Eighteen programs at George Mason University have been recognized as the top programs in Virginia in a recent report that focuses on research performance.
Students at the Fairfax Campus can be seen enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms. Photo by Eduardo de Souza/Office of University Branding.
Leading the rankings is Mason’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, which has secured the top position among public institutions for the second consecutive year and is ranked second nationally among all institutions.
The outstanding programs in Virginia span across various departments at the university, including the College of Engineering and Computing, the Carter School, the Schar School, and the Costello College.
The research endeavors at the university are well-supported by entities such as the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, which plays a pivotal role in overseeing Mason’s research initiatives and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, Costello College offers students a comprehensive exploration of entrepreneurship, ranging from theoretical studies to practical applications.
Mason’s entrepreneurial ecosystem extends beyond the university campus and engages with the wider community. The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact houses a strategic array of 24 programs that provide support to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Virginia. Annually, these programs deliver over 1,500 training sessions and more than 30,000 hours of personalized counseling to entrepreneurs from both the community and other academic institutions.
The culture of research, exploration, and innovation at Mason significantly contributes to its R1 designation by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education, recognizing it as one of the nation’s leading research universities.
While the EduRank rankings primarily emphasize research performance, they serve as a testament to the quality of educational programs that foster such research.
Andre Marshall, Mason’s vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, emphasized the university’s commitment to translating research outcomes into practical solutions by leveraging its academic resources, infrastructure, and partnerships to address societal challenges effectively and efficiently.
Paula Sorrell, Mason’s associate vice president of innovation and economic development, highlighted the institution’s evolution in tech entrepreneurship over the past few years, introducing 16 new programs to support the burgeoning tech economy.
Dean Ajay Vinzé of Costello College underscored the foundational role of research in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the college’s contribution to shaping the landscape of business education and higher education practices.
The College of Engineering and Computing, under the leadership of Dean Ken Ball, has excelled in securing over $119 million in research awards in 2023, reflecting its prominence in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, aviation, and web development.
Dean Alpaslan Ozerdem of the Carter School expressed pride in the school’s achievements in conflict resolution, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting peace and understanding globally.
The rankings for the best programs in Virginia encompass a diverse range of disciplines, including aviation, broadcast journalism, cinematography, conflict resolution, criminology, cybersecurity, data administration, entrepreneurship, human rights law, intellectual property law, law enforcement, military science, political economy, public policy administration, radio & TV broadcasting, remote sensing, software engineering, and web development. These rankings not only acknowledge the excellence of Mason’s programs but also underscore the institution’s growing reputation as a comprehensive research-oriented university.
For more details on the methodology used by EduRank, please refer to their official documentation.