Costello College of Business Graduate Programs

George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) alumni Matt Hayes, BS Sport Management ’15, MBA ’23, and Mark McCracken, BS ’12, work as members of the Washington Commanders team.

The nation’s capital became the classroom for students in George Mason University’s MS in Accounting program this summer as the program hosted its first Washington, D.C., residency. 

As a city, Barcelona balances a deep sense of history with a modern economy shaped by technology, global trade, design, and tourism. Its historical neighborhoods, rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, sit alongside international companies and creative industries.

At the beginning of 2026, Mike Derrios, MBA ’06, returned home to the Costello College of Business at George Mason University as the executive director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting.

When Q Miceli saw that the Costello College of Business at George Mason University was offering the Executive Mentoring Program as part of the Costello MBA, she was all in. “I had just hit a point in my career where I started supervising more people and really wanted to get some perspective,” she says.

“I think it's the real American dream to have something of your own, build something of your own,” says Bailey Mahoney, MBA ‘26. He grew up witnessing firsthand not only what could be built but also the freedom it created, as his father, who owned an electrical contracting business, always made time to be present for the important moments in his life. Without even realizing it, Mahoney found his first business mentor in his father.

This award recognizes a graduate student who contributes positively to the program and embodies the values of service, engagement, and collaboration.

The Costello College of Business at George Mason University is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Graduate Students of the Year. These individuals exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their field. Learn why they chose George Mason, the impact of their business education, and the advice they would give to prospective students.

Launched in the spring 2026 semester, the Innovation and Design Lab for Business and Government (MBA 797) is a new experiential MBA course offered at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Earning a master’s degree had been a lifelong goal for John Sommer, MS Real Estate Development ’24—he just wasn’t sure in which field. In exploring a range of graduate degrees, he searched for the program that would best accelerate his career forward. It was not until a social media post found its way into his feed that he began to research and discover how a master’s in real estate development could really benefit him.