George Mason University (GMU) is the largest public research university in Virginia, located near Washington, D.C. The university has over 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

GMU has grown rapidly over the past 50 years and is recognized for its innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility in education. In 2023, the university launched the “Mason Now: Power the Possible” campaign, a $1 billion initiative to support student success, research, innovation, community engagement, and sustainable management.
GMU takes pride in its motto, “All Together Different,” which reflects its unique combination of world-class academics, student diversity, and bold youthful spirit. Since 1972, GMU has become the largest, most diverse, and highest-ranked university in Virginia for innovation by rejecting the traditional model of exclusivity in education. The university welcomes all students who are academically prepared for the rigor of its top-tier research environment.

1.Overview of George Mason University
- Official Name: George Mason University (GMU)
- Established: 1972 (formerly a branch of the University of Virginia since 1957)
- Location: Fairfax, Virginia, USA (with additional campuses in Arlington, Manassas, and South Korea)
- Student Population: Approximately 39,000 students (including over 10,000 graduate students)
2.Rankings & Reputation
- Ranked among the top 150 universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report).
- Highly regarded in economics, with two Nobel Prize-winning economists (James M. Buchanan and Vernon L. Smith).
- Antonin Scalia Law School ranks among the top 30-40 law schools in the U.S., specializing in economic law and public policy.
- Ranked top 50 in Computer Science and Information Technology in the U.S.
3.GMU Campuses
GMU operates four main campuses:
- Fairfax Campus (Main Campus) – Located in Fairfax, Virginia, about 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., serving as the university’s primary hub for research and education.
- Arlington Campus – Focused on law, public policy, business, and technology. Home to the Antonin Scalia Law School.
SciTech Campus (Manassas, Virginia) – Specializes in science, technology, engineering, and biomedical research.
- GMU Korea (South Korea) – An international branch campus in Songdo, Incheon, offering a transfer program to the U.S.
4.Key Academic Programs
GMU offers over 200 degree programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Some of its most notable disciplines include:
- Economics – Home to the Public Choice Economics school of thought.
- Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Ranked among the top 50 in the U.S.
- Law & Public Policy – The Antonin Scalia Law School, located near Washington, D.C., provides excellent career opportunities in law and government.
- Business & Finance – Offers specialized training in management, finance, and data analytics.
- Cybersecurity & Data Science – Supported by government agencies such as the NSA.
5.GMU Korea – International Branch Campus
George Mason University Korea – GMU Korea is the international branch of George Mason University (USA), located within the Songdo Global University Campus (SGUC)—a premier international education hub in Songdo, Incheon, South Korea. SGUC was established to host branch campuses of renowned universities from around the world, offering world-class education in Asia.
Founded in 2014, GMU Korea provides students with the opportunity to experience a U.S.-style education in an international setting within Asia. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following fields:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Economics – Focuses on economic principles, analysis, and policy.
- Business Administration – Covers management, marketing, finance, and business strategy.
- International Relations – Explores global politics, diplomacy, and international affairs.
- Information Systems & Data Science – Integrates information technology with data analysis.
- Computer Game Design – Specializes in game development and design.
Graduate Programs:
- Public Policy – Provides training in policy analysis and public administration.
Discover GMU Korea’s state-of-the-art campus, one of the advanced educational facilities in South Korea.