2012-2013 University Catalog
Volgenau School of Engineering
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Graduate Admissions: 703-993-1512
Graduate Student Services: 703-993-1505
Undergraduate Student Services: 703-993-1511
Web: volgenau.gmu.edu
College Code: VS
Administrative Units
Applied Information Technology (AIT)
Bioengineering (BENG)
Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE)
Computer Science (CS)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Statistics (STAT)
Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR)
School Mission, Goals
The mission of the Volgenau School of Engineering 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 Volgenau School of Engineering is concerned primarily with 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.
The Volgenau School offers degree programs that concentrate on important contemporary technological issues and needs. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in the areas of applied computer science, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, applied information technology, and systems engineering. Minors in information technology, computer science, software engineering, data analysis, and systems engineering and operations research are also available.
Master’s degree programs are available in the following areas: applied information technology, civil and infrastructure engineering, geotechnical construction and structural engineering, computer engineering, computer forensics, computer science, electrical engineering, information security and assurance, information systems, operations research, software engineering, statistical science, systems engineering, telecommunications and an interdisciplinary program in management of secure information systems. Several doctoral programs are offered, including a cross-disciplinary program in information technology and more focused programs in civil and infrastructure engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering and operations research, and statistical science. In addition, the engineer degree in information technology provides post-master’s training in an application area.
The 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, and general education, and specialty courses in applied computer science, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. Each program strongly emphasizes English composition and communication.
Students also have opportunities to develop interest areas in other fields within the Volgenau School that offer undergraduate courses but do not have undergraduate majors.
Administration
Kenneth Ball, Dean
Stephen Nash, Senior Associate Dean
Sharon Caraballo, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
Jennifer Lamb, Associate Dean for Development
Melinda Barnhart, Executive Director, Finance and Administration
Pete Farrell, Director, Alumni Relations
Jonathan Goldman, Director, Computing Resources
Linda Kovac, Director, Corporate Relations
Terri Mancini, Director, Sponsored Research Administration
Lisa Nolder, Director, Graduate Student Services
Jade Perez, Director, Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management
Bachelor of Science Programs
The Volgenau School offers eight Bachelor of Science programs in its academic units. 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 (university general education electives)
- At least 3 credits of arts, 3 credits of Western civilization, 3 credits of social and behavioral science, and 3 credits of global understanding issues (university general education electives)
- At least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of university general education courses described above
- All requirements listed in the following sections for specific Volgenau School majors, including university requirements for mathematics, natural science, information technology competency and ethics, and synthesis. Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments. With approval of department 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. For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under Academic Standing .
Sample Schedules
Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments and in the program section of this catalog.
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 George Mason. Such students then 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 when needed or at least 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 towards the 120 credits needed for the major in which they finally decide.
Academic Policies
Students should become familiar with the University’s general academic policies in addition to those specific to each academic unit. Please see the Academic Policies section of the catalog, which also lists additional university requirements for minor programs and double majors.
Academic Appeal of Policies, Grades and Actions
In most instances, the student’s instructor, academic advisor and/or department can resolve most academic-related issues that arise from time to time in a manner that student, instructor, academic advisor and/or department find acceptable. If, however, the 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 Student Services Offices at 703-993-1511. This office is staffed with student services professionals who can provide guidance in preparing a request to the appropriate dean and higher levels if necessary.
Academic Progression
Students majoring in the Volgenau School programs are expected to have an acceptable plan of study on file, formulated with assistance from the department advisor. They are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree during each semester they are enrolled. Individual Volgenau School programs may not allow students to retake certain high-demand courses in which they have already earned a grade of C or better if they want to retake the course 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 the 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 university general education 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 Course Descriptions chapter 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.
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 may be found in the individual department sections.
Master of Science Programs
Degree Requirements
The Volgenau School offers a number of Master of Science programs to include a Master of Engineering program and an Interdisciplinary Master of Science program with the School of Management. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
The Volgenau School offers six PhD programs within its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow with the exception of the Information Technology PhD program. The PhD in information technology is a program that builds on a fundamental core and emphasizes cross-disciplinary efforts among the master’s programs in the Volgenau School, as well as with related units at Mason. Specific entrance and degree requirements for this doctoral program are found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.
Engineer Degree in Information Technology
The engineer degree is a post-master’s degree, but it does not confer a doctorate. Students pursuing the engineer degree can take advanced PhD courses and complete a project of an applied nature to fulfill program requirements. Details about the engineer degree can be found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.
Distance 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 distance education. Please contact the individual departments for details. All academic policies and procedures apply to distance 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 distance education courses which involve live online transmission of simultaneous classroom instruction, students in the distance 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 distance education section.
Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program
The Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (CGEP) is a cooperative program of Mason, the University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University (ODU), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) designed to make graduate engineering education available in locations throughout Virginia through distance learning. CGEP offers graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology. Instruction takes place through a mix of videoconferencing and web-based courses available at educational and corporate receive sites around the state.
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 Master of Science in computer science degree is available through CGEP. This program follows all policies stated in this catalog for the MS in computer science, 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 volgenau.gmu.edu/graduates/commonwealth_graduate_engineering.php.
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