February 2026 –
Continuing its commitment to global cybersecurity leadership and international cooperation, George Mason University’s Cyber Security Engineering Department (CYSE) and the C5I Center of Excellence recently hosted a high-level delegation from Konyang University, South Korea.
The visit, led by Dr. Bae Seok Hwan, Director of the Global University Project, and Dr. Kim Dae-Goo, Director of the Administrative Support Office, marks a significant milestone in a growing partnership that transcends traditional academic exchanges. The delegation was first received by Dr. Janette Muir, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and her team. Their discussions centered on the partnership’s strategic and global value, emphasizing how the two institutions can jointly address the escalating complexities of the global threat landscape.
Beyond the Dual-Certification: A Shared History
While the primary focus of the collaboration is the development of a dual-certification program in Smart Security Engineering and Cyber Security Engineering, the partnership carries deeper historical weight.
South Korea and the United States share a decades-long alliance forged in defense and mutual resilience. By bridging the expertise of Mason’s CYSE, the first department of its kind in the U.S., with Konyang University’s innovation, the partnership honors this historical bond. It transforms a legacy of military and diplomatic cooperation into a modern-day digital alliance, preparing the next generation of engineers to defend shared democratic values in cyberspace.
Innovative Research
Following the provostial meetings, the delegation joined Dr. Paulo Costa, Director of the C5I Center and Cyber Security Department, and Dr. Alexandre Barreto for an immersive tour of the Fairfax campus facilities. The visit included in-depth walkthroughs of the CYSE and C5I installations, where visitors observed cutting-edge cybersecurity engineering research firsthand.
“This visit allowed us to move from conceptual framework to tactical implementation,” said Dr. Barreto. “Showing our colleagues the environments where our students solve real-world problems provides a clear vision for the academic pathways we are building together.”
Charting the Path Forward
The visit concluded with detailed academic working sessions. Faculty from both universities mapped out student pathways, credit transfers, and collaborative research opportunities. These discussions ensure that students from both Fairfax and South Korea will benefit from a seamless, world-class education that carries the prestige and accreditation of both institutions.
As George Mason University continues to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific region, this partnership with Konyang University stands as a testament to the power of “The Mason Way”, combining innovation, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to a more secure global community.
