Graduate Admissions: 703-993-1512
Graduate Student Affairs: 703-993-1505
Undergraduate Student Services: 703-993-1511
Web: volgenau.gmu.edu
College Code: VS
Administrative Units
■ Applied Information Technology
■ Bioengineering
■ Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering
■ Computer Science
■ Electrical and Computer Engineering
■ Statistics
■ Systems Engineering and Operations Research
■ Interdisciplinary Programs (VS)
The mission of the Volgenau School of Engineering (VSE) is to provide our students with a high-quality education that emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, integrity, and entrepreneurship. In addition, the School seeks to develop and disseminate leading-edge research that significantly advances the field of knowledge.
The School focuses on study areas that involve integrating the information basis for modern engineering with the more conventional physical and materials science approach. The careful integration of these areas results in a unique academic experience for highly motivated students.
Our degree programs concentrate on important contemporary technological issues and needs. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in the areas of applied computer science, applied information technology, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, cyber security engineering (pending SCHEV approval), electrical engineering, mechanical engineering (pending SCHEV approval), and systems engineering. Undergraduate degree programs prepare students to enter directly into professional employment or continue studies at the graduate level. The requirements for the bachelor’s degrees include required and elective courses in mathematics, humanities, Mason Core , and specialty courses applicable to the major. Each program strongly emphasizes English composition and communication. Minors are available in aviation flight training and management, computer science, data analysis, environmental engineering, information technology, mechanical engineering, software engineering, statistics, and systems engineering and operations research.
Master’s degree programs are available in the following areas: applied information technology, biostatistics, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer forensics, computer science, electrical engineering, geotechnical construction and structural engineering, information security and assurance, information systems, operations research, software engineering, statistical science, systems engineering, telecommunications, and interdisciplinary programs in data analytics engineering, and management of secure information systems.
Doctoral degree programs are available in the following areas: bioengineering (pending SCHEV approval), civil and infrastructure engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering and operations research, statistical science, and an interdisciplinary program in information technology.
Administration
Kenneth S. Ball, Dean
Stephen G. Nash, Senior Associate Dean
Sharon A. Caraballo, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Jennifer C. Lamb, Associate Dean for Development
Melinda N. Barnhart, Executive Director, Finance and Administration
Martha Bushong, Director, Communications
Peter Farrell, Director, Alumni Relations
Jonathan Goldman, Director, Computing Resources
Linda S. Kovac, Director, Corporate Relations
Terri A. Mancini, Director, Sponsored Research Administration
Lisa Nolder, Director, Graduate Student Services
Jade T. Perez, Executive Director, Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management
Bachelor of Science Programs
The Volgenau School offers 10 Bachelor of Science programs (pending SCHEV approval of Cyber Security Engineering and Mechanical Engineering). Policies regarding admission and degree requirements specific to these majors are provided in the department sections that follow.
Undergraduate Mission, Goals
The undergraduate mission is to provide a quality education to support the needs of Virginia and the nation. The goal is to graduate students who are technically competent; prepared for ethical professional practice and a lifetime of learning; communicate effectively and work as members or leaders of technical teams; and understand the global nature and effect of information technology and engineering.
Degree Requirements
The following general requirements must be completed by all undergraduate students:
- At least 120 credits of academic work including at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above);
- At least 6 credits of English composition, 3 credits of literature, and 3 credits of oral communication (Mason Core courses);
- At least 3 credits of arts, 3 credits of Western civilization or world history, 3 credits of social and behavioral science, and 3 credits of global understanding issues (Mason Core courses);
- At least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of Mason Core courses described above;
- All requirements listed in the following sections for specific Volgenau School majors, including university requirements for mathematics, natural science, information technology including ethics, and synthesis. Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments. With approval of departmental advisors, some courses may be taken out of the indicated sequences, particularly English, literature and social science courses.
Termination from the Major
No math, science, or Volgenau School of Engineering course that is required for the major may be attempted more than three times. Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major. Undeclared students in the Volgenau School who do not successfully complete a course required for a Volgenau School major within three attempts will also be terminated. For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under AP.5 Undergraduate Policies .
Students who have been terminated from a Volgenau School of Engineering major may not register for a Volgenau School course without permission of the department offering the course. This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the Volgenau School except IT 103 and STAT 250 .
Sample Schedules
Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments.
Undeclared Students in the Volgenau School of Engineering
Freshmen who are undecided about their specific major may select Volgenau School undeclared as their major. This should be done as soon as possible after a student enrolls at Mason. These students will be assigned to one of the Volgenau School departments for advising until the student decides on a final major. These students should go to their assigned department for advising at least once each semester. The student will be advised to follow an initial semester or two of courses that could be applicable to majors that are of interest to them. This may involve taking courses that help the student better understand different engineering areas, but which may not contribute to the total credits needed for the major they eventually choose.
Academic Policies
Students should become familiar with the Academic Policies in the University Catalog in addition to policies specific to each academic unit. The Academic Policies section of the catalog also lists additional university requirements for minor programs and double majors.
Academic Appeal of Policies, Grades and Actions
A student’s instructor, academic advisor and/or department can resolve most academic issues. If, however, an undergraduate student disagrees with a decision at the department level and feels that there may be reasonable grounds for appeal, the student should contact the Volgenau School Undergraduate Student Services Office at 703-993-1511 for guidance in preparing a request to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs or other offices as appropriate.
Academic Progression
Students majoring in Volgenau School programs are expected to have an acceptable plan of study on file, formulated with assistance from their departmental advisor. They are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree during each semester in which they are enrolled. Individual Volgenau School departments may not allow students to retake certain high-demand courses in which they have already earned a grade of C or better simply to improve their GPA.
Restricted Courses
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many excellent courses available to broaden their educational experience or strengthen their background; however, some credits earned may not satisfy any degree requirements. Degree requirements for Volgenau School undergraduate programs may not include credits earned in activity courses in any department. Examples include many of the courses listed under the catalog designations of art, dance, music, or theater; individual sports, physical education or team sports; and recreational activities. Exceptions in these categories are courses that meet the Mason Core requirements for the major, including global understanding or arts. Whenever there is uncertainty, students must consult with an academic advisor in their department. Generally, degree requirements for computer science and engineering majors may not be met by 100- to 400-level courses designated “IT” (and any associated cross-listed courses) in the Courses section of this catalog unless approved by the student’s major department. For more information, students should contact their academic advisor.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all undergraduate students to successfully complete a course, or combination of courses, designated “writing-intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. To determine the writing-intensive course requirements for specific degrees, refer to the major program descriptions in the following department sections.
Graduate Non-degree
Non-degree graduate students taking courses in the Volgenau School may not register for classes numbered 700 or higher. All MS degree programs require at least 18 credits to be completed in degree status at Mason to be considered for graduation; as a result, a maximum of 12 credits of nondegree coursework can be transferred to a degree program.
BS/Accelerated MS Programs
Many of the BS degree programs offered within the Volgenau School may be packaged with some of the MS degree programs in ways that reduce the total number of credits required. Details can be found in the individual department sections of this catalog.
Master of Science Programs
The Volgenau School offers a number of master of science programs. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the sections of this catalog linked below.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
The Volgenau School offers seven doctoral programs. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the sections of this catalog linked below.
Volgenau School Graduate Policy for Readmission after Termination
Graduate students who have been terminated, dismissed, or have resigned from a program in the Volgenau School and want to reapply to the same program must wait three calendar years before submitting a new application for admission. A full application for admission as well as all application materials required of that program must be submitted (or resubmitted). GRE scores, if required, cannot be older than five years. Previous admission to a program does not guarantee readmission to the same program. The circumstances of the prior termination will be a factor in the decision-making process. Graduate credit earned prior to termination can be applied to the degree program as long as the requirements for Transfer of Credit (section AP.6.5.3) are met.
Online Education Programs
In order to increase access to Volgenau School education and to meet the needs of the School’s student population, a number of individual courses and select degree programs can be completed via online education. All academic policies and procedures apply to online education programs and courses; see the appropriate sections of this catalog. Some instructors may require students to come to campus or make alternate arrangements for exams and/or other meetings. Students should contact the instructor directly to resolve any questions. For online education courses that involve live online transmission of simultaneous classroom instruction, students enrolled in the online section may also be permitted to join the campus-based section in the classroom; Patriot Web will state if this option is available for a particular online education section. Please contact the Office of Continuing Professional Education for details.
Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (CGEP)
CGEP is a premiere provider of high-quality post-baccalaureate engineering education for practicing engineers and scientists interested in maintaining and enhancing their skills. Participating universities are: George Mason University (Mason); Old Dominion University (ODU); University of Virginia (UVA); Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); and Virginia Tech (VT). Offerings include master’s degrees, certificate programs, and non-degree, non-credit seminar programs.
Each degree program is taught by one of the five participating universities, and prospective students should apply directly to the university offering the degree of interest. Mason’s MS in Telecommunications degree is available through CGEP. This program follows all policies stated in this catalog for the MS in Telecommunications, with the exception that, with faculty advisor approval, up to 50% of the required credits may be completed at other CGEP institutions. Courses from the other institutions may be offered at Mason’s Fairfax or Prince William campuses.
Policies for other universities’ programs are determined by those institutions; please consult with the university offering the program of interest for details.
For more information about CGEP, go to: http://cgep.virginia.gov/
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