Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s vibrant Fairfax County, George Mason University (GMU) is a thriving educational institution with a rich history and a bright future. With over 35,000 students enrolled in various academic programs and a faculty of renowned scholars and practitioners, GMU has established itself as a leading center for higher education in the United States.
A Campus of Cutting-Edge Facilities and Vibrant Student Life
GMU’s main campus in Fairfax, Virginia, spans over 800 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. The campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the diverse needs of its student population.
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Academic Buildings: GMU’s academic buildings house high-tech classrooms, laboratories, and research centers. The Johnson Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship fosters collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners to drive innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits.
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Libraries: The Fenwick Library and the Johnson Center Library provide students access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources. The libraries also offer quiet study spaces, group study rooms, and expert librarians who provide research assistance.
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Recreation and Fitness: GMU students have access to a wide range of recreational and fitness facilities. The Patriot Recreation Center boasts a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and basketball and volleyball courts. The university also has ample green spaces and walking trails for students to relax and recharge.
Academic Excellence in a Wide Range of Fields
GMU offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. The university’s strengths include:
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Arts and Humanities: GMU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers programs in literature, history, philosophy, and performing arts. The Hylton Performing Arts Center hosts world-class performances and provides opportunities for students to engage in artistic expression.
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Business: The School of Business is AACSB-accredited and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, accounting, and finance. Students gain practical experience through internships and the Business Innovation Hub.
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Education: The College of Education and Human Development offers programs in teacher education, special education, and counseling. The university’s Center for Educational Practice promotes collaboration between students, faculty, and schools.
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Engineering and Technology: The Volgenau School of Engineering is a leader in engineering research and education. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate on cutting-edge research projects.
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Health and Human Services: The College of Health and Human Services offers programs in nursing, public health, and social work. The Center for Health Policy and Research conducts research on critical health issues and informs policy decisions.
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Law: The Antonin Scalia Law School is a top-ranked law school that offers a rigorous legal education. Students gain practical experience through the Legal Clinic and the Moot Court Program.
Campus Culture and Student Involvement
GMU has a vibrant campus culture that fosters student engagement and community involvement. The university offers over 400 student organizations, ranging from academic clubs to social groups.
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Student Government: The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the student body and advocates for student interests. SGA organizes campus events, supports student organizations, and provides student leadership opportunities.
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Athletics: GMU’s NCAA Division I athletics program competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The university has a strong tradition in men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and other sports. The Patriot Center is the home of GMU’s athletic teams and also hosts concerts and other events.
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Arts and Culture: The Center for the Arts at GMU hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. Students can attend art exhibitions, music performances, and theater productions.
Beyond the Classroom
GMU students have ample opportunities to gain practical experience and develop professional skills beyond the classroom.
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Internships: The university’s Career Services Center helps students secure internships in various industries. Internships provide valuable experience and build professional connections.
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Research: Students can participate in cutting-edge research projects led by renowned faculty members. The university’s Research Institute supports research in a wide range of fields.
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Entrepreneurship: The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides resources and mentorship for students interested in starting their own businesses. The university hosts an annual Student Business Plan Competition.
Why Choose George Mason University?
GMU offers a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for professional growth. Here are some key reasons to choose GMU:
- Top-Ranked Programs: GMU’s academic programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and other prestigious organizations.
- Renowned Faculty: GMU’s faculty are internationally recognized scholars, researchers, and industry leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
- Career Preparation: The university provides students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in their chosen careers. GMU graduates are highly sought after by employers.
- Student Life: GMU has a diverse and welcoming student body with over 400 student organizations and a thriving campus culture.
- Location: The university’s campus is located in the heart of Northern Virginia, offering easy access to Washington, D.C., and other major cities.
Useful Tables
1. GMU Student Demographics
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | 25,000 |
| Graduate Students | 10,000 |
| International Students | 5,000 |
| Female Students | 52% |
| Male Students | 48% |
2. GMU Academic Programs
| College | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| College of Humanities and Social Sciences | 25 | 15 |
| School of Business | 10 | 5 |
| College of Education and Human Development | 15 | 10 |
| Volgenau School of Engineering | 12 | 8 |
| College of Health and Human Services | 7 | 5 |
| Antonin Scalia Law School | – | 5 |
3. GMU Student Success Rates
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Four-Year Graduation Rate | 40% |
| Six-Year Graduation Rate | 60% |
| Graduate Employment Rate | 95% |
4. GMU Rankings
| Ranking | U.S. News & World Report |
|---|---|
| Best National Universities | 125 |
| Best Public Universities | 40 |
| Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs | 50 |
| Best Graduate Business Programs | 100 |
Effective Strategies for a Successful Visit
- Plan Ahead: Research GMU’s academic programs, campus life, and admission requirements. Determine what you want to learn more about during your visit.
- Take a Campus Tour: A campus tour is the best way to get a feel for GMU’s academic facilities, student life, and overall atmosphere.
- Meet with Admissions Counselors: Schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor to discuss your academic interests and the application process.
- Attend a Class: If possible, attend a class in a subject that interests you. This will give you a firsthand look at GMU’s teaching style and the level of student engagement.
- Speak with Current Students: Connect with current GMU students to learn about their experiences and get insights into the university’s academic and social life.
- Submit Your Application Early: GMU has a rolling admission policy, but it is recommended to apply early to increase your chances of admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average cost of tuition at GMU?
A: The average cost of tuition for in-state students is $12,000 per year. The average cost of tuition for out-of-state students is $24,000 per year.
Q: What is GMU’s acceptance rate?
A: GMU has a competitive admissions policy. The acceptance rate varies depending on the academic program and the applicant’s qualifications.
Q: Does GMU offer financial aid?
A: GMU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Over 80% of GMU students receive some form of financial aid.
Q: What is the average salary of GMU graduates?
A: According to PayScale, the average salary of GMU graduates is $60,000 per year.
Q: What is GMU’s most popular undergraduate major?
A: The most popular undergraduate major at GMU is Business Administration.
Q: What is GMU’s most popular graduate major?
A: The most popular graduate major at GMU is Computer Science.
Q: What is the student-to-faculty ratio at GMU?
A: The student-to-faculty ratio at GMU is 18:1.
Q: What is the percentage of GMU students who live on campus?
A: About 20% of GMU students live on campus.