2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Biometrics Graduate Certificate


Banner Code: VS-CERG-BMCS

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Computer Science 

 

Biometrics, the science of recovering or verifying a person’s identity, measures the physical characteristics that make people unique (including fingerprints, an eye’s retina or iris, face, hand geometry, signature, and voice) and uses those measurements for person recognition or authentication. Biometrics are related to the science of forensics, which uses and interprets physical evidence for legal purposes. The importance of biometrics lies in the fact that traditional means of identification and verification are often unreliable or cumbersome. Passwords are difficult to remember and easy to steal. Keys, driver’s licenses, and passports can be lost or forged. The human body and its behavior, on the other hand, can’t be forgotten, stolen, forged, or misplaced. Practical uses for such biometrics are widespread and include maintaining the security for physical space and cyberspace. In particular, biometrics aids in controlling access to an office, computer network or an ATM, smart cards, and wireless communication; confirming the identity of buyers and sellers to make electronic commerce safe and reliable; confirming student identity for distance learning; and safeguarding electronic records related to health care services.

Admission Requirements

The program is open to all students who are eligible for entrance into the master’s degree program in computer science or any scientific or engineering discipline at George Mason.

Certificate Requirements


 Students must complete four courses with an average grade of B or higher for a total of 12 credits of graduate study.

Required Courses (6 credits):


Note:


Students may take either CS 750 or INFS 755 but not both.

Total: 12 credits