Program Details
Computer Science, BS
Bachelor of ScienceGeorge Mason University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree 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. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The bachelor's program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Outcomes
The objectives of the Computer Science, BS program relate to the abilities of the graduates several years after graduation. Our graduates are expected within three to five years of graduation to have: -Established themselves as successful and productive computing professionals or engaged in advanced study such as a graduate degree program. -Worked effectively both in team environments and as individuals. -Fulfilled their responsibilities in the areas of ethics, continuing professional development, and effective written and oral communications.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Coursework is generally in person, on weekdays from 7:20am to 4:30pm. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/engineering-computing/school-computing/computer-science/computer-science-bs/#requirementstext |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students should prioritize the completion of as much of the required mathematics coursework as possible prior to transfer.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no required internships or capstone projects, though many students opt to do one or both as part of their college experience. |
Doing More With Your Degree | This program leads directly into the MS Computer Science, MS Software Engineering, MS Information Security and Assurance, and MS Information Systems programs. For program admission requirements, visit the catalog at https://catalog.gmu.edu/programs/ This program prepares students for a wide variety of programming, computing, and software engineering careers. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The BS CS program is ABET accredited. The department has over 70 faculty with wide coverage of cutting-edge emerging topics. |
Program Credit Requirements

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.
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.
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 |
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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... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
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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

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology: Information Technology for Business | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology: Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology -Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Digital Design and Graphics | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology - Software Development Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology Network Engineer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST - Gaming and Mobile Application Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in IST Network Engineer - Cyber and Network Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information SystemsTech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, 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 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 Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Full Stack Developer | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Network and Technical Support Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, 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 | Information Systems Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Systems Technology: Cloud Computing Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Information Technology, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology-Cyber Security Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cloud Computing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Cybersecurity | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology-Programming | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Tech | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Database Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Geographic Information Systems - GIS) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Administration) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Network Infrastructure Specialist) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems Technology (Programming and Mobile Applications Development) | 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 Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking | Associate | Associate of Applied 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 |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering - Computer Science Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, 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 Social Sciences Degree Computer Information Systems Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science | 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 |
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 |
George Washington University College of Professional Studies | BPS in Information Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Professional Studies in Information Technology | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Computer Science-BSCS | Bachelor | BS in Computer Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
University of Mary Washington | BS in CS/Geospatial Info Syst | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Information Sys | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Comp. Sci: Cybersecurity | 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 |
Bluefield University | BS in Information Techology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science with concentration in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science with concentration in Data Science, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Computer Science with concentration in Software Engineering, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Computer Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Regent University | A.S. in Information Systems | Associate | Associate of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Regent University | B.S. in Information Systems Technology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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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 |
15-1241.00 | Computer Network Architects | Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
15-1299.00 | Computer Occupations, All Other | All computer occupations not listed separately. | 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 |
15-1211.00 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. | Computer and Mathematical 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 |
15-1243.01 | 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 |
15-1242.00 | Database Administrators | Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. | 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 |
15-1211.01 | Health Informatics Specialists | Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system. | 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 |
15-1244.00 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. | 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 |
15-1253.00 | 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 |
15-1241.01 | Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance. | 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 |
15-1255.00 | 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
