Program Details

Applied Computer Science, BS

Bachelor of Science

George Mason University

This program presents an innovative approach to the integration of computer science with other disciplines that require expertise in computing techniques. These disciplines do not merely use computing but create new and interesting problems for computer scientists.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes	Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/engineering-computing/school-computing/computer-science/applied-computer-science-bs/#requirementstext
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Richard Bland College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: George Mason University

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year. Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries. Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students. Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 470+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Determined by first semester of enrollment
First Year Student Catalog Year	Determined by first semester of enrollment
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://go.gmu.edu/GAA

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite University	Bachelor of Science Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Computer Science Specialization	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Averett University	Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Central Virginia Community College	AS in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Information Systems	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Science in Engineering-Computer Sciences Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Computer Science, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Information Systems Technology, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community College	Information Technology, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Sciences in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Piedmont Virginia Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associated of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Information Technology	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate in Applied Science Degree in Infor Systems Tech	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree Computer Science Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science in Social Sciences Degree Computer Information Systems Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Foundations, Major in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Foundations, Major in Physics	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Foundations, Major in Cybersecurity	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Computer Science BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Computer Science BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science-Math/Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science Education	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Science in Data Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BS in Computer Science and Technology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Computer Engineering (DNIMAS) Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering (DNIMAS) Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - CyberSecurity (DNIMAS) Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - (DNIMAS) Track	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
William & Mary	Computer Science - Bachelor of Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Marymount University	Computer Science (BS)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Bridgewater College	Computer Science Major - BS (Cybersecurity Track)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Bridgewater College	Computer Science Major - BS (Full-Stack Software Development Track)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Shenandoah University	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Ferrum College	B.S. in Computer Science, Cybersecurity	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum College	B.S. in Computer Science, Network	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum College	B.S. in Computer Science, Programming	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum College	B.S. in Computer Science, Web Design	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Randolph College	Bachelor of Science in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Emory & Henry University	Applied Computer Science (BS)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Regent University	B.S. in Computer Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College	Associate of Science in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
15-1299.07	Blockchain Engineers	Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.01	Business Intelligence Analysts	Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.02	Clinical Data Managers	Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1231.00	Computer Network Support Specialists	Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.00	Computer Occupations, All Other	All computer occupations not listed separately.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1251.00	Computer Programmers	Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
25-1021.00	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
15-1299.08	Computer Systems Engineers/Architects	Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1221.00	Computer and Information Research Scientists	Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
11-3021.00	Computer and Information Systems Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.	Management Occupations
15-2051.00	Data Scientists	Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1243.01	Data Warehousing Specialists	Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1243.00	Database Architects	Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.06	Digital Forensics Analysts	Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.03	Document Management Specialists	Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.02	Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians	Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1212.00	Information Security Analysts	Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.05	Information Security Engineers	Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.09	Information Technology Project Managers	Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.04	Penetration Testers	Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1252.00	Software Developers	Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1253.00	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1255.01	Video Game Designers	Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.01	Web Administrators	Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1254.00	Web Developers	Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1255.00	Web and Digital Interface Designers	Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason University These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$5,196	Per Semester	$41,568	$0	$41,568	Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee	$1,914	Per Semester	$15,312	0	$15,312	Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $159.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
  Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
  Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:
  George Mason Cost of Attendance

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.