2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Management of Secure Information Systems, MS (SOM) (pending SCHEV approval)


Banner Code: BU-MS-MSIS

Note: As of catalog publication in April, the program described below has been approved by the Board of Visitors and sent to the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia for consideration as a new degree program. The university cannot accept applications or enroll students in this program until SCHEV approval has been granted. Check the college/school web site for current program status.


Phone:  703-993-1880
Email:  cyber@gmu.edu


The Executive Management of Secure Information Systems MS, an interdisciplinary program offered by the Volgenau School of Engineering , the School of Management , and the School of Public Policy , prepares professionals for the challenges of modern computerized information systems that have become increasingly complex and vulnerable to cyber attacks, resulting in a significant number of government regulations. Consequently, those responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of such systems need to grasp their technical aspects and be familiar with both the principles of management and the public policy impact of regulatory and organizational decisions.

The program is run as a cohort with no electives. The entire program has a duration of 14 months including about ten days of study abroad, which is included in the tuition. Applicants to the program are expected to have at least three years of full-time relevant work experience.

Admission Requirements


Applicant requirements include:

  • Application form and application fee.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an approved institution, recognized qualifications equivalent to a degree.
  • Two official copies of transcripts of all colleges and universities attended in the United States and abroad.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation.
  • Goals statement (statement of how and why applicants would benefit from the program)
  • A current resume.
  • English proficiency standards as required of all Mason graduate students. In particular, applicants who have earned a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States, Canada (excluding province of Quebec), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are considered to have met that standard. All other applicants are required to take an English proficiency examination and meet minimum scores set by Mason in order to be considered for admission. The TOEFL or IELTS exams can be used to meet this requirement. The minimum scores are: TOEFL: IBT (88 total with 20 points minumum in each section); CBT (230); and PBT (570); IELTS – Academic: 6.5 total band score.
  • GMAT (recommended score: the mean GMAT scores of an entering class should meet or exceed 550 with an individual minimum of 500) or GRE (recommended score: 1200). The GMAT or GRE may be waived if the applicant’s record demonstrates the ability to succeed in a competitive and quantitative program.
  • A minimum of three years of significant full-time work experience is required. Successful applicants generally have between three and five years of professional experience.