ADVANCE Program

Home

Transfer with ADVANCE

ADVANCE helps students smoothly transfer from Northern Virginia Community College to George Mason University to complete their 4-year degree.

Icon with a checklist and a magnifying glass

Check Your ADVANCE Eligibility

Interested NOVA students must meet all of the following requirements before applying to the ADVANCE transfer program.

Hold a high school diploma or GED

Have a minimum 2.00 GPA (cumulative grade point average for students with college credit)

Be enrolled in an associate’s degree program at Northern Virginia Community College

Have earned no more than 30 college credits by the time your ADVANCE Declaration is submitted

What credits DO and DON’T count towards the limit?The 30-credit limit does not include AP, IB, CLEP, or any other credit earned by exam. High school dual enrollment credit and credit earned at other U.S. or international colleges/universities does apply to the 30-credit limit. Read more FAQ

Fall 2026 declarations open March 1, 2026!

Sign up for emails
Piggybank icon

Transfer with
MAJOR COST SAVINGS

Completing your associate’s degree at Northern Virginia Community College before transferring to George Mason will save you over $10,000 in tuition costs. 

Plus, students in the ADVANCE Program don’t have to pay the George Mason enrollment deposit, and they may be eligible for an exclusive MVP Grant.

A group of ADVANCE students standing by a statue on the George Mason University campus
Three female ADVANCE students sitting on a bench on the George Mason University campus

Transfer with
CREDITS

You choose your major, and we’ll outline the exact courses to take in one of our 80+ Academic Pathways. These Pathways are guides that streamline your course selection and ensure all credits you take count toward your bachelor’s degree.

Popular areas of study include:

  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences 
  • Criminal Justice
  • Cybersecurity and IT 
  • Psychology 
  • And many more!
Icon of two hands clasping

Transfer with
SUPPORT

We know navigating the transfer process can be overwhelming.

Coaches provide you with continuous, personalized support, from your ADVANCE declaration to graduation from George Mason, ensuring academic success and career-readiness.

Three ADVANCE students sitting at a table with a laptop
George Mason Patriot mascot on the basketball court
Icon of a calendar with a star in the center

Transfer with
the Patriots

As an ADVANCE student, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in student life at both institutions; use your Mason ID to access many campus resources!

Select pathways also offer the opportunity for you to take classes at George Mason while enrolled at NOVA.

Degrees

The ADVANCE Process

Earn your associate’s degree at Northern Virginia Community College, then seamlessly transition to earn your bachelor’s degree at George Mason. No additional application required.

  1. Enroll as a NOVA student 
  2. Submit your ADVANCE Declaration for review by George Mason Admissions
  3. Receive your official acceptance into ADVANCE and select your academic pathway
  4. Meet with your ADVANCE Academic Coach to ensure fulfillment of all Academic Pathway requirements
  5. Complete requirements to transition to George Mason University
  6. Graduate from Northern Virginia Community College and join Mason Nation!
Read FAQ
Female Mason student holding a sign with text written on it that says, "I will ADVANCE my education"

Take the first step to ADVANCE!

Fill out the form below to receive emails about important admissions deadlines!

If you are a current NOVA student please use your VCCS email address
Helps us match to test scores, transcripts, and/or applications

Currently Under Maintenance --
Apologize for the inconvenience.


Hidden due to this W-002836 request


Email the ADVANCE team

Prospective students who have not yet been admitted into ADVANCE:

[email protected]

Current ADVANCE students who want to connect with an ADVANCE Coach:

[email protected]