The mission of the Volgenau School of IT & Engineering is to provide our students with a high-quality education that emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, integrity, and entrepreneurship. In addition, the School seeks to develop and disseminate leading-edge research that significantly advances the field of knowledge.
The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering is concerned primarily with study areas that involve integrating the information basis for modern engineering with the more conventional physical and materials science approach. The careful integration of these areas results in a unique academic experience for highly motivated students.
The Volgenau School offers several degree programs that concentrate on important contemporary technological issues and needs. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in the areas of applied computer science, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. Minors in information technology, computer science, software engineering, data analysis, and systems engineering and operations research are also available.
Master’s degree programs are available in the following areas: applied information technology, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer forensics, computer science, electrical engineering, information security and assurance, information systems, operations research, software engineering, statistical science, systems engineering, and telecommunications. Several doctoral programs are offered, including a cross-disciplinary program in information technology and more focused programs in civil and infrastructure engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering and operations research, and statistical science. In addition, the engineer degree in information technology provides post-master’s training in an application area.
Undergraduate certificates are offered in applied statistics, information technology, postbachelor computer science, and operations research and engineering. For graduate students, certificate programs are offered in advanced network protocols for telecommunications; architecture-based systems engineering; biometrics; e-commerce; command, control, communications, computing, and intelligence; intelligent agents; communications and networking; computational modeling; systems engineering of software intensive systems; federal statistics; biostatistics; information engineering; information security and assurance; military operations research; signal processing; software engineering; telecommunications forensics and security; networks, systems integration and testing; very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) design and manufacturing; civil infrastructure and security engineering; discovery, design, and innovation; computer networking; network technologies and applications; wireless communications; telecommunications systems modeling; data mining; database management; and web-based software engineering.
The undergraduate degree programs prepare students to enter directly into professional employment or continue studies at the graduate level. The requirements for the bachelor’s degrees include required and elective courses in mathematics, humanities, and general education, and specialty courses in applied computer science, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. Each program strongly emphasizes English composition and communication.
Students also have opportunities to develop interest areas in other fields within the Volgenau School that offer undergraduate courses but do not have undergraduate majors. The bachelor of individualized study (BIS) degree program may appeal to adult students who have completed a substantial portion of their studies at other institutions.
Bioengineering has been increasingly represented at the Volgenau School. New faculty members are working with other departments, schools, and institutes at Mason to provide a quality education to students interested in this rapidly growing field. The faculty at the Volgenau School hopes to work with numerous Washington-area organizations dedicated to health oriented research or clinical service.
The Volgenau School offers seven programs in its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow.
The undergraduate mission is to provide a quality education to support the needs of Virginia and the nation. The goal is to graduate students who are technically competent; prepared for ethical professional practice and a lifetime of learning; communicate effectively and work as members or leaders of technical teams; and understand the global nature and effect of information technology and engineering.
The following general requirements must be completed by all undergraduate students:
Freshmen who are undecided about their specific majors may select Volgenau School undeclared as their major. Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments. With approval of department advisors, some courses may be taken out of the indicated sequences, particularly English, literature and social science courses.
Students majoring in the Volgenau School programs are expected to have an acceptable plan of study formulated with assistance from the department advisor on file. They are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree during each semester they are enrolled. Undergraduate students may be required to obtain permission from the Volgenau School Student Services Office to repeat some courses required for the major in which they have previously received a grade of D or F. Individual Volgenau School programs may disallow students from retaking certain high-demand courses in which they have already earned a grade of C or better if they want to retake the course to improve their GPA.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many excellent courses available to broaden their educational experience or strengthen their background; however, some credits earned may not satisfy any degree requirements. Degree requirements for the Volgenau School undergraduate programs may not include credits earned in activity courses in any department. Examples are many of the courses listed under the catalog designations of art, dance, music, or theater; individual sports, physical education, or team sports; and recreational activities. Exceptions in these categories are courses that meet the university general education requirements for the major, including global understanding or Arts. Whenever there is uncertainty, students must consult with an academic advisor in their departments. Generally, degree requirements for computer science and engineering majors may not be met by 100- to 400-level courses designated “IT” (and any associated cross-listed courses) in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. The respective computer science or engineering student’s department might approve requests for some IT courses, such as IT 350, 362, 462, and 466, to satisfy degree requirements. For more information, contact the department or the Volgenau School Student Services Office at 703-993-1511.
The university requires all undergraduate students to successfully complete a course, or combination of courses, designated “writing-intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. To determine the writing-intensive course requirements for specific degrees, refer to the major program descriptions in the following department sections.
Many of the BS degree programs offered within the Volgenau School may be packaged with some of the MS degree programs in ways that reduce the total number of credits required. Details may be found in the individual department sections.
The Volgenau School offers 15 master of science programs in its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow.
The Volgenau School offers 5 PhD programs in its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow with the exception of the Information Technology PhD program. The PhD in information technology is a program that builds on a fundamental core and emphasizes cross-disciplinary efforts among the 15 master’s programs in the Volgenau School, as well as with related units at Mason. Specific entrance and degree requirements for this doctoral program are found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.
The engineer degree is a post-master’s degree, but it does not confer a doctorate. Students pursuing the engineer degree can take advanced PhD courses and complete a project of an applied nature to fulfill program requirements. Students who are awarded an engineer degree will be able, at a later date, to work toward a PhD in information technology. Details about the engineer degree can be found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.
The Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (CGEP) is a cooperative program of Mason, the University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University (ODU), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) designed to make graduate engineering education available in locations throughout Virginia through distance learning. CGEP offers graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology. Instruction takes place through a mix of videoconferencing and web-based courses available at educational and corporate receive sites around the state.
Each degree program is taught by one of the five participating universities, and prospective students should apply directly to the university offering the degree of interest. Mason’s master of science in computer science degree is available through CGEP. Courses from the other institutions may be offered at Mason’s Fairfax or Prince William campuses. For more information, go to volgenau.gmu.edu/graduates/commonwealth_graduate_engineering.php.
■ Applied Information Technology
Phone: 703-993-3565
Web: ait.gmu.edu
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Faculty
Professors: Gantz (chair), Jajodia, Marchant
Associate professor: Snow (associate chair)
Assistant professors: Aksoy, Boicu, Bruno, Rytikova, Wang
Instructors: D’Alessandro, Garrison, Islam, Lyons, Quinn, Sanghera
Adjunct professors: Alper, Angelone, Curts, Enochson, Farrell, Haliyur, Hammond, Jalinous, Kahrl, Khan, Long, Lord, Montana, Moody, Phung, Raymond, Reo, Ronk, Santucci, Schorling, West, Zabin
Applied Information Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs to develop expertise in applying information technology to support business applications. The programs emphasize problem-solving, communication, technical and leadership skills.
The BS in Information Technology program aims to meet the existing and emerging needs of industry by educating new IT workers in current principles and practices, and in its applications. The program focuses on equipping graduates with effective skills for interacting at the management level as well as the technical level. Graduates fill jobs that focus on the application of IT in an increasing number of emerging sub-disciplines, including network administration, information security, information systems, telecommunications, web development, and computer graphics.
The MS in AIT emphasizes elements of productive, effective and ethical leadership of major IT projects, in both the federal and private sectors.
The department also offers a number of certificate programs for students seeking to add an AIT certification to their existing credentials. Students currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in other disciplines may choose to add a minor in AIT.
Course Work
The AIT Department offers all 100 - 400 IT courses and many 500/600 level IT courses in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor's Level Certificate
Undergraduate Minor
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Master's Degree
■ Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering
Phone: 703-993-1675
Web: civil.gmu.edu
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Faculty
Professors: Arciszewski, Bronzini (chair), Houck
Associate professors: deMonsabert, Flannery, Venigalla
Assistant professors: Casey, Urgessa
Research professor: Hero
Adjunct professors: Adler, Ali, Bhargava, Binning, Chase, Chipley, Choudhury, Donahue, Doyle, Gagne, Goode, Hartmann, Harrop-Williams, Matusik, McDaniel, Miller, Rodriguez, Suydam, Ward, Zobel
The Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE) Department offers a BS and an MS in civil and infrastructure engineering. These degree programs complement the study of civil and environmental engineering with advances in information technology (IT), and they focus on the physical and organizational infrastructure essential to the functioning of an urban society. The bachelor’s program in civil and infrastructure engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012; 410-347-7700. Students interested in pursuing doctoral education in civil and infrastructure engineering are encouraged to read the sections on the interdisciplinary PhD in information technology and PhD study in civil and infrastructure engineering.
Civil and infrastructure engineering is the study of land, transportation, water, environmental, structural, energy, and telecommunications systems from a civil engineering perspective and within a complex technological, social, political, economic, and environmental context. The focus is on how these systems are successfully conceived, developed, designed, built, operated, maintained, and renewed in the built environment such as the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
An urban society thrives and prospers when adequate, appropriate, reliable, robust, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure systems are provided. The investment in existing infrastructure and other urban systems in the United States is enormous. The investment required to maintain, operate, renew, and manage the evolution of these infrastructure systems in the future is even greater. The need for highly educated professionals to confront and solve these continuing vital problems is pressing. Examples of infrastructure systems include water supply and distribution; streets, roads, and highways; wastewater management; transit; storm water management; public utilities; energy supply and distribution; telecommunications; buildings, facilities, and structures; and solid waste management.
Course Work
The department offers all courses designated CEIE and some of the ENGR and IT courses in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Master's Degree
Master's Level Certificate
Doctoral Degree
■ Computer Science
Phone: 703-993-1530
Web: cs.gmu.edu
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Faculty
Professors: Barbara, J. Chen, DeJong, Gomaa (chair), Kerschberg, Menascé, Motro, Offutt, Pullen, Sibley, Sood, Tecuci, Wechsler
Associate professors: Ammann, Aydin, Brodsky, Carver, Domeniconi, Duric, Kosecka, Luke, Richards, Setia, Simon, P. Wang, White, Wijesekera
Assistant professors: S. Chen, Li, Lien, Lin, T. Maddox, Malek, Rangwala, Shehu, Sousa, Stavrou, X. Wang, Zhong
Instructors: Fleck, Heishman, Nordstrom
Adjunct professors: Abdurazik, Ahmed, Alazzawe, Armour, Baldo, Dean, Ellis, Foxwell, Geldon, Gravatt, Howard, Hwang, Kakarlamudi, Kodali, M. Maddox, Martin, Masiyoswski, Nidiffer, Olimpiew, Pettit, Ritchey, Scoggins, Sharif, Smeltzer, Smith
Emeritus faculty: Baum, Hamburger, Rine
Introduction
Computer science is at the center of the information revolution in the 21st century. Advanced computation tools and techniques are revolutionizing and transforming the way we work, play, communicate, collaborate, and conduct business. In addition, computation is creating new scientific and engineering fields; such as robotics, computational sciences, bioinformatics, astroinformatics, and health informatics, to name a few. Computer science is a discipline concerned with the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, and evolution of computer-based systems used in almost all walks of life.
Computer scientists must be well-grounded not only in the theory of computing, but also in its application to diverse application areas, for example, web-based applications such as e-mail, wireless networking, online group gaming, social networks, and e-commerce. Computer scientists must be capable of working closely with members of other professions associated with computing. Students who pursue this discipline will learn (1) theories of computation, analysis of algorithms, operating systems, and artificial intelligence; (2) communication and coordination via advanced computer networks; (3) storage, retrieval, and management of large databases; and (4) analysis, design, and implementation of reliable software systems.
Course Work
The Department of Computer Science (CS) offers courses designated CS, INFS, ISA, and SWE, as well as some IT courses, in the Courses chapter of this catalog. The department offers undergraduate programs in computer science and applied computer science. A double major is offered in computer science and computer engineering. Students may also elect a minor in computer science or software engineering. Several accelerated BS Computer Science/MS Programs are offered. Graduate programs offered are an MS in computer science, an MS in information security and assurance, an MS in information systems, an MS in software engineering, a PhD in computer science, and several graduate certificate programs. The department also participates in the PhD in Information Technology Program with the following concentrations: PhD study in information security and assurance, PhD study in information systems, and PhD study in software engineering.
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor's Level Certificate
Undergraduate Minor
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
- •
Computer Science, BS/Computer Science, Accelerated MS
- •
Computer Science, BS/Information Security and Assurance, Accelerated MS
- •
Computer Science, BS/Information Systems, Accelerated MS
- •
Computer Science, BS/Software Engineering, Accelerated MS
- •
Information Technology, BS/Information Security and Assurance, Accelerated MS
- •
Information Technology, BS/Information Systems, Accelerated MS
- •
Information Technology, BS/Software Engineering, Accelerated MS
Master's Degree
Master's Level Certificate
Doctoral Degree
■ Electrical and Computer Engineering
Phone: 703-993-1569
Web: ece.gmu.edu
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Faculty
Professors: Allnutt, Cook, Ephraim, Gertler, Griffiths, Ioannou, Jabbari, Levis, Manitius (chair), Mulpuri
Associate professors: Berry, Chang, Gaj, Hintz, Mark, Pachowicz, Paris, W. Sutton, Wage
Assistant professors: Hwang, Ikonomidou, Kaps, Li, Nelson, Peixoto, Sikdar
Research professors: Katona, Wagenhals, Zaidi
Instructor: Pandula
Adjunct professors: Abgariah, Allen, Alper, Beatty, Bollino, Brooks, Follendore, Fowler, Gong, Hibey, Hockensmith, Hrnjez, Lazarevich, Leaf, Lorie, Osgood, Sabzevari, Tham, Tran, Van Meter T, West S, Williams, Wilson, Wu, Young
Emeritus faculty: Baraniecki, Beale, Black, Schaefer, Tabak, Van Trees
The undergraduate education mission of the ECE Department is to provide a quality education for electrical engineering and computer engineering students to support the needs of Virginia and the nation.
The objectives of undergraduate programs within the ECE Department relate to the abilities of our graduates three to five years after graduation. These objectives include:
- Technical knowledge: Graduates will be able to apply the fundamentals in the appropriate engineering discipline as demonstrated by success as productive engineers in industry, government, or graduate school.
- Preparation for further study: Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to engage in lifelong learning.
- Professionalism: Graduates will have the skills and understanding needed to fulfill their professional responsibilities as engineers, including written and oral communication, ethics, and teamwork.
Graduate programs leading to MS and PhD degrees in engineering prepare students for careers in industry, government, and academia. Graduate certificate programs provide well-defined targets for students who want to advance or update their knowledge in selected areas. ECE offers the PhD in electrical and computer engineering, MS degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering, and certificates in communications and networking, signal processing, and very large-scale integration design and manufacturing. The PhD in information technology is offered by The Volgenau School and includes a number of courses with an electrical engineering or computer engineering emphasis. Details about these programs are available at ite.gmu.edu.
ECE is committed to high standards of teaching and research excellence in communications, digital systems design, computer networks, microprocessor and embedded systems, distributed computing, signal and image processing, control systems, intelligent systems and microelectronics. The department recognizes the need to augment and enhance these areas through the use of modern IT. Graduate students are offered a progressive environment with ample opportunities for the type of advanced engineering research needed to confront the complex realities of the 21st century.
The courses in these programs are offered during the evening or late afternoon hours to accommodate students who are employed full time. For those who enter the programs on a full-time basis, some financial aid may be available in various forms, such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and work-study and co-op agreements with local industry.
Course Work
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department offers all courses designated ECE, BENG and CRFS in the Courses chapter of this catalog. The department also offers most of the courses designated TCOM and some ENGR and IT courses.
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Master's Degree
Master's Level Certificate
Doctoral Degree
■ Interdisciplinary Programs (VSITE)
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
The Volgenau School offers two interdisciplinary post-master programs: the PhD in Information Technology and the Engineer in IT degree. The first is designed for students who seek a doctoral program in Information Technology and want to be able to customize it to their needs. The second is a professional degree with the flexibility to integrate knowledge from all of the disciplines offered in our School. The programs are managed by the Graduate Student Services Office under the purview of the Senior Associate Dean.
Doctoral students may conduct their doctoral research under the supervision of any eligible faculty member of any of the school’s departments. The doctoral program allows students to take a broad range of courses and research options. Students can specialize in various areas, including information systems, software engineering, and information security.
The Engineer in IT degree program allows a student to combine the advanced course work of the PhD degree in IT with an applied project. It is designed to meet the needs of working professionals seeking advanced and up-to-date training in IT areas, but who are not planning a research career.
Professional Degree
Doctoral Degree
■ Statistics
Phone: 703-993-3645
Web: statistics.gmu.edu
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Faculty
Professors: Carr, Gentle, Rosenberger (chair), Wegman
Associate professors: Bell, Davis (associate chair), Miller, C. Sutton
Assistant professors: Diao, Tang
Instructors: Sims (visiting), Surina
Emeritus faculty: Bolstein
Course Work
The Statistics Department offers all courses designated STAT in the Courses chapter of this catalog. Statistical methods and methods for data analysis are crucial for researching and exploring the life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, business, nursing, education, and engineering. The Statistics Department offers a variety of introductory courses and more advanced course work in specialized statistical methodology and applications. The focus of the department’s offerings is applied, with special emphasis on biostatistics, graphics and visualization, federal and survey statistics, and engineering applications of statistics and data analysis.
Introductory courses are targeted for undergraduates in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Health and Human Services, as well as in the Volgenau School. The STAT 250–350 sequence is targeted for general audiences, while the STAT 344–354 sequence is targeted for technical and scientific audiences. STAT 362 deals with computer statistical packages and is appropriate as a second or third course for students from a wide variety of backgrounds. It is strongly recommended for students who elect to minor in data analysis.
Although the department does not offer an undergraduate degree in statistics, it does offer an undergraduate certificate program in applied statistics and a minor in data analysis. Also, a variety of advanced undergraduate courses is available for inclusion in other degree programs.
Bachelor's Level Certificate
Undergraduate Minor
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Master's Degree
Dual Master's
Master's Level Certificate
Doctoral Degree
■ Systems Engineering and Operations Research
Phone: 703-993-1670
Web: seor.gmu.edu
School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
Faculty
Professors: Adelman, Chang, Chen, Donohue, Hoffman, Nash, Polyak, Schum, Sage, Sofer (chair)
Associate professors: Brouse, Laskey, Loerch, Shortle, Speller, White
Assistant professors: Ganesan, Liu
Affiliated faculty members: Houck, VanTrees
Research and term professors: Costa, Gross, Sherry, Wagenhals, Wagner, Wolman
Adjunct professors: Alexander, Barry, Camp, Carley, Durbin, Fischer, Humphrey, Killam, Laveson, McDevitt, Rothwell, Soller, Stephenson, Wieland, Yost
Emeritus faculty: Palmer
The Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) Department offers a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, a minor in systems engineering and operations research, master’s degrees in systems engineering and in operations research, and a PhD degree in systems engineering and operations research. In addition, the department offers five certificate programs at the master’s level: architecture-based systems engineering; command, control, communications, computing, and intelligence (C4I); military operations research; computational modeling; and systems engineering of software intensive systems. The Department also offers a dual degree MS in Operations Research and Statistical Science jointly with the Statistics Department.
Systems engineers determine the most effective ways for an organization to use all of a given system’s components: people, machines, materials, information, and energy. The engineers plan, design, implement, and manage integrated systems, working to ensure performance, safety, reliability, and maintainability. They also work to ensure that systems are delivered on time at a reasonable cost. Examples of systems are computer networks, automobiles, intelligent robots, stereos, the Metro, and Mason. Whereas other engineering disciplines concentrate on individual aspects of a system, such as electronics, ergonomics, or software, systems engineers focus on the system as a whole. Systems engineering, perhaps more than any other engineering discipline, is involved with the human and organizational aspects of developing the desired system. Systems engineering is the people-oriented engineering profession.
Operations research is the professional field that deals with using scientific methods in engineering and management decision making, often focusing on how best to allocate limited resources. Operations researchers do for organizations what physicists do for the physical world: they try to find order in apparent chaos by identifying the structure in complex situations and understanding how the components of organizations interact. The goal is to explain and predict the effects of actions taken on these systems. Much of this work is developing and manipulating mathematical and computer models of organizational systems composed of people, machines, information, and procedures. The overall purpose is to provide a rational basis for decision making.
Mason’s operations research faculty members are principally involved in the theoretical and empirical study of managerial and operational processes, and the use of mathematical and computer models to optimize these systems. Models are needed for a variety of decision-making purposes in business, industry, scientific research, and government to describe different environments and relate alternative plans of action. Thus, the courses in operations research focus on quantitative modeling and the analysis of complex systems. Courses stress the use of contemporary computer hardware and software in modeling and analysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of operations research will be one of the fastest-growing professions of the next decade.
Obviously, there is much overlap between systems engineering and operations research. The department encourages students of either discipline to elect courses in the other. For more information, go to seor.gmu.edu.
Course Work
The department offers all courses designated SEOR, SYST, and OR in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor's Level Certificate
Undergraduate Minor
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Master's Degree
Dual Master's
Master's Level Certificate
Doctoral Degree