About Digital Forensics, Ms in George Mason University
Digital forensics is a discipline addressing the collection, processing, and analysis of digital data for the purpose of verifying/validating the existence of an event of investigative, intelligence, cyber, or business interest. The data can be from physical media, a mobile device, real-time network traffic, the Internet of Things (IoT), unknown code, memory, the cloud, and many other sources. Digital forensics is interdisciplinary by nature and our program includes computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics is a key component in criminal, corporate, civil, cyber defense, incident response, intelligence, and counter-terrorism matters. In the last several years, with a proliferation of digital storage, transmission, and processing of sensitive information, there has been an increase in the aberrant use of digital devices. This aberrant behavior includes but is not limited to digital extortion, intrusions, economic espionage, child exploitation, cybercrime, fraud, terrorism, and identity theft. In response to this, digital forensics has become an important profession serving both public and private sectors. The MS in Digital Forensics will prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers to include law enforcement, various other branches of government, incident response, and all facets of cyber security by combining academic education with real world practical techniques and by offering advanced training in analyzing digital evidence, intrusion forensics, reverse engineering, network analysis, legal, and ethical matters.
Degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
English Language Requirements
TOEFL iBT Graduate- Testing code 5827
- School of Business Graduate: 93 points, 20 points in each section
- Volgenau School of Engineering Graduate: - 80 or higher, no section minimum
- Schar School of Policy and Government PhD Programs: 100 or higher, 23 points in each section
- All other graduate programs- 88 points, minimum 20 in each section
IELTS Graduate
- School of Business Graduate: 7 overall, with a minimum of 7.0 in each subsection
- All other graduate programs- 6.5 total band score
Pearson Academic Test of English
- A minimum score of 59, all applicants
George Mason University Highlights
| College Type |
Public |
| Establishment Year |
1972 |
| Campus Setting |
Suburban |
| Location |
Fairfax, Virginia |
| Total Students |
37,000+ |
| Mode of Program |
Full-time/ Part-time/ Online |
| Student/Faculty Ratio |
17:1 |
| Average Class Size |
Less than 20 |
| Campus Housing |
Available |
| Acceptance Rate |
87% |
| Retention Rate |
86% |
| Graduation Rate |
71% |
| Financial Aid |
Scholarship |
George Mason University Cost of Attendance
The table below shows the cost of attendance at George Mason University for 2020-21:
| Fee Type |
Undergraduate (Amount in USD) |
Graduate (Amount in USD) |
| Tuition (Full-time) |
32,970 |
25,430 |
| Room and Meal plan |
12,090 (On-campus)
12,786 (Off-campus) |
20,400 (Off-campus) |
| Transportation |
1,260 (On-campus)
2,334 (Off-campus) |
2,334 (Off-campus) |
| Personal Expenses |
2,336 (On-campus)
4,238 (Off-campus) |
4,238 (Off-campus) |
| Additional Costs |
1,278 |
1,278 |
