Located in Fairfax County, Virginia, George Mason University is a public research university that was founded in 1949 as a northern branch of the University of Virginia. In 1959, the university was renamed after the founding father of the United States, George Mason. It was a separate university in 1972. Today, the school boasts an international reputation for the quality of its programs. Its academic reputation is second to none, and students are able to pursue their degree without the distraction of a large campus.
After the college first opened its doors, George Mason University was granted a charter to establish an independent university. The University of Virginia Board of Visitors recommended the university be separated from its parent institution, and legislation was passed by the General Assembly to create the new institution. This acted as a catalyst to further the university’s mission of becoming a regional university. Its growth was rapid, and the school has a strong reputation for entrepreneurship and innovation. Its commitment to diversity, accessibility, and affordability has facilitated the institution’s growth.
One of the unique features of George Mason University is its emphasis on undergraduate research. Rather than focusing on technical research, undergraduate researchers at the school focus on non-technical fields. The university’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research connects students to research opportunities in various fields. It is important to note that students have to apply for research before they can apply it to their studies. However, this is an option worth considering for those who are more interested in the social aspects of a university.
Another positive attribute of George Mason University is its student-faculty ratio, which is 17:1. At least one professor will have fewer than 20 students, and the majority of classes have less than 50 students. As for the academic program, the university offers accelerated masters programs and undergraduate programs. It also boasts the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, which is taught by Smithsonian scientists. Its acclaimed faculty has twice won the Nobel Prize in Economics.
The job market in Washington, DC is excellent, which makes George Mason a good choice for students in the Washington, D.C. area. About 70% of graduates find work in the area, and the starting salary is higher than at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. With so many benefits, George Mason is definitely worth considering. So, whether you are looking for a career in government, business, or a graduate program, consider a George Mason University education.
The university’s campus is home to more than 38,000 undergraduates and graduate students, from more than 130 countries. While full-time undergraduates make up the largest group, part-time graduate and undergraduate students account for nearly half of the student body. The university also welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, including veterans, guardsmen, and reservists. So, consider applying to George Mason University if you’re a military veteran or a dependent.
The university offers many scholarships and financial aid opportunities to those in need. There are many merit-based scholarships available to students at George Mason University, including some for athletic achievements. During the fall of 2019 alone, 56% of George Mason University’s first-year students received need-based aid, which includes federal loans and work-study programs. Financial aid from other sources is also available for students, but only to a limited extent. This means that the cost of attending the university is affordable for many people who qualify.
The University’s facilities are constantly evolving. In addition to the George W. Johnson Center, the university’s Fairfax Campus has several buildings. Founders Hall opened in 2011 and the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research opened in May 2015. In addition, the University has several new buildings. In 2006, it opened its Research Hall, which houses a student observatory and the laboratories of campus research centers. During the year, the university is planning to complete the EIP program with the graduation of 32 EIP seniors.
The university has acted to restore trust after the news broke that some donors had agreements with the Koch Foundation. The university is requiring the foundation to release its agreements with donors, and it has been pursuing reforms to ensure that students have the same access to information as the rest of the college community. However, the university’s actions haven’t entirely resolved the problem. A few steps have been taken to protect the institution from further scandal.
A number of cities in Northern Virginia have purchased land adjacent to Mason in order to build a regional university. The Fairfax Campus would encompass about 600 acres, or about 2.4 square kilometers, and be a major university in Virginia. Many of the graduates will receive graduate degrees from this institution. But there is a lot of unanswered questions. So, what’s the future of George Mason? The answer lies in a collaboration between the school and the state.