George Mason University Admissions Requirements
Admission to the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum application criteria does not guarantee admission. Selection criteria differ by program and are established by the faculty of that program. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic background, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. The faculty determines the number of admission offers to extend based on the resources available to the program. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis.
The general university graduate admission standards include the following:
- An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or international equivalent. Applicants with a degree from an international institution must submit a transcript evaluation showing that the degree is equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in the United States.
- A 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale or better in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. For applicants with postbaccalaureate credits, a separate GPA is calculated for each institution. The difficulty of the baccalaureate degree and professional work experience may be considered in assessing the application for admission.
Individual Program Standards
Health Services Research, PhD
Criteria considered in addition to the standard university admissions criteria include professional and volunteer experience and evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the doctoral level.
Graduate courses in statistics, economics, health systems and public health, health policy, and health informatics are recommended as preparation for the curriculum in the PhD in health services research program.
Students applying to the PhD program must hold a master’s degree or equivalent.
Students with MDs, JDs, or prior PhDs may also apply.
All applicants are encouraged to review the faculty research profiles and their areas of expertise.
For additional questions, please contact the HAP office at 703-993-1929 or via email hap@gmu.edu.
Health Informatics, MS
In addition to the University requirements listed above:
- No GRE required.
- A minimum GPA of 3.25 is preferred.
- Transcripts are required. International applicants should follow evaluation requirements.
- Two recommendations are required. At least one academic recommendation is preferred.
- Goals statement is required and focus on health informatics field.
- English proficiency exam required when applicable.
In addition:
- No technology background required, but plus on admission. Students with relevant technology background are encouraged to apply, and discuss possible course waivers and substitutions with their assigned advisor.
- No healthcare background required, but plus on admission. Students with relevant healthcare background are encouraged to apply and discuss possible course waivers and substitutions with their assigned advisor.
- Students planning to change their careers are encouraged to contact an informatics advisor to discuss the program and its requirements. For these students, it is also particularly important to describe in the goals statement how they envision themselves in the informatics field.
- Apply to the on-campus MS Health Informatics Program
- Apply to the online MS Health Informatics Program
Additional Information for International Students
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for the MS in Health Informatics is 51.2706, listed as Medical Informatics. It is considered a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field. International students who wish to apply to Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) opportunities when graduating from the program should contact George Mason's Office of International Programs and Services.
Health Policy, MS
Criteria considered in addition to the standard university admissions criteria include professional and volunteer experience and evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the graduate level. The GRE is not required; however, it is strongly recommended for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0.
Health Systems Management, MHA
Work experience in the healthcare industry is preferred, but not required for admission. The GRE or GMAT is not required for admission to the program.
Health Informatics and Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
In addition to the University requirements listed above:
- No GRE required.
- A minimum GPA of 3.25 is preferred.
- Transcripts are required. International applicants should follow evaluation requirements.
- Two recommendations are required. At least one academic recommendation is preferred.
- Goals statement is required and focus on health informatics field. Include specific statement about your experience with technology and health informatics. Make the statement specific to Mason program.
- English proficiency exam required when applicable.
In addition:
- No technology background required, but plus on admission. Students without technical background are asked to complete free Health Informatics Bridge Course before starting classes. Access to the course is granted after admission to the program.
- No healthcare background required, but plus on admission.
- Students planning to change their careers are encouraged to contact an informatics advisor to discuss the program and its requirements. For these students, it is also particularly important to describe in the goals statement how they envision themselves in the informatics field.
- Apply to the Informatics and Data Analytics Certificate Program (online and in-person)
If you are currently a graduate student enrolled in a degree program within the College of Public Health, fill out a one-page application form to add a certificate as a secondary program of study. Please review Mason’s requirements for graduate certificates and then contact the Department Manager at hap@gmu.edu or 703-993-1929 to obtain a copy of the application form.