College of Science
A Message from the Dean
The study of science is a critical part of higher education. The College of Science (COS) was created in 2006 to spotlight and enhance Mason’s commitment to education and research in the sciences. By melding the former School of Computational Sciences with the physical, mathematical, and life sciences from the former College of Arts and Sciences, we are focused on enriching the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the university and are better able to respond to the needs of our students and the community. The College of Science promotes a vibrant and dynamic environment of learning and inquiry, and offers unique opportunities for academic and research collaborations across the university, region, nation, and the world.
Our approach to science education is centered around the sharing and cultivation of critical thinking, curiosity, skills, and commitment to the advancement of knowledge. Our faculty members use novel pedagogical approaches to challenge and prepare students to become independent and creative members of the scientific community and society.
Through cutting edge research, our faculty address the most challenging scientific questions. The body of knowledge generated through these discoveries results in the creation of new scientific foundations that may result in future inventions. By translating their results into technologies, our faculty members serve society and foster new industry. Being committed to maximizing student participation in all aspects of the scientific progress, the college creates dynamic opportunities with direct involvement in the research process for undergraduate and graduate students.
To assist in maintaining an innovative and forward thinking vision, the College of Science engages leaders from the scientific, corporate, and federal communities to provide insight, advice, and support.
College of Science Funding Priorities
(Naming opportunities are available starting at $25,000, and payment of pledges can be spread over a five-year period.)
- Dean's Visionary Fund
- Scholarships and Fellowships
- Deanship, Chair, Professorship Funds
- Department and Center Funds
Dean’s Visionary Fund: Critical to the college is funding that gives the dean the freedom to respond quickly to opportunities that will position the college in the forefront of science education and research. Gifts to this fund open new doors to the college’s future, which will attract national and international attention to Mason’s sciences.
Scholarships and Fellowships Funds: Your support of these funds provides our college with the resources to competitively attract the best and brightest students—the future scientists who will make discoveries that will impact our lives.
Deanship, Chair, Professorship Funds: Supporting these funds assists the college in attracting and retaining faculty members who excel in their fields, do outstanding research, stimulate the minds of our students, and are committed to making a difference in the world of science.
Department and Center Funds: Each department and center within the College of Science has specific funding needs for equipment, student support, faculty support, special programs, and speakers series. These funds also will allow faculty members to respond to unique opportunities that will impact their educational and research efforts.
Unique Gift Opportunities
Observatory: A gift of $500,000 will name our new observatory. Each semester, more than 1,400 students attend one of 28 astronomy classes to see into the expanse of the universe. In 2008, “evenings under the stars” will be offered to community residents each month. In addition, science teachers for grades K-12 will be invited to bring their students for an astronomy class featuring the star-studded sky over Mason. A gift to name the observatory will provide an endowed fund for annual maintenance on the large telescope.
Telescope: A gift of $300,000 will name our new telescope. In response to our students’ yearning for more in-depth views of our solar system and beyond, Mason will soon have a new high quality, 34-inch telescope. This new instrument is projected to bring more than 3,083,668,699 additional stars into range than can be seen with our current telescope. And with the installation of this major telescope, we hope to be invited to join NASA’s network of university telescopes that can be accessed by educators worldwide via the internet. If accepted by NASA, Mason will be the only university in the area to be a member of this prestigious educational resource. Celestial photographs taken from the observatory will be published on the internet and made available to millions of people around the world. This aspect of our observatory will bring national and international recognition to the university.
For more information and giving options, please contact Tere Linehan, Assistant Dean for Development and External Relations, at
703-993-8719.
Vikas Chandhoke, PhD
Dean