University Catalog 2006-2007

University Catalog > College of Science

College of Science

Phone: 703-993-1990
Web: cos.gmu.edu

Departments

Undergraduate Majors

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate Minors

Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate Certificate Programs

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 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 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, as well as 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; they will be able to adapt to an ever-changing world.

Administration

Menas Kafatos, Co-Dean

Vikas Chandhoke, Co-Dean

George E. Taylor, Jr., Senior Associate Dean

Zita E. Tyer, Senior Associate Dean

Graduate Degree Programs

COS offers 10 master’s degrees and 11 doctoral degrees. The requirements for each degree are described in the departmental and degree sections that follow.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

The undergraduate degree consists of course work in university-wide general education and 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.

College-Level Requirements

The baccalaureate degree is designed to provide a broad knowledge of the world, develop in students the ability to think both 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.

Bachelor of Arts

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. 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. Requirements for each BA major are listed in the departmental sections that follow.

Bachelor of Science

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.

Physical Education Courses

Activity courses offered by the Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources Department cannot be counted toward credits required for a degree in COS. Students may take nonactivity PHED courses for the elective credit for COS degrees.

Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to become teachers should consult the CEHD 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.

Minors

Student 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.