College Code: SC
Phone: 703-993-3622
Web: cos.gmu.edu
The College of Science (COS) serves as the nexus for research and education in the natural, mathematical, and computational sciences at Mason. The central mission of COS is to create and disseminate scientific knowledge, provide outstanding scholarship in concert with excellent teaching, and develop the human and technical resources required to address the current and future needs of society. Through its innovative and multifaceted educational and research mission, COS offers exciting opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students, scientists, educators, and other professionals in Northern Virginia and the national capital region.
In addition to the wide variety of undergraduate degree programs offered by its 10 departments, COS also offers many innovative graduate degrees and interdisciplinary minors. The research strength of COS provides an essential resource to graduate students and to undergraduates whose involvement in research is strongly encouraged. Many undergraduates go on to graduate school and to pursue careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Graduate students engage in more specialized study at the master’s and doctoral levels, preparing them for first or second careers or job advancement and providing personal enrichment.
Faculty members are committed to teaching grounded in scholarship and research. They strive to make 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 and able to adapt to an ever-changing world.
Vikas Chandhoke, dean
Evans J. Mandes, senior associate dean for budget and personnel
Maria Dworzecka, senior associate dean for academic planning and facilities
Peter A. Becker, associate dean for graduate programs
Richard J. Diecchio, associate dean for undergraduate programs
Paul S. Schopf, associate dean for research and computing
COS offers 11 master’s degrees and 11 doctoral degrees. The requirements for each degree are described in the departmental and degree sections that follow.
CERG-FORS
This collegewide interdisciplinary graduate certificate program is designed for students seeking training in forensic science, as well as for current professionals employed by the federal government, local law enforcement, and private security corporations. Forensics refers to the application of scientific methodologies to the analysis of crime scenes, the collection of evidence, and the laboratory analysis of that evidence in support of criminal investigations. Related legal aspects are also considered as part of a comprehensive approach to forensics. Students enrolled in the forensic science concentration obtain the specific scientific skills necessary for laboratory employment in the field. Students enrolled in the general forensics concentration obtain a more general background in the field with a focus on criminal law and anthropology. At the time of completion, depending on the concentration, students will be able to
Applicants to the forensic science concentration should hold a BA or BS degree in biology or chemistry from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Applicants to the general forensics concentration should hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.00. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, and a current résumé to the COS Fairfax Campus Graduate Admissions Processing Center. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants. Students may not pursue this certificate concurrently with any other graduate degree program or certificate program offered by COS because this certificate program will charge students at a differential (premium) tuition rate. However, students enrolled in academic programs outside COS may enroll in this certificate program concurrently.
The certificate in forensics requires a total of 18 credits, comprising six 3-credit courses. A unique element of the program is the Forensics Capstone Course, which is shared by the two concentrations. In this class, students from the two concentrations will combine their skills as members of interdisciplinary investigation teams as they analyze a real-world crime scene. This unique course will demonstrate in practice how students with skills in the scientific/quantitative analysis or legal/anthropological areas can combine forces to understand and interpret the nuances of the evidence presented at an actual crime scene. The curriculum requirements for each concentration are listed below:
Required Courses:
Required Courses:
The undergraduate degree consists of course work in university-wide general education, a major area of study, and electives. COS offers six bachelor of arts degrees and seven bachelor of science degrees. 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 should consult the University General Education chapter for information concerning university-wide general education requirements for undergraduate degrees.
The baccalaureate degree is designed to provide a broad knowledge of the world, develop in students the ability to think conceptually and critically, acquaint them with many different methods of inquiry, and provide skills to continue intellectual growth throughout life. 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. The selection of courses should not only deepen knowledge in areas of interest, 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 the ability to understand and enjoy the world in ways not yet imagined.
The BA degree provides students with a breadth of knowledge, as well as the necessary skills to make in-depth study of a major truly meaningful. In addition to the university-wide general education program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the course work below, and the courses listed in the departmental sections that follow. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college-level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements, such as university-wide general education requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major.
Students who can document attendance at a native school in a non-Western country for at least four years may request a waiver from this requirement through the COS Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office. In addition to the university-wide general education requirements, BS majors are required to take the courses listed in the departmental sections that follow.
The BS degree provides students with a more intensive approach to the core technical concepts in their major field of study. Therefore, this curriculum has a reduced number of courses in humanities and social sciences in comparison with the BA degree to allow students to achieve greater depth in their majors. Requirements for each BS major are listed in the departmental sections that follow.
Activity courses offered by the Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources Department cannot be counted toward the credits required for a degree in COS. Students may take nonactivity PHED courses for the elective credit for COS degrees.
Students who wish to become teachers should consult the College of Education and Human Development chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.
Students may elect to take a minor in addition to their major field of study. For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog. Students interested in earning a minor should complete the appropriate section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form.