Earn a recognized, skills-focused Credly-verified graduate digital badge at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.
Costello’s digital badges are short, outcomes-driven credentials that signal verified expertise to employers. Earn a badge as a stand-alone micro-credential or stack it with your MBA program to showcase targeted skills on your résumé, portfolio, and LinkedIn.
Business Excellence in Government Contracting
Earners of the “Business Excellence in Government Contracting” badge exhibit strategic and analytical skills in the federal government contracting marketplace. They can assess competition, comprehend legal and contracting complexities, and formulate strategic decisions. Proficient in project management, they define, plan, and manage enterprise projects. Their skills and holistic understanding of the industry allow them to handle diverse challenges in government contracting effectively.
Criteria to earn this badge includes:
- MBA 712 Project Management
- MBA 729 Business Issues in Government Contracting
- An assessment/activity administered through the Greg and Camille Baroni Center of Government Contracting.
Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
Earners of the “Entrepreneurship and Sustainability” badge integrate sustainable practices into entrepreneurial ventures, combining strategic thinking with environmental stewardship to drive positive impact in society and business. By completing the badge requirements, they gain the essential skills to innovate, lead, and create value responsibly in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Criteria to earn this badge includes:
- MBA 711 Entrepreneurship
- MBA 736 Environmentally Sustainable Business Models and Strategies
- An assessment/activity administered through the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
To learn more about George Mason's graduate digital badges, submit this form:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions, call us at (703) 993-8006.
What is the cost of the digital badge?
The tuition of the digital badge courses is charged at the George Mason non-degree graduate tuition rate. Residents of Virginia, DC, and Maryland pay the in-state tuition rate.
What is the schedule for the courses?
The courses in the program can be completed over the course of one semester. Please see this schedule of courses.
What are digital badges and how can they benefit me?
A digital badge is a verified and meaningful way to showcase the successful completion of specific criteria, knowledge, or skills in a format that can be easily shared online. It is a digital representation of your achievements, earned by completing specific tasks or assessments, and provides employers with a reliable way to verify your competencies. Each digital badge includes information on the skills and qualifications obtained and the activities completed to earn the achievement.
How is the Costello College of Business Graduate Digital Badge different from other digital badges?
Costello College of Business Graduate Digital Badges are distinct because they reflect the rigorous academic standards of an accredited institution. As the courses are electives within the MBA program, the content is current and relevant. The badge signifies comprehensive education, critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of advanced business concepts. Also, they align with industry standards and were created in consultation with the Costello Centers of Excellence.
What is a digital badge?
A digital badge is a verified, shareable credential that certifies you’ve met defined learning outcomes and passed an assessment tied to those outcomes.
Are badges really stand-alone?
Yes. You can pursue a badge independently or stack it with a graduate degree to highlight targeted skills.
How many courses does a badge require?
Each badge requires two MBA courses plus a center-administered project.
How do I share my badge?
You’ll receive a verified digital credential that you can add to LinkedIn, your résumé, and your portfolio.
Are there any prerequisites required to pursue a digital badge?
For non-degree candidates, they must meet the same eligibility requirements as an MBA applicant, specifically two years of professional work experience and a preference for completion of algebra, calculus, or statistics. The required courses for the digital badge do not have prerequisites and are not considered quantitatively heavy. As these courses are MBA electives, they are designed for students who have completed the Costello MBA core courses. This means that all students should be familiar with basic business analysis and managerial decision-making skills.
Do I need to apply to the University to earn a digital badge?
If you are pursuing a digital badge as a stand-alone credential, you must apply as a non-degree graduate business student and be admitted. If you are a current student, you do not need to re-apply to complete a digital badge. You can simply reach out to the MBA Program Team at mba@gmu.edu and let them know you are interested in completing the badge requirements.
Can current MBA students earn a badge without re-applying?
Yes. Current MBA students do not need to re-apply—email the MBA Program Team to opt in and complete requirements.
How long does a badge take to complete?
Most students finish in 1+ semesters, depending on your time to complete the applied project.
Do I get a diploma?
No, while course completions appear on your transcript; Badges digital credentials. The badge is awarded digitally for sharing and verification.
Can badges count toward a future degree?
Because badges use for-credit graduate courses, completed credits may be applicable toward eligible graduate programs, per program policies.
How do these badges connect to the Costello MBA Programs?
Digital Badge students have access to the same academic advising, career resources, and center engagement opportunities that are available to MBA students. The courses in the Digital Badge are MBA program electives.