George Mason ranks among Top 50 graduate programs nationally in engineering, public policy, and other fields

George Mason University ranked among the top 5 in Virginia across all 25 categories in the engineering, law, nursing, and policy programs in which it was included in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Program rankings. 

Engineering Ranks Top 3 in Virginia and Top 50 Nationally

The College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason ranks among the top 3 colleges in Virginia across all six engineering categories with civil engineering rising 14 spots to 73rd nationally and 51st among publics, and computer engineering climbing 20 spots among publics to 42nd. Nationally, George Mason’s systems engineering program ranks in the top 50, placing 37th overall and 27th among publics.

George Mason plays a key role in strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in engineering education, with top-ranked programs in multiple disciplines. George Mason was one of only four Virginia universities recognized in bioengineering, civil engineering, and systems engineering, and one of five Virginia universities honored in overall engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and dispute resolution programs.

"With 13% of the world’s data centers based in Northern Virginia, the university continues to expand its engineering and computing programs, and state-of-the-art facilities to support the region’s workforce requirements for skilled professionals,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. ”George Mason is home to the first school of computing in the commonwealth and just announced Virginia’s only master's degree in artificial intelligence.”

Additionally, earlier this year, two of the college’s online programs made their debut by earning top national rankings in U.S. News. The master’s in industrial engineering debuted as the No. 1 in Virginia and 10th nationally, and the master’s in IT for veterans ranked 21st nationally and 13th among publics.

George Mason also recently opened its Life Sciences and Engineering Building at its Science and Technology Campus. These spaces provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields such as bioengineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics, equipping them to meet industry demands.

Law School Retains Strong Rankings and Employment Outcomes

The Antonin Scalia Law School ranked 2nd among Virginia law schools, 31st among all U.S. law schools, and 12th among public schools. The part-time program was ranked 4th nationally among public law schools. The school ranked 11th nationally in the number of graduates employed in federal clerkships.

“Scalia Law is ranked 3rd among the 16 schools in the DMV,” said Ken Randall, Allison and Dorothy Rouse Dean and George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law. “Our No. 1 employment ranking among metro-DC schools highlights the marketability of our graduates. The faculty, staff, and students deserve thanks and recognition.” 

As the legal profession continues to grow—with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 5% increase in lawyer employment by 2033, or approximately 36,000 jobs per year over the next eight years, Scalia Law is well-positioned to prepare students to enter an expanding field and meet the rising demand for qualified legal professionals.

Nursing Ranks Number 1 in Virginia 

The School of Nursing within the state’s first College of Public Health set the standard for nursing education in Virginia, ranking first in the state for both its master’s in nursing and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. Nationally, the doctor of nursing practice program placed in the top 6% according to U.S. News & World Report, while both programs ranked among the top 10 at public universities.

“The rankings reflect George Mason’s leadership in public health education and commitment to innovation,” said College of Public Health Dean Melissa Perry. “This dedication is exemplified by the one-of-a-kind interprofessional curriculum offered in the Lab for Immersive Technologies and Simulation, providing hands-on experience that enhances students’ expertise and readiness in the field.”

Schar School’s Public Affairs Ranks Number 1 in Virginia

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason continues to excel, with all of its ranked programs placing in the top 50 nationally and the top 25 among public universities. Most notably, the school's ranking among public affairs programs rose to No. 1 in Virginia, ranking 36th nationally and 24th among publics. 

“Students choose the Schar School the strong depth of our faculty expertise and the opportunity to interact with thought leaders in various fields of policy and government studies,” said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. “These rankings reflect the rising reputation of the Schar School for high-quality degree programs that prepare students for success.”

The school is ranked 4th nationally in homeland security and 48th in political science, making George Mason one of only two Virginia universities recognized in both fields. Additionally, the school is the only Virginia university ranked for nonprofit management and holds its position at 13th nationally and 10th among publics. The school also ranks 33rd nationally and 25th among publics for public management and leadership, as well as 31st nationally and 17th among publics for public policy analysis.

Growing as a Top 50 University

Other highly ranked programs at George Mason among the Top 50 among public universities nationwide include computer science (35th), health care management (16th), history (36th), public health (40th), and part-time MBA and economics  (both 48th).

“George Mason’s representation in these rankings underscores its role as a leading institution and top choice for today’s career-focused students, both in Virginia and nationally,” said Provost James Antony. “The university’s strong performance in these programs highlights its ability to produce highly skilled graduates ready to make an impact in their fields, with the majority staying in the commonwealth after graduation.”

Check out the full list of George Mason rankings at gmu.edu/rankings.