.8 billion citations received by academic publications and the popularity of recognized alumni, according to EduRank’s website.

“There are so many ways to think about academia as being isolated and away from the real world,” said Stefanie Haeffele, a senior research fellow at Mason’s Mercatus Center. “But all of the departments and different programs at Mason are connected to how we understand people and interact in the world. It’s great to see the recognition and that intention leads to really good things.”

The ranking comes on the heels of a $50 million planned gift to Mason—the largest school naming gift in the history of the Northern Virginia-based university—to name the Donald G. Costello College of Business. The planned gift establishes an endowment that will provide scholarships to undergraduate and graduate business students to help them prepare for successful careers as entrepreneurs.

The ranking also coincides with the establishment of Mason’s new Entrepreneur-in-Residence program that will be housed at Fuse at Mason Square and bolster the startup market and opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area and across Virginia.

That rich environment of innovation is a main contributor to the university’s R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education as one the top research universities in the nation.

Harsha Rajasimha presented Jeeva Informatics at Mason's venture capital conference, Accelerate 2022, in October. Rajasimha took part in Mason's I-Corps program. Photo by Max Taylor Photography

It also fosters a business and entrepreneurship ecosystem at Mason that is committed to solving the world’s grand challenges by nurturing fearless leaders and thinkers.

Dynamic educational platforms in the School of Business include the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which provides several ways for students to dig into entrepreneurship, from the theoretical to the experimental.

At the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX), students, faculty, and staff can use makerspaces, media labs, and incubators. The National Science Foundation I-Corps program works on exploratory business ventures started by faculty, staff, students and recent alumni.

The Office of Research Innovation and Economic Impact has overall responsibility for Mason’s research enterprise and to support entrepreneurship and innovation. And the boots-on-the-ground Mason Enterprise in 2022 provided—mostly free of charge—40,000 hours of one-on-one counseling to 10,000 small businesses.

“A No. 1 ranking in this space is what’s possible when you have a president [Gregory Washington] and a vice president for research [Andre W. Marshall] who understand the importance of playing an economic development role in the region and the state,” said Paula Sorrell, who is associate vice president for innovation and economic development at Mason and oversees Mason Enterprise.

Research is the bedrock on which entrepreneurship is built, said Zoltan Acs, professor emeritus in Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government and a renowned expert in the field.

The research can include the study of the cognitive nature of individual entrepreneurs and their companies, how entrepreneurship impacts employment and productivity, and how it impacts people’s lives.

“And if you really think about what [Mason] did in the classroom and in the laboratory in terms of research,” said Acs, now a research fellow at Mathias Corvinus Collegium in Budapest, who has written more than 200 articles and 30 books about his inquiries, “we were really an A or A-plus institution.”

Mason research includes reams of papers from faculty published in top journals such as Research Policy, Small Business Economics, Journal of Business Venturing, and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development.

“For entrepreneurship, innovation is very important, so we want to improve the area,” said Lei Gao, associate professor of finance in the School of Business, whose Mason research has been published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Research Policy, and the Journal of Banking and Finance.

“Breakthroughs in technology and innovation are necessary to push a whole company to grow fast,” Gao said. “So what kind of factors lead to more effective innovation?”

Haeffele’s Mercatus research includes how communities respond and recover after disasters, and her paper, “Entrepreneurship During a Pandemic,” was published in the Journal of Law and Economics.

“The role of entrepreneurship in society matters,” said the Mason alumnus, MA Economics ’10, PhD Economics ’16. “To be at a place where we care about putting theory into practice, and being recognized for that, is really great.”

Learn more about Entrepreneur Opportunities at Mason

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In Money’s 2023 College Rankings, Mason is a star

sholla4 — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 18:40:59 +0000

In Money’s 2023 College Rankings, Mason is a star sholla4 Mon, 06/26/2023 - 14:40

91�� was named one of Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America 2023 with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

Mason was also listed as one the Best Public Colleges and Best Colleges in the South in Money’s ratings.

Image by Creative Services/Office of University Branding

This year, Money unveiled a new system, moving from rankings to ratings with a five-star metric. Colleges are now rated between 2.5 to 5 stars in .5 increments. Previously, the magazine utilized a standard numbered ranking system to organize its top colleges, similar other organizations such as U.S. News.

Despite the change, Money’s rating system still prioritizes affordability, including factors such as tuition costs and debt incurred; quality of education, such as graduation rates and test scores; and outcomes, such as alumni salaries and employment status. Because cost is often a prohibiting factor for many prospective students, this methodology is designed to help families make informed decisions on where students will get the most value for their tuition dollars.

“It is gratifying to be recognized and we are proud of the high-quality education students receive at Mason with a very affordable cost of tuition,” Provost Mark Ginsberg said. “Our students learn from a world-class faculty while also being afforded many inspiring opportunities to participate in impactful research, engage with the surrounding communities, and become involved with initiatives that ensure that they are career-ready as they conclude their studies.”

Money explains their switch from ranking to rating as a way to encourage students and parents to focus less on where an institution places in comparison to its peers, and instead focus on the broader picture of a college’s quality and value. According to their methodology explanation, “the new rating system can help families with their college search by highlighting the variety (and diversity) of high-value colleges in the U.S. We hope the ratings show that, depending on your individual characteristics, priorities and goals, there may be multiple top colleges to consider.”

Among peer institutions as determined by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), Mason was above the average of 4.18.

Among Virginia public institutions, Mason was one of the highest rated: Virginia Tech, James Madison University, William and Mary, and Virginia Military Institute all came in at 4.5 stars as well. Among these, Mason maintains the highest admissions acceptance rate.

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College of Education and Human Development

Strategic Direction

Mason research shows its strength in NSF report

ckearney — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:29:49 +0000

Mason research shows its strength in NSF report ckearney Thu, 02/02/2023 - 16:29

91��’s $214 million in research funding in fiscal year 2021 represented an increase of more than $100 million over five years, and puts the university on track to meet its goal of $225 million by 2025.

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: 11th among all universities (best in the DMV) and 8th among public universities.
Computer and information sciences: 19th among all universities and 11th among public universities in federally funded research; and 24th among all universities and 16th among public universities in total research funding.
Engineering: In the top 100 nationally at No. 78 (up from 142 in 2018) and No. 56 among public universities.

Professor Paulo Costa and students at The Radar and Radio Engineering (RARE) Lab, located at College of Engineering and Computing. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Overall, Mason’s research and development funding was 77th among public institutions, and 59th among institutions without medical schools.

“Even with the challenges of the pandemic period, Mason continued to advance in research rankings as measured by expenditures,” said Andre Marshall, Mason’s vice president of research, innovation, and economic development. “Mason faculty, student, and staff researchers are driving discoveries together in STEM and the social sciences through university-based research that results in real-world impact and makes a difference in our communities.”

Added Ken Ball, dean of Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing: “The rise in our NSF research funding rankings both in computer and information sciences and engineering has been phenomenal, solidifying our reputation as a top-tier research institution. Credit goes to our incredible faculty and students, as well as our research centers.”

Some of the long-term projects either funded or ongoing in FY 2021 that have positioned Mason as a leader in research of consequence—while also defining the university’s core beliefs that no problem is unsolvable and that we grow wiser and stronger from examining full truths—include:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) working with a group of Mason scientists to update its drought forecasting system. Researchers leading the effort are from Mason’s Center for Ocean Land Atmosphere Studies in the College of Science.
Researching and building 5G-enabling applications and technologies to create new business, community, and higher education engagements. The program builds on Mason’s work in 5G and the ecosystem of university, industry and government partners collaborating through the Northern Virginia Node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative.
The Computational Hemodynamics Lab, as part of a large study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is studying major risk factors for aneurysms and how to identify high-risk patients who need prompt and aggressive treatments.
A grant from the Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Interdisciplinary Research helped the Department of Global and Community Health in Mason’s College of Public Health explore the link between air pollution sources and vulnerable populations.
A multidisciplinary team from the College of Engineering and Computing and the College of Science is being funded by the Food and Drug Administration to improve the manufacturing and understanding of mRNA vaccines, such as those to fight COVID-19.
As part of a project funded by the Department of Energy, Mason is overseeing and operating the East Coast headquarters of the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, helping protect American manufacturing automation and supply chains from cyber threats.

College of Public Health's Jenna Krall and her team collected data on air pollution in Virginia and how it directly affects people in the surrounding communities. Photo by Lathan Goumas/Strategic Communications

In the social sciences, which includes contributions from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, initiatives came in several forms.

“These rankings reflect the excellence that distinguishes George Mason’s research and sets it apart,” CHSS dean Ann Ardis said. “The expertise of our social sciences faculty enables us to effectively and creatively address the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Said CEHD dean Ingrid Guerra-López: “Solving complex societal problems requires transdisciplinary collaborations, and that is what guides the important work of our remarkable researchers. The impact of their work is being amplified by their ability to work effectively across a variety of disciplines, industries, and stakeholders.”

Assistant professor Sylvia Schreiner received a grant from the National Science Foundation to continue her work in helping to maintain the Yupik language on St. Lawrence Island in Alaska. That research later led to an NSF CAREER grant for the same purpose.
Mason was selected by the Department of Homeland Security to lead its Center of Excellence in Crime Investigations and Network Analysis (CINA). The 10-year, multimillion-dollar grant gave Mason the lead with a consortium of universities and law enforcement agencies to investigate patterns of criminal activity and forensics, and develop strategies to disrupt transnational crime.
The Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence, led by University Professor Faye Taxman, received $25 million from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to advance the use of evidence-based practices and treatments in justice settings for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, spur implementation research on organizational change strategies, develop workforce training tools, and disseminate research findings.
Through a grant from the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, CEHD professor Bweikia Steen was part of a research group that studied the barriers and challenges faced by home-based childcare providers in Virginia and developed solutions.
The U.S. Department of State and the NSF funded Carter School research in war-torn Ukraine.

“With rapid socio-economic and political changes, technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, climate change and global health crises, the world faces many challenges,” Carter School dean Alpaslan Özerdem said. “Social sciences are centered on all those tectonic movements affecting our societies and our responses to global challenges.”

“The (NSF) rankings are a testimony to the university’s commitment to research of consequence,” Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell said. “The Schar School is very proud to be part of this notable achievement.”

The NSF collected its data from 916 universities in the Higher Education Research and Development Survey, sponsored by the NSF’s National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics unit.

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College of Public Health

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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More About How Mason Stacks Up in the Rankings

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October 2, 2025

Mason online programs in education and engineering are ranked in the top 20 nationwide

ckearney — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 21:12:58 +0000

Mason online programs in education and engineering are ranked in the top 20 nationwide ckearney Mon, 01/23/2023 - 16:12

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

91��’s online degree offerings are some of the best in the nation, with five programs in education and engineering ranked in the top 20 among public universities, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings released Tuesday.

Mason’s stature as the most innovative and diverse public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia positions it to provide evolving online learning opportunities.

“Mason’s online programs are part of our commitment to provide access to excellence for our students,” Mason Provost and Executive Vice President Mark Ginsberg said. “We have an institutional and programmatic commitment to meeting students where they are, and we are proud of this national recognition.”

Mason’s industrial engineering program is 10th in the nation among publics, up from 15th in 2022, with its engineering program moving up one spot to 35 among publics, and 3 spots to 44th overall nationally.

Moreover, Mason’s graduate online engineering programs are now ranked 2nd among Virginia publics, a jump of 3 spots, and Mason’s MS in systems engineering program is the top ranked public program in Virginia.

“The strength of Mason’s engineering programs translates to graduates who are ready to take on today’s tech careers,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.

Mason’s nursing program, unranked last year, was ranked at 46th among publics this year.

“As Virginia’s first and only College of Public Health, we are committed to interprofessional academics, research, and practice to improve population health and well-being. Our MS in Nursing is preparing the next generation of leaders for clinical impact,” said Melissa J. Perry, dean of Mason’s College of Public Health.

Mason also saw improvements in its MBA program, both overall—moving up 19 spots to 51st among publics and 25 spots nationally to 73rd—as well as in its ranking of MBA for veterans, where it is 35th among publics and 46th nationally, up from 49th and 64th, respectively.

Mason’s education program is ranked as a top program for veterans, in recognition of Mason’s strong partnership with this group, which represents about 10% of its student population.

The education curriculum program rose 9 spots to 12th among publics and overall nationally, and its education administration and supervision program rose 5 spots nationally and among publics to 15th and 14th, respectively. Mason’s special education program was ranked 11th both nationally and among publics.

“Mason’s partnerships with school systems, industry, and other employers make it a strong choice for educators looking to continue their education and advance in their careers in Northern Virginia,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “We are also an interdisciplinary partner with our schools and colleges at Mason, creating just in time programming that employers really value.”

This year's rankings evaluate more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs, with varying methodologies depending on the discipline, though U.S. News notes that all methodologies “incorporate metrics specific to online learning.”

Learn more about the rankings.

Editor's note: This story has been updated

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College of Education and Human Development

U.S. News & World Report