George Mason University continues to make strides in national rankings as a top 50 university. In the online master's degree rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report, nine Mason programs were ranked in the top 50 among public universities and eight in the top 50 among all institutions. Top-ranking programs include nursing, education, business and veterans' services.
Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall is home to the School of Public Health, and the university's online graduate nursing program was ranked best in the Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. region by U.S. News and World Report. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Courtesy of the Office of University Branding
“These rankings are a testament to the strength of our degree programs, the talent of our faculty, the excellence of our students and their aptitude for rigorous coursework,” said Ingrid Guerra Lopez, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “The year-over-year increase affirms and reinforces our ongoing commitment to innovate and grow to meet the needs of today's workforce.”
As a university that prides itself on accessibility and affordability, Mason's strong online rankings resonate with students, career-advancing professionals and those looking for flexible coursework. The rankings for its online programs come after Mason was ranked in the top 50 last fall. You can see all of Mason's rankings on our rankings page.
The nursing program rose to 34th place in U.S. News rankings, the highest ranking in Virginia, Maryland and the Washington, D.C. region, up 12 places from last year. The program also improved 15 places in the national rankings to 49th. For nursing programs serving veterans, Mason University ranked 11th among public universities and 18th nationally.
“George Mason University's interprofessional approach to nursing and innovative educational practices, including the application of virtual reality, prepare students for the challenges of future healthcare,” said School of Public Health Dean Melissa J. Perry. “Mason nurses build knowledge and develop cultural competency, setting themselves apart as some of the most well-rounded nurses in the country.”
With a national shortage of special education teachers, Mason University ranked 8th nationally in special education and 8th among public universities, both up three spots from last year. Veterans education ranked 14th among public universities and 14th overall, up three and four spots from last year, respectively. Additionally, education ranked 40th among public universities and 45th overall, up eight and seven spots from last year, respectively. Curriculum and instruction ranked 17th among public universities and 17th overall.
Thanks to Mason University's education programs, Northern Virginia is home to some of the best public school systems in the country. It's estimated that nearly half of Northern Virginia's K-12 school administrators and one-third of teachers hold degrees or certifications from Mason University.
“We are proud to support this region with our skilled and well-prepared professionals,” said Guerra-Lopez. “We work with school departments, community organizations, government, businesses and other partners to help build an educated and vibrant community.”
The Costello College of Business received three high rankings for its online MBA for veterans, including 41st among public schools and 50th overall. Nearly one in 10 Mason students is an active military member, veteran or dependent.
“Mason is a place where active duty military and veterans can gain new skills and credentials that may ease their transition to civilian life and advance their careers,” said Ajay Vinze, dean of the Costello College of Business. “This is the critical role Mason plays in helping military members continue to contribute and lead in society.”
Non-MBA business is 44th among public universities and up four places to 62nd nationally. MBAs are 54th among public universities and 74th overall.
Other notable rankings include Information Technology coming in at 35th in the general category and 50th overall, both slight improvements from last year, and Engineering coming in at 51st in the general category and 67th overall.
