Graduate Certificate Programs

Explore Graduate Certificates at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Earn a graduate certificate as a stand-alone option or apply your certificate credit towards one of our master's degree programs. 

Committed to access, we offer in-state tuition to residents of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. We also understand not all students who want to advance their education have the ability to spend time in a physical classroom. To that end, we offer a mix of in-person and fully online programs.

Certificates that can be applied to the MBA degree

Business Analytics

Mason’s graduate certificate in business analytics will help you analyze big data through a variety of hands-on techniques including the use of modeling. You’ll learn how to effectively use data to make better predictions, better decisions, and form better strategies for your organization. Learn more about the on-campus program here. Learn more about the online program here.

Any Business Analytics graduate certificate course can be applied to the MBA degree as an elective. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog

Business Fundamentals

Don’t have time for the MBA program? Mason’s graduate certificate in business fundamentals helps you build a strong foundation in the core principles of business and stand out in today’s competitive job market. Learn more.

Any Business Fundamentals graduate certificate course can be applied to the MBA degree as a core course. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog.

Information Security Management

Connect principles of information technology, computer systems management, and business operations to organizational information security. Mason's graduate certificate in information security management positions you to manage relationships between technical security experts and non-technical employees so you can serve as a vital liaison in any organization. Learn more.

Information Security Management graduate certificate courses can be applied to the MBA degree credit requirement. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog.

Human Capital and Human Resource (HR) Management

The graduate certificate in human capital and human resource (HR) management is designed to help you build essential skills for effective human capital development, including change management, employee selection, performance management, and workforce training. Learn more.

Learn more about Mason's MBA program

Certificates that can be applied to the master's in management degree

Business Fundamentals

Don’t have time for the master’s in management program? Mason’s graduate certificate in business fundamentals will help you build a strong foundation in the core principles of business and stand out in today’s competitive job market. Learn more.

Any Business Fundamentals graduate certificate course can be applied to the MSM degree as a core course. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog.

Business Analytics

Mason’s graduate certificate in business analytics will help you analyze big data through a variety of hands-on techniques including the use of modeling. You’ll learn how to effectively use data to make better predictions, better decisions, and form better strategies for your organization. Learn more about the on-campus program here. Learn more about the online program here.

Any Business Fundamentals graduate certificate course can be applied to the MSM degree as a core course. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog

Information Security Management

Connect principles of information technology, computer systems management, and business operations to organizational information security. Mason's graduate certificate in information security management positions you to manage relationships between technical security experts and non-technical employees so you can serve as a vital liaison in any organization. Learn more.

Information Security Management graduate certificate courses can be applied to the MSM degree credit requirement. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog.

Human Capital and Human Resource (HR) Management

The graduate certificate in human capital and human resource (HR) management is designed to help you build essential skills for effective human capital development, including change management, employee selection, performance management, and workforce training. Learn more.

Learn more about Mason's master's in management program

Certificates that can be applied to the master's in accounting degree

Accounting Analytics

Pair your accounting expertise with data and analytical knowledge through Mason’s graduate certificate in accounting analytics. Learn how to think critically in order to improve procedures and provide insights to your clients. Learn more.

Forensic Accounting

Mason’s graduate certificate in forensic accounting teaches you how to identify, investigate, and reduce the risks of fraud and financial malfeasance in today’s complex business environment. From employee embezzlement to financial statement misrepresentation, this program will give you a foundation for the material in the Certified Fraud Examiner exam. Available in-person or online. Learn more.

Government Accounting

Mason’s graduate certificate in government accounting broadens your accounting knowledge to include the requirements of financial reporting and management at the federal, state, and local levels. You’ll be introduced to the intricate accounting practices in the government sector and build critical business writing and auditing skills. Available in-person or online. Learn more.

Accounting for Government Contracts

Mason’s graduate certificate in accounting for government contracts, in partnership with Unanet, is taught online and provides an opportunity to acquire education in the field of government accounting with a federal government contracting emphasis. Courses help prepare you to sit for the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) exams sponsored by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). Learn more.

Learn more about the master's in accounting program

Certificates that can be applied to the master's in business analytics

Business Analytics

Mason’s graduate certificate in business analytics will help you analyze big data through a variety of hands-on techniques including the use of modeling. You’ll learn how to effectively use data to make better predictions, better decisions, and form better strategies for your organization. Learn more about the on-campus program here. Learn more about the online program here.

The following courses from the Business Analytics graduate certificate can be applied to the Master’s in Business Analytics degree: GBUS 738, GBUS 720, GBUS 721, GBUS 739, and GBUS 740. For more information on grade requirements, see the university catalog.

Learn more about Mason's master's in business analytics program

Our Campuses

Why Choose George Mason University?

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Strategic Location
Located just outside Washington, D.C., our students receive unmatched professional and educational opportunities.
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Accelerated Timeframe
Students typically complete certificate programs in less than one year.
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Return on Investment
Mason is ranked as one of the top 100 best values in education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Forbes.
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Pathway to a Master's
Many of our certificates are stackable toward related graduate degrees.

Additional Resources

Strategic Partnerships

Bring together the bright minds of your organization with George Mason University’s top business educators. Learn more.