2013-2014 University Catalog
Volgenau School of Engineering
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Graduate Admissions: 703-993-1512
Student Services
Graduate: 703-993-1505
Undergraduate: 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, electrical engineering, 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, and general education, 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, information technology, mechanical engineering, software engineering, 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 an interdisciplinary program in management of secure information systems.
Doctoral degree programs are available in the following areas: civil and infrastructure engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering and operations research, and statistical science, and a cross-disciplinary program in information technology. In addition, the engineer degree in information technology provides post-master’s training in an application area.
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
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, Director, Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management
Bachelor of Science Programs
The Volgenau School offers eight Bachelor of Science programs. 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 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 (university general education courses)
- 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 including ethics, and synthesis. Sample schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are provided in the sections of this catalog linked above and 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. 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 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 120 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, 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 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 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 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.
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 six doctoral programs. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the sections of this catalog linked below.
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 catalog.
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. Please contact the individual departments for details. 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. For more detailed information about Online Education in the Volgenau School, please refer to the following website: http://volgenau.gmu.edu/distanceeducation/VolgenauOnline.php
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 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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