ADVANCE Program

• Major Cost Savings! Completing your associates degree at NOVA before transferring to Mason will save you tuition costs.
• Make every Credit Count. Specialized, aligned curriculum from NOVA to Mason ensures all credits transfer toward your selected degree program.
• Dedicated Coaches. ADVANCE coaches provide you with continuous support and guidance, from your enrollment at NOVA to your graduation from Mason.
• ADVANCE = Access. You will be eligible to access recreational facilities, sporting and cultural events at NOVA and Mason.
• No Additional Application. Earn your associate degree at NOVA and then seamlessly transition to earn your bachelor's degree at Mason with no additional application required.
• Co-Enrollment. You may be eligible to take select classes at Mason while you are enrolled at NOVA.
• ADVANCE Your Career. Enjoy special internship and co-curricular experiences that will prepare you for career success.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (for students with college credit)
• Be enrolled in a NOVA associate degree program
• Have earned no more than 30 college credits at the time the ADVANCE Declaration is submitted

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.

Steps to Enroll in ADVANCE

• Submit the ADVANCE Declaration form by clicking here (hyperlink the word “here” to the Declaration)
• Request that official transcripts from all U.S. and international colleges/universities attended (other than NOVA) be sent to the Office of Admissions at Mason
• Monitor your VCCS email account after your Declaration is submitted. Be sure to look for additional messages prompting you to complete two additional steps, including completing the intent to enroll and selecting your academic pathway.

If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria or Declaration process, you may schedule an appointment with an ADVANCE Admission Counselor by emailing advance@gmu.edu.

ADVANCE Program Pathways for 2023-2024

Use the ADVANCE Pathways Search below to find the ADVANCE program pathway for your degree of interest. The pathways have been sorted into categories to make them easier to find. You can search by Area of Study or Mason Degree.

ADVANCE Pathways Search View All Pathways PDF Print Version

ADVANCE Program Prior to Fall 2023

Students who joined ADVANCE prior to Fall 2023 can access pathways for past enrollment years below:

View Prior Years Pathways

The following dates will assist you in planning to submit your ADVANCE declaration:

• Fall Declaration Deadline: August 1, 2024

ADVANCE Pathway Selection is the final step toward enrollment, and must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Fall Pathway Selection Deadline: August  15, 2024