ADVANCE Program

ADVANCE. A NOVA MASON Partnership

What is ADVANCE?

ADVANCE is an exciting partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason) that gives NOVA students targeted, personalized support to complete their bachelor's degrees in a timely manner and save money.

ADVANCE students standing outside

Apply to ADVANCE

Students must be registered for courses at NOVA and meet certain requirements before applying to ADVANCE. 

Apply to ADVANCE

ADVANCE Students Sitting at a table

Request Information

Do you have questions about ADVANCE? Fill out this form and a ADVANCE coach will contact you.

Request Information

  • 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 
  • 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 2024-2025

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

ADVANCE Program Prior to Fall 2024

Students who joined ADVANCE prior to Fall 2024 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, 2025

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

  • Fall Pathway Selection Deadline: September 15, 2025

ADVANCE Program Featured on PBS as National Transfer Model

ADVANCE paves the way for students to easily transition from NOVA to Mason. Watch how ADVANCE promotes access to a bachelor's degree and provides a clear pathway to success.

Watch Video

Contact ADVANCE

Prospective Students
Prospective students who have not yet been admitted into ADVANCE:
Email: advance@gmu.edu

Current Students
Current ADVANCE students who want to connect with an ADVANCE Coach:
Email: advance@nvcc.edu