Small Satellite Engineering Graduate Certificate
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in conjunction with the Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, offers the certificate in small satellite engineering. This graduate certificate provides a broad understanding of small satellite mission and operations and of technologies for spacecraft design and engineering, satellite bus, hardware and software systems, and communications. A two-semester hands-on project course is included to exercise a transition of theory into engineering practice in satellite and ground station engineering. Coursework for the graduate certificate can be used for credit toward the MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering. However, the certificate's primary purpose is to provide a well-defined body of information for students who want to advance or update their knowledge in small satellite technologies, but who do not necessarily wish to complete requirements for the MS degree. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in the College of Engineering and Computing.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
George Mason University (GMU) offers strong potential for job opportunities for its graduates, evidenced by its career services that provide guidance on resume refinement, interview preparation, and employer connections. The university also boasts a high average employee salary compared to national averages for government and other university employees, suggesting potential for well-compensated careers upon graduation.
Career Services and Resources
Professional Guidance:
GMU's career advisors offer support to students and graduates, helping them to refine resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers.
Employer Connections:
The university actively helps its students and graduates build networks with potential employers, enhancing their job prospects.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study.
The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs.
The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
For students with post-baccalaureate credits, a separate GPA is calculated for each institution.
For applicants whose initial post-secondary degree is an integrated master's degree or higher (no baccalaureate degree earned), the university, at its discretion, will evaluate those applicants based on that initial degree.
ACT = Not accepted
Duolingo English Test = 120
IELTS = 7.0 and 6.5 each subsection* All CEC applicants 6.5 and no minimum subsection score required
Pearson Test of Academic English = 67
TOEFL = 88 and 20 each subsection* All CEC applicants 80 and no minimum subsection score
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
41124 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 80 USD
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