| George Mason University > University Catalog > College of Arts and Sciences | |
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College of Arts and SciencesWeb: cas.gmu.edu
Departments and Colleges
Interdisciplinary Programs
Interdisciplinary Minors
Minors
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest and most diverse academic unit within the university. Its teaching and research activities encompass the liberal artsthe humanities, the sciences, and the social sciences. In addition to the degree programs within its 16 departments and New Century College, the college also offers many innovative interdisciplinary minors, majors, and graduate degrees. Undergraduate students in the college attain both breadth, through a broad distribution of courses in general education, and depth, through a major field of study. Special opportunities for students include the Honors Program in General Education, honors programs within selected majors, internships and co-ops, travel abroad, and research experiences. Many undergraduates go on to graduate school and professional schools in medicine, law, and the ministry, and to pursue careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Graduate students in the college engage in more specialized study at the master's and doctoral levels, which prepares them for first or second careers or job advancement, and provides personal enrichment. Through its programs, the college exposes students to principles of sound reasoning and judgment, while providing the skills for understanding and using information and technology. Faculty members in the college are committed to teaching that is grounded in scholarship and research. They strive to make their students rigorous thinkers and clear communicators, while encouraging experimentation with new approaches and ideas. Students are thus prepared for their role as informed citizens in a complex, global society; they will be able to learn and, therefore, adapt to an ever-changing world. AdministrationDaniele C. Struppa, Dean Doris A. Bitler, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Vikas Chandhoke, Associate Dean for Research Dee Ann Holisky, Associate Dean for Academic Programs Janette Muir, Associate Dean for New Century College Walter Rankin, Deputy Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Donna Fox, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Mary Zamon, Director of the Undergraduate Student Experience Tere Linehan, Director of Development Susan Swett, Director of CAS Graduate Admissions Graduate Degree ProgramsThe college offers 18 master's degrees, including a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and 7 doctoral degrees. The requirements for each degree are described in the sections that follow. Undergraduate Degree ProgramsThe undergraduate degree consists of course work in university-wide general education, course work in a major area of study, and electives. The college offers 19 bachelor of arts (B.A.) degrees, 13 bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees, and a bachelor's of individualized study (B.I.S.). To earn a bachelor's degree, students must complete 120 credits, of which at least 45 must be in upper-level courses (numbered 300 and above). At least one course at the 300 or 400 level must be designated "writing intensive." All entering students who have not yet satisfied the university-wide general education requirement in quantitative reasoning are required to take the math placement test prior to enrollment. Students are strongly advised to consult the "Academic Policies" chapter for information concerning university-wide general education requirements for undergraduate degrees. College-Level RequirementsThe baccalaureate degree is designed to
Because these goals can be achieved in many ways, students may select from a range of courses for completing them. But education involves more than fulfilling requirements. Students' selection of courses should not only deepen their knowledge of things that interest them, but also expand the range of those interests. The courses enable students to link the present to the past, their culture to other cultures, and what is, to what could be. Learning to make these connections increases their ability to understand and enjoy the world in ways they may not yet imagine. Bachelor of ArtsThe bachelor of arts degree is designed to provide students with a breadth of knowledge as well as the necessary skills to make the in-depth study of a major truly meaningful. In addition to the university-wide general education program, students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college-level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (university-wide general education requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). 1. Literature: 3 credits (in addition to the university-wide requirement, for a total of 6 credits of literature)
2. Philosophy or religious studies: 3 credits
3. Social science:
4. Natural science: 1 credit (in addition to the university-wide requirement for a total of 8 credits, which must be fulfilled by an approved two-semester laboratory science sequence in a single science). (This may not be fulfilled by BIOL 124 and 125.) 5. Foreign language: 0-12 credits
6. Non-Western culture: 3 credits
Students who can document having attended a native school in a non-Western country for at least four years may request a waiver from this requirement through the CAS Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office. Requirements for each major are listed in the departmental sections that follow. Bachelor of ScienceThe bachelor of science degree is designed to provide students with a more intensive approach to the core technical questions of their majors. This curriculum therefore has a reduced number of courses in humanities and social sciences in comparison with the bachelor of arts degree to allow students to achieve greater depth in their majors. Students pursuing a bachelor of science degree in CAS must complete the university-wide general education program plus one additional credit of natural science (for a total of 8 credits), which must be fulfilled by an approved two-semester laboratory science sequence in a single science. (This may not be fulfilled by BIOL 124 and 125 or by EVSC 205 and 206.) Requirements for each major are listed in the departmental sections that follow. Physical Education CoursesActivity courses offered by the Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources Department cannot be counted toward the credits required for a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. Teacher LicensureStudents who wish to become teachers should consult the section, "Professional Licensure" in the Graduate School of Education chapter and attend an Information Session during their sophomore year. Information Sessions for teacher licensure are offered every month. Call (703) 993-2892/4648, email gseinfo@gmu.edu, or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu for more information. MinorsA student may elect to take a minor in addition to his or her major field of study. Minors require between 15 and 21 credits, at least six credits of which must be completed at George Mason. No more than three credits with a grade of D may be applied to a minor. Students interested in earning a minor should complete the appropriate section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form. |