International Year One in Science (1-Semester Pathway) Leading to Bachelor of Science in Geography

at INTO Group - George Mason University USA

The field of computer engineering can be described as an amalgam of hardware and software design. Computer engineers are involved in research, design, development, production, and operation of a wide variety of digital systems, from integrated circuits through microcontrollers, multi-core processors, FPGA-based accelerators, to big-data and cloud computing platforms. Reflecting the industry trend to integrate hardware and software development, the computer engineering program is built around computer-aided design tools that can simulate and assist in the design of new digital systems, such as those found in smartphones, tablets, robots, autonomous vehicles, drones, spacecraft, computer networks, smart factories, defense systems, and the internet-of-things. Advanced languages, such as VHDL and Python, and software tools, such as those used for FPGA- and ASIC-design and simulation, can be used to model hardware and software functionality from the system and architecture level down to the gate and transistor levels. Design, optimization, verification, and testing methodology involving these tools are taught in the program. Hands-on design experiences and simulation are emphasized throughout the curriculum through labs and projects integrated into various courses. The program culminates in a year-long senior design project effort which provides each student with the opportunity to apply concepts to designing, innovating and building a functional hardware system in a team environment.

The Master of Science in Operations Research prepares students for research and professional practice associated with the formulation, analysis, and computer implementation of mathematical models for decision making. Major components include optimization, stochastic modeling, computer simulation, predictive data analytics, and application of these components to realistic and relevant operational analysis problems. Students focus their studies in a concentration area such as data analytics, decision analysis, financial engineering, military operations research, optimization, or stochastic modeling; students can also choose a self-defined concentration with approval of a faculty advisor.

The Department of Computer Science's MS degree in Information Security and Assurance prepares graduates to fill the current and future need for information security and assurance professionals. Graduates work in a wide variety of capacities, protecting the information systems of different types of organizations and supporting the nation's information infrastructure. The Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance provides students with the general and technical knowledge and skills to understand the relationship between information security and advancing information systems technology. The program gives graduates a theoretical understanding of the science and methodologies for ensuring the secrecy and integrity of data, as well as the availability and legitimate use of data and information systems.

Students focus on the technical and management aspects of information security and examine ways to provide secure information processing systems by investigating operating systems security, distributed secure system architectures, database security, software applications security, security policies, secure e-commerce, network and distributed systems security, cryptography, and security protocols. Graduates of the program are actively recruited by federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector. Typical employers include Internet-based companies, software companies, banks and insurance companies, and in general any organization that depends heavily on the use of IT. All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students.

Students who successfully complete an INTO Mason Graduate Pathway program in Computational Science are assured progression to a Mason graduate degree program upon submission of additional required application materials.

Upon successful completion of an INTO Mason Pathway program and meeting university requirements for graduate admission, you may enter your second semester of graduate study at George Mason University. This transition from an INTO Mason Pathway program to a university degree program is called 'progression'.

Computational Science-M.S.
The Master of Science in Computational Science addresses the growing demand for trained computational scientists and engineers, and data scientists. It combines a solid foundation in computational science skills with courses in a variety of scientific and engineering computer-intensive areas where modeling and simulation, data analysis, and high performance computing play a central role.

Working with an advisor, a student may choose to pursue an area of emphasis. The areas of emphasis are:

• Computer Modeling and Simulation: Intended for students who wish to learn computational solution techniques for modeling and simulation of scientific and engineering phenomena.
• Data Science: Intended for students who wish to learn computational methods for acquiring, extracting, and analyzing large-scale data obtained by observations, experiments, modeling, and database searches.

This master's program meets the increasing need for trained environmental professionals who can address the problems of land and water management, land use and urbanization, wetland loss, microbial ecology, bioremediation, conservation biology, and ecosystem preservation. These professionals will also contribute to the analysis and resolution of global problems such as deforestation, insufficient world food supplies, population growth, planetary health, and global climate change/warming. Areas of specific departmental focus include ecosystems, conservation, environmental biocomplexity, molecular ecology, sustainability science, environmental policy and management, and human/environmental interactions.

Environmental problems are defined in the real world and do not necessarily conform to traditional academic disciplines. As such, solutions require creative combinations of diverse interests and subjects. Effective training requires rigorous, problem-focused transdisciplinary action in a setting in which research is an essential element supporting instruction.

International Year One in Engineering, Computing and Statistics will prepare you to enter your next semester of a bachelor’s degree program at George Mason University. Upon successful completion of International Year One and meeting university requirements for undergraduate admission, you may enter your next semester of undergraduate study at George Mason University. This transition from an INTO Mason program to a university degree program is called progression.

Cyber Security Engineering-B.S.
Cyber Security Engineering is concerned with the development of cyber-resilient systems which include the protection of physical as well as computer and network systems. It requires a proactive approach in engineering design of physical systems with cyber security incorporated from the beginning of system development. Cyber security engineering is an important quantitative methodology to be used in all industries including transportation, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, finance, government (federal, state, and local), and defense. The program is focused on the cyber security engineering of integrated cyber-physical systems. This degree provides a foundation in cyber security engineering and is most appropriate for students with a strong mathematics and science background.

The master's in nutrition emphasizes a skill-set tailored to expanding nutrition-related needs. Students learn to assess, evaluate, and intervene in the most current and relevant nutrition issues. The curriculum prepares graduates to work for agencies, businesses, and organizations that seek to improve nutrition at the local, national, and global level. This program also prepares students to engage in further study for research careers in nutrition.

The Environmental Science, BS provides students with rigorous training in the fundamental science of the environment and in the application of key scientific principles to the analysis of environmental processes and problems. Subsequently, the program introduces students to the development of practical responses to those problems. The program covers ecological systems, environmental policy, fundamental techniques of environmental science and engineering, protection and improvement of environmental quality, and public and private decision-making processes. Graduates of the program are prepared to undertake careers in a variety of environmental science fields, and are also qualified to pursue advanced scientific/professional education.

International Year One in Business will prepare you to enter your next semester of a bachelor’s degree program at George Mason University. Upon successful completion of International Year One and meeting university requirements for undergraduate admission, you may enter your next semester of undergraduate study at George Mason University. This transition from an INTO Mason program to a university degree program is called progression.

Business Analytics Concentration
The business analytics concentration provides students with expertise that cuts across all business disciplines. In our data-driven world, the cutting-edge knowledge and skills to gather, manage, and interpret data to deliver business insights are vital to organizational success.

As a Mason business analytics concentration student, you will learn:

• Data management and governance
• Data mining techniques
• Econometrics and related statistical techniques
• Enterprise systems and applications
• Data visualization
• Market research analysis
• Software such as Python and Tableau

International Year One in Humanities and Social Sciences will prepare you to enter your next semester of a bachelor’s degree program at George Mason University. Upon successful completion of International Year One and meeting university requirements for undergraduate admission, you may enter your next semester of undergraduate study at George Mason University. This transition from an INTO Mason program to a university degree program is called progression.

Integrative Studies, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies brings together research, theory and practice across numerous disciplines. Integrative studies majors select a multidisciplinary concentration or work with student services staff to develop their own concentration, uniquely suited to their academic and career goals. Integrative studies majors explore new topics and experiences while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to enter the workforce.  Required coursework is offered in small classes with ample room for discussion, collaborative learning, and experiential learning, including in-community projects, volunteer opportunities, field work, internships and work with faculty on research that directly engages current social and global challenges.