Mason home page for Michael X. Lyons
Last updated: May 17, 2025
Photo of Prof. Lyons
Summer 2025
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Courses
Registered students may view up-to-date information and course documents in Canvas.
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Office hours
Students registered in Prof. Lyons' courses for the Summer semester should see Canvas for information on office hours.
Frequently asked questions
The following questions are often asked of Prof. Lyons:
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Q: Can I be "force added" into a course section that is currently full?
A: No. Class roster limits are determined by room capacity, faculty workload, and other factors and we do not enroll over the limits. You should enroll in a section that has space available, join a waitlist and hope a space opens up, or take the course in another semester.
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Q: I was #1 on the waitlist before it was erased at the start of the semester.
If a space opens up can you save it for me?
A: No. Our department has no control over registration. You need to follow the procedures established by the Registrar. Once the semester starts any space that opens up (typically because a student drops a course) is available to the first student who claims it within the registration system.
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Q: Can you waive a prerequisite requirement so I can enroll in a course?
A: Prerequisites are strictly enforced in order to ensure every student has the necessary background to succeed, and to allow faculty members to support all students appropriately. A waiver may be given only if a student has substantial academic background and professional experience in a subject area, as demonstrated through a waiver exam or similar evaluation.
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Q: Can I take a prerequisite course AND a course that depends on it at the same time?
A: No. The "pre" in "prerequisite" means "before". You must earn the specified grade or better in a prerequisite course before you can enroll in the dependent course. The prerequisite grade shows that you are qualified to take the dependent course.
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Q: Can I take IT 352 in a classroom setting?
A: No. At present IT 352 is offered only online.
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Q: Can I take IT 353 online?
A: Yes. IT 353 is typically offered in two or more sections - one or more in a classroom, and one or more online. Students in all sections will work together in groups on a project that involves all students in all sections.
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Q: Can I take IT 467 online?
A: No. At present IT 467 is offered only in a classroom environment.
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Q: I earned a "C-" (or a "D") in IT 366.
Must I repeat the course?
A: For graduation purposes it depends on your Catalog Year (which is typically the academic year when you first started at Mason, unless you have elected to change it).
For current students in the IT major a grade of "C" or better is required to apply IT 366 to the Cyber Security (CYBR) concentration; with a grade of "D" or "C-" it may be applied as an elective.
See an IT Advisor for information on your Catalog Year and required grades for concentration courses.
Note: Even if a grade of "C-" or "D" is sufficient for IT 366 for your Catalog Year for graduation purposes
it does NOT meet the prerequisite requirement for successor courses (which include IT 466 and IT 467)
- if you want to take any of those courses you need a "C" or better in IT 366.
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Q: I took a class with you some time ago.
Can you write a reference letter for me?
A: In order that Prof. Lyons' recommendations be meaningful, he has a strict policy regarding them - see below.
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Q: I want to get a job in information security with the U.S. government.
Can you help me get a security clearance so I can find a good job?
A: No. U.S. government clearances can only be obtained once a person has been hired into a position that requires one.
For more information please see the Clearance Ready program at University Career Services.
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Q: I want to get a job in information security.
Can you help me find a job?
A: If an employer has specific requirements, Prof. Lyons may directly contact students he considers highly qualified (based on extensive personal interaction).
Others should use the resources of University Career Services.
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Q: I want to get a job as a professional hacker.
What courses should I take?
A: Be aware that jobs for penetration testers, vulnerability analysts, and similar positions typically require years of experience.
A more realistic goal is to find a good entry-level job in information security so you can start working towards a more senior position.
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Q: Do any of your security courses lead to certifications?
A: Not at this time. Our goal is to teach relevant, persistent skills and knowledge that will serve our graduates for many years.
Certifications require a lot of time and effort in other areas, and many require significant industry experience.
We expect that your Mason courses will help you to be better prepared for certifications than those without the same learning.
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Q: I am a BIS major.
Will you be my faculty mentor?
A: If your BIS project has cybersecurity as its primary focus
and you have completed IT 223 with a grade of "B" or better
please contact Prof. Lyons by email
to discuss options for mentorship.
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Q: I would like to meet with you to discuss a GTA position.
When can we meet?
A: All GTA applicants must follow the process established by the Department.
Prof. Lyons does not meet with applicants until they have been selected for interviews.
Student recommendations
It is Prof. Lyons' policy to write recommendations for students only if all of the following conditions are met:
- Prof. Lyons knows the student well through sustained face-to-face interaction outside class
- enrollment in one of Prof. Lyons' classes is not sufficient.
- The student earned a grade of "A" or better in each class taken with Prof. Lyons.
- The student waives access to the letter of recommendation.
Contact information
Email: (preferred)
Students registered in Prof. Lyons' classes should send email using Canvas, Inbox, select the course and section, Compose, and select "Michael Lyons" under To*.
Mailing address:
Prof. Michael X. Lyons
George Mason University
10900 University Drive MS 4F5
Manassas, VA 20110-2201
Copyright © 2025 Michael X. Lyons. All rights reserved.