ADVANCE to George Mason
ADVANCE helps students smoothly transfer from Northern Virginia Community College to George Mason University to complete their 4-year degree.
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
The Spring 2026 declaration is open!
Apply by December 1, 2025
Take advantage of 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.
Streamline your time with 80+ Academic Pathways
You choose your major, and we’ll outline the right courses to take. Following this clear plan guarantees all credits count toward your bachelor’s degree.
Popular areas of study include:
- Business
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity and IT
- Psychology
- And many more!
Get personalized support every step of the way
We know navigating the transfer process can be overwhelming.
Coaches provide you with continuous support, from your ADVANCE declaration to graduation from George Mason, ensuring academic success and career-readiness.
Experience the best of both
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.
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.
- Enroll as a NOVA student
- Submit your ADVANCE Declaration for review by George Mason Admissions
- Receive your official acceptance into ADVANCE and select your academic pathway
- Meet with your ADVANCE Academic Coach to ensure fulfillment of all Academic Pathway requirements
- Complete requirements to transition to George Mason University
- Graduate from Northern Virginia Community College and join Mason Nation!
Take the first step to ADVANCE!
Email the ADVANCE team
Prospective students who have not yet been admitted into ADVANCE:
Current ADVANCE students who want to connect with an ADVANCE Coach: