2012-2013 University Catalog 
  
2012-2013 University Catalog

Volgenau School of Engineering


Graduate Admissions: 703-993-1512
Graduate Student Services: 703-993-1505
Undergraduate Student Services: 703-993-1511
Web: volgenau.gmu.edu
College Code: VS

Administrative Units

Applied Information Technology (AIT) 

Bioengineering (BENG) 

Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE) 

Computer Science (CS) 

Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) 

Statistics (STAT) 

Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) 

 

School Mission, Goals

The mission of the Volgenau School of 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 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 degree programs that concentrate on important contemporary technological issues and needs. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in the areas of applied computer science, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, applied 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, geotechnical construction and structural engineering, computer engineering, computer forensics, computer science, electrical engineering, information security and assurance, information systems, operations research, software engineering, statistical science, systems engineering, telecommunications and an interdisciplinary program in management of secure information systems. 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.

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, bioengineering, 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.

Administration

Kenneth Ball, Dean
Stephen Nash, Senior Associate Dean
Sharon Caraballo, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Jennifer Lamb, Associate Dean for Development
Melinda Barnhart, Executive Director, Finance and Administration
Pete Farrell, Director, Alumni Relations
Jonathan Goldman, Director, Computing Resources
Linda Kovac, Director, Corporate Relations
Terri Mancini, Director, Sponsored Research Administration
Lisa Nolder, Director, Graduate Student Services
Jade Perez, Director, Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management
 

Bachelor of Science Programs

The Volgenau School offers eight Bachelor of Science programs in its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements specific to these majors are provided in the department sections that follow.                                           

BS Degree Department
Applied Computer Science  CS 
Applied Information Technology  AIT 
Bioengineering  BENG 
Civil and Infrastructure Engineering  CEIE 
Computer Engineering  ECE 
Computer Science  CS 
Electrical Engineering  ECE 
Systems Engineering  SEOR 

Undergraduate Mission, Goals

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.

Degree Requirements

The following general requirements must be completed by all undergraduate students:

  • At least 120 credits of academic work including at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above)
  • At least 6 credits of English composition, 3 credits of literature, and 3 credits of oral communication (university general education electives)
  • At least 3 credits of arts, 3 credits of Western civilization, 3 credits of social and behavioral science, and 3 credits of global understanding issues (university general education electives)
  • At least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of university general education courses described above
  • All requirements listed in the following sections for specific Volgenau School majors, including university requirements for mathematics, natural science, information technology competency and ethics, and synthesis.  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.

Termination from the Major

No math, science, or Volgenau School of Engineering course that is required for the major may be attempted more than three times.  Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major.  For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under Academic Standing .

Sample Schedules

Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments and in the program section of this catalog.

Undeclared Students in the Volgenau School of Engineering

Freshmen who are undecided about their specific major may select Volgenau School undeclared as their major.  This should be done as soon as possible after a student enrolls at George Mason.  Such students then will be assigned to one of the Volgenau School Departments for advising until the student decides on a final major.  These students should go to their assigned Department for advising when needed or at least each semester.  The student will be advised to follow an initial semester or two of courses that could be applicable to majors that are of interest to them.  This may involve taking courses that help the student better understand different engineering areas, but which may not contribute towards the 120 credits needed for the major in which they finally decide.

Academic Policies

Students should become familiar with the University’s general academic policies in addition to those specific to each academic unit.  Please see the Academic Policies  section of the catalog, which also lists additional university requirements for minor programs and double majors.

Academic Appeal of Policies, Grades and Actions

In most instances, the student’s instructor, academic advisor and/or department can resolve most academic-related issues that arise from time to time in a manner that student, instructor, academic advisor and/or department find acceptable.  If, however, the student disagrees with a decision at the department level and feels that there may be reasonable grounds for appeal, the student should contact the Volgenau School Student Services Offices at 703-993-1511.  This office is staffed with student services professionals who can provide guidance in preparing a request to the appropriate dean and higher levels if necessary.

Academic Progression

Students majoring in the Volgenau School programs are expected to have an acceptable plan of study on file, formulated with assistance from the department advisor. They are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree during each semester they are enrolled.  Individual Volgenau School programs may not allow students to retake 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.

Restricted Courses

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 include 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 department. 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 unless approved by the student’s major department.  For more information, students should contact their academic advisor.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

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.

BS/Accelerated MS Programs

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.

Master of Science Programs 

Degree Requirements

The Volgenau School offers a number of Master of Science programs to include a Master of Engineering program and an Interdisciplinary Master of Science program with the School of Management. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow.
 

MS Degree Department
Applied Information Technology  AIT 
Civil and Infrastructure Engineering  CEIE 
Computer Engineering  ECE 
Computer Forensics  ECE 
Computer Science  CS 
Electrical Engineering  ECE 
Geotechnical, Construction, and Structural Engineering, MEng  CEIE 
Information Security and Assurance  CS 
Information Systems  CS 
Management of Secure Information Systems  Interdisciplinary 
Operations Research  SEOR 
Software Engineering  CS 
Statistical Science  STAT 
Systems Engineering  SEOR 
Telecommunications  ECE 

Doctor of Philosophy Programs

The Volgenau School offers six PhD programs within 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 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.

PhD Degree                                                              Department
Civil and Infrastructure Engineering  CEIE 
Computer Science  CS 
Electrical and Computer Engineering  ECE 
Information Technology  Interdisciplinary 
Statistical Science  STAT 
Systems Engineering and Operations Research  SEOR 

Engineer Degree in Information Technology

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. Details about the engineer degree can be found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.

Distance Education Programs

In order to increase access to Volgenau School education and to meet the needs of the School’s student population, a number of individual courses and select degree programs can be completed via distance education. Please contact the individual departments for details. All academic policies and procedures apply to distance education programs and courses; see the appropriate sections of this catalog. Some instructors may require students to come to campus or make alternate arrangements for exams and/or other meetings. Students should contact the instructor directly to resolve any questions. For distance education courses which involve live online transmission of simultaneous classroom instruction, students in the distance section may also be permitted to join the campus-based section in the classroom; Patriot Web will state if this option is available for a particular distance education section.

Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program

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. This program follows all policies stated in this catalog for the MS in computer science, with the exception that, with faculty advisor approval, up to 50% of the required credits may be completed at other CGEP institutions. Courses from the other institutions may be offered at Mason’s Fairfax or Prince William campuses.

Policies for other universities’ programs are determined by those institutions; please consult with the university offering the program of interest for details.  

For more information about CGEP, go to volgenau.gmu.edu/graduates/commonwealth_graduate_engineering.php.

■ Applied Information Technology

Phone: 703-993-3565
Web: ait.gmu.edu

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Gantz (chair), Jajodia

Associate professors: Bruno, Caraballo, Kang, Sanghera, Snow (associate chair)

Assistant professors: Aksoy, Albanese, Boicu, Rytikova, Wang D.

Instructors: D’Alessandro, Farrell, Garrison, Islam, Lyons, Quinn

Adjunct professors:   Angelone, Ayehu, Berlin, Bucci, Butu, Caldwell, Camp, Curts, Durie, Fennell, Goodacre, Haliyur, Hsu, Jalinoos, Jalinous, Kahrl, Karkehabadi, Latiff, Leary, Long, Lord, Luo, McLaughlin, Morikawa, Phung, Quinn, Reo, Sampson, Santucci, Schorling, Tenally, Tharp, Truong, West, Woodfork, Young, Zahadat, Ziman

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, as well as technical and leadership skills.

The BS in Applied 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 certificate program 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 500/700 level AIT courses in the Courses  chapter of this catalog.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's Level Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Master's Level Certificate

■ Bioengineering

Phone: 703-993-4190
Web: bioengineering.gmu.edu

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Pancrazio, Katona

Assistant Professors:  Joiner, Morales, Sikdar

Affiliated Assistant Professors:  Ikonomidou, Peixoto, Rangwala, Shehu
 

Bioengineering involves the application of tools and concepts in engineering and computation to problems in biology or medicine. The impact of engineering and computer science on biomedicine is wide ranging, from advanced biomedical imaging technologies to novel computational models of protein dynamics. With the growing costs of healthcare and the impact of novel technology to fundamental understanding in biosciences, the demand for bioengineers is growing. This program provides students with a solid foundation in engineering or computer science while offering in depth exposure to the life sciences. Bioengineering faculty members collaborate with colleagues at George Mason and nearby institutions including INOVA Health Center and federal laboratories such as the Naval Research Laboratory, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Research areas include: computational biology, bioinformatics, biosensors, magnetic resonance imaging, medical ultrasound, and neuroengineering.

The BS in Bioengineering is a challenging multidisciplinary training program whose goal is to enable graduates to be competitive for an entry-level position in the biomedical industry or to continue their education in graduate school or medical school.  The curriculum provides a strong background in the biological and engineering fundamentals of bioengineering as well as upper level courses in areas of biomedical measurements, biomedical systems modeling, and bioinformatics. To accommodate the range of interests in bioengineering, the undergraduate degree offers two concentrations: 1) Biomedical Signals and Systems and 2) Biocomputation. In addition, students considering a career path as a health care professional in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, can pursue Bioengineering as preparation for future studies.

With respect to graduate studies, students can conduct graduate-level bioengineering research and training under the mentorship of Bioengineering faculty while working toward an MS or PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or Computer Science.

Course Work

The Bioengineering Department offers 100 – 600 BENG courses; these can be found in the Courses chapter of this catalog.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

■ Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering

Phone: 703-993-1675
Web: civil.gmu.edu

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Arciszewski, Bronzini (emeritus), Goodings (chair), Houck

Associate professors: deMonsabert, Venigalla

Assistant professors: Casey, Durant (associate chair), Kosoglu, Tanyu, Urgessa

Adjunct Faculty: Alliston-Brick, Bell, Benton, Binning, Chipley, Coronado, Donahue, Doyle, Faghri, Greene, Halkias, Hardy, Hartmann, Ibrahim, Kennedy, Kilpatrick, Krimmer, Laib, Loper, Loulakis, Matusik, McDonald, Miller, Moore, Nicholoson, Oey, Reger, Rodriguez, Stein, Suehr, Swanson, Thoesen, Winters, Wolgast, Yang
 

The Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE) Department offers the BS, MS, MEng, and PhD degrees. These degree programs 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 ABET, http://www.abet.org

Civil and infrastructure engineering is the study of land, transportation, water resources, environmental, structural, geotechnical, and construction 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. This applies to major metropolitan areas in developed countries, such as Washington, D.C. and its integrated suburbs, and extends to infrastructure issues in developing nations which often involve very different issues.

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 and abroad 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 and creative 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 in the Courses  chapter of this catalog.

Programs

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: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Barbara, J. Chen, DeJong, Gomaa, Kerschberg, Menascé, Motro, Offutt, Pullen, Setia (chair), Sood, Tecuci, Wechsler

Associate professors: Ammann, Aydin, Brodsky, Carver, S. Chen, Domeniconi, Duric, Kosecka, Luke, T. Maddox, Nordstrom, Richards, Simon, P. Wang, X. Wang, White, Wijesekera

Assistant professors:  Allbeck, Dobolyi, Li, Lien, Lin, Malek, McCoy, Rangwala, Shehu, Sousa, Snyder, Srinivasan, Stavrou

Adjunct professors:  Abdulla, Alazawee, Armour, Baldo, Curts, Dubey, Ellis, Foxwell, Geldon, Howard, Hwang, Jabbour, Kodali, M. Maddox, Martin,  Nidiffer, Pettit, Revelle, Sharif, Smeltzer, Tompkins, Wheeler

Emeritus faculty: Baum, Hamburger, Rine, Sibley

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, 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, wireless networking, online computer game design, social networks, agent-based systems 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 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 select 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.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's Level Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree

■ Electrical and Computer Engineering

Phone: 703-993-1569
Web: ece.gmu.edu

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Allnutt, Cook, Ephraim, Gertler, Griffiths, Ioannou, Jabbari, Levis, Manitius (chair), Mark, Mulpuri, Pancrazio

Associate professors: Berry, Chang, Gaj, Hintz, Pachowicz, Paris, W. Sutton, Wage

Assistant professors: Ikonomidou, Kaps, Li, Lorie, Nelson, Peixoto, Sikdar

Research professors:  Katona, Wagenhals, Zaidi

Instructor:  Pandula

Adjunct professors:  Abgariah, Allen, Alper, Amos, Beatty, Bollino, Durie, Follendore, Fowler, Gong, Hall, Hassan, Herman, Hibey, Hockensmith, Hrnjez, Lazarevich, Leaf, McCaughey, Orebaugh, Osgood, Pollak, Sabzevari, Sheppard, Storev, Sud, 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 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, electrical engineering, telecommunications, and computer forensics, and certificates in communications, networking, and signal processing.

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, systems integration and microelectronics.  Graduate students are offered a progressive environment with ample opportunities for the type of advanced 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, CFRS and TCOM in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. The department also offers some ENGR  courses.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree

■ Interdisciplinary Programs (VS)

School:  Volgenau School of 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.  

In addition to these programs, the Volgenau School also participates in an interdisciplinary Executive Master of Science in Management of Secure Information Systems  program, which is administered primarily through the School of Management (SOM) and taught jointly by faculty from the Volgenau School of Engineering, the School of Management, and the School of Public Policy. Because modern computerized information systems have become increasingly complex and ever more vulnerable to cyber attacks, a significant number of government regulations have been enacted. As a consequence, those responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of such systems need to understand their technical aspects, need to be familiar with the principles of management, as well as have an understanding of the public policy impacts of regulatory and organizational decisions. This unique program prepares professionals to meet these challenges.

Programs

Master's Degree

Professional Degree

Doctoral Degree

■ Statistics

Phone: 703-993-3645
Web: statistics.gmu.edu

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Carr, Gentle, Hughes-Oliver, Rosenberger (chair), Wegman

Associate professors: Davis (associate chair), Miller, C. Sutton, Vidyashankar

Assistant professors: Diao, Tang

Instructors: Izmirli, Sims, Strazzeri, 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 a minor in data analysis. Also, a variety of advanced undergraduate courses are available for inclusion in other degree programs.

Programs

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:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Adelman, Chang, Chen, Hoffman, Nash, Polyak, Sage, Schum, Sofer (chair)

Associate professors: Brouse, Ganesan, Laskey, Loerch, Sherry, Shortle

Assistant professors: Xu

Affiliated faculty members: Houck

Research and term professors: Costa, Wagner, Wolman

Adjunct professors: Alexander, Bailey, Barry, Camp, Carley, Charboneau, Ferreiro, Humphrey, Killam, Laveson, McDevitt, Morris, Ness, Rothwell, Soller, Stanojevic, Stephenson, Stevens, Wagner, Wieland, Yost

Emeritus faculty: Donohue, 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, a master’s degree in systems engineering, a master’s degree in operations research, and a doctoral degree in systems engineering and operations research. In addition, the department offers seven certificate programs at the master’s level: architecture-based systems integration; command, control, communications, computing, and intelligence (C4I); discovery, design and innovation; military operations research; computational modeling; systems engineering analysis and architecture; 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 to use all of a 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, the national airspace system, automobiles, intelligent robots, the electric grid, 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.  Systems engineering was rated as the number one job in 2009 by Money and PayScale.com, the top among top 100 careers with great pay and superior growth prospects.

Operations research is the professional field that uses analytical methods in engineering to support 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 program in operations research focuses on quantitative modeling and analysis of complex-systems operating under uncertain conditions.

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.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Dual Master's

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree