George Mason University Reviews

"The pro's of going to GMU are that the faculty are incredible. Very easy to approach, very student oriented. Great research opportunities. I came to GMU because of the profiles of the full-time faculty. The cons- could be more diverse!!"

"From the beginning of my program, the faculty and students were warm and eager to teach and learn. I have benefited enormously from the master's program at GMU in such a short time. Focusing on theory and practical application, I would encourage anyone interested in Anthropology to join the conversation at GMU!"

"GMU is a great program for those who want a quality MBA without the large price tag."

"The courses I've taken have been very good for the most part. Some faculty make themselves available to discuss coursework, dissertation work, or career issues, but they generally do not proactively help students to advance their dissertations or careers. Few scholarships are available, though great efforts are made to offer GRAships. Little is done to publicize students' accomplishments (publications, fellowships, etc.). In short, SPP is a great school for students who are very directed and need little guidance in progressing with their studies or determining their career path."

"The financial aid office is horrible. They do not know what they are doing. They had made huge errors and I am being punished for it."

"I am at Mason's School of Systems Biology for a Master's in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. The program was overall very well structured, and the opportunities here at Mason's Biomedical Research Lab are phenomenal. The professors (for the most part) are very hands on, and well-versed in their fields of study. The only reason why it's not 9+ stars across the board is due to the outrageous cost of living in the Northern Virginia area. Be prepared to spend over $1200 a month renting a one bedroom apartment anywhere within 30 minutes of the school. The graduate housing option on campus is similar in price to off-campus options, but the rooms are smaller and the amenities aren't anything to rave about (basic level internet, TV, cheap furniture included, etc). Otherwise, the cost of the program is reasonable (especially if you're in-state), just don't expect to get financial aid from Mason. It's the largest school in VA but receives the least state funding on a per-student basis than anywhere else in the Commonwealth. Overall, Mason has good opportunities in the Biological research field and if I had to do it over again, I would still recommend Mason's graduate program."

"I am well pleased with the program, professors and courses, but I am greatly disturbed that our school does not offer grants or scholarships to graduate students. This seems to go against the very reason we pursue high education."

"Great program, great value, not very competitive"

"Mason's MBA program is really fast paced but challenging and rewarding. The faculty are outstanding and are in tune with the real world. We study real cases and situations that may apply to our line of work. The part-time MBA program is full of working professionals who are courteous and serious about their career advancement which makes classes interesting and worthwhile. The location in Arlington, VA is simply the most convenient and metropolitan area with a great surrounding of bars and restaurants, the metro, parking and entertainment."

"I have just completed my first semester at GMU. I can say that I am satisfied with what the school has to offer. It is delivering on what was originally promised - I do believe my education here will be beneficial for my future endeavors. The location is in the heart of the city and very close to the capital - transportation could be better. I do wish there was a shuttle from the main campus in Fairfax to the Arlington campus but I can understand why that is not possible a the moment. The professors are very involved with the students and they also have their own duties outside of school which adds to students potential connections. All in all, I am enjoying Mason. Go Patriots!"

"I am really excited to be a part of the Dual Masters Degree at George Mason. I am getting both a Master's in Social Work and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. I think that GMU does an amazing job in providing a support network for its students. However, I am the only dual degree student so I feel that I get lost in-between the two degrees, and there is not as much administrative support of the dual degree as I wish there was."

"I thoroughly enjoy my program. I definitely feel as though I made the right decision by choosing the ODKM program. The pros are that I'm able to utilize my Psychology undergraduate degree within this Masters program and strongly bond with my classmates because of the cohort structure. A con would be the lack of financial resources I currently have to pay for the program. Thank you"

"One of the the pros is that the graduate program is flexible and works well for students working full time. However, this is also a con because it tends to limit the feeling of a "community" and a lack of a networking environment present at other top universities. The quality of the faculty and program material is excellent."

"Pro -- it gives you a lot of options for work. Con -- it's also a general enough program that you will have to make the case as to why you're a fit for a any particular job you apply to."

"The Graduate program allows me to work in the school system while going to grad school. I am able to use field experience in my grad class from my classroom that I work in. The professors are very supportive and helpful."

"My education at GMU was fantastic! The program I was in had some of the best faculty, in terms of knowledge and in terms of availability. The location of the school is pretty good, though Fairfax itself does not have a great deal of excitement, but it is easy enough to get to DC. Cost of living is a bit steep in the area, but worth it for the quality of the education received."

"The graduate program is excellent! The professors are accessible and easy to approach. The workload is demanding but not too much. Expectations from class, advisors, and other faculty are high but not unreasonable. There are plenty of opportunities to study in your interests; however, finical aid from outside of the department is difficult. Transportation to campus from around the school and parking on campus are the major downfalls; however, being this close to Washington DC makes commuting difficult regardless of conditions on campus. Overall my experience at GMU has been wonderful and I look forward to the time I have left here."

"There's a lot of reading in the History graduate program and the majority of the classes are seminar style. I have liked 90% of my professors, the museum studies professor they currently have is amazing, really knows his stuff."

"The GMU Health Informatics Program has given me the in-depth knowledge of clinical information systems and data retrieval as well the most efficient and effective ways for medical personnel to be able to access data for patient treatment. The program is helping me to develop the analytic and critical reasoning skills to improve the health care information systems. Further, the program is helping me be familiar with emerging technologies and prepare me to adopt and to manage evolving health information systems. Most of the classes offered are online so I am unable to work and communicate with students and faculty at GMU, to gain the technical and critical-thinking skills that are necessary to become a health information systems specialist."

"Mason's PhD in Education with a specialization in Higher Education is both an exciting and challenging program. The program requires 5 research methods courses, a portfolio review system for comprehensive examinations (instead of 'a test'), and coursework both in the specialization and with students in K-12 ed. I prefer the Higher ed classes because of their relevance and ability for professors to help make connections, but the courses taught by the K-12 professors demonstrate their lack of knowledge about the way that universities and colleges work, so I have to work harder to make the connections on my own. If you are thoughtful about your concentration areas and read the bios of professors to pick someone with the best expertise for your interests when signing up for classes, it should be fine."