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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Conservation Studies Minor (COS)


Banner Code: CNST

Web: smconservation.gmu.edu

This minor is designed for undergraduate students who wish to augment their main academic program with conservation studies taught in an experiential manner. There are two options by which students can complete the minor: the semester whose focus is on “Conservation, Biodiversity and Society” or the semester that focuses on “Wildlife Ecology and Conservation”. Both semesters are grounded in natural science, and offer a collection of five interdisciplinary courses that combine public policy, sociology, conflict resolution, and global awareness with hands-on experience. Students are in residence at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, and are taught by Mason faculty, Smithsonian scientists and practitioners.

The minor is available only to students who enroll in either of the Smithsonian Mason Semesters, semester-long residential programs held at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA. The Semesters are offered jointly by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences  and the College of Science  under the auspices of the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation .

For policies governing all minors, see the Undergraduate Policies  section of this catalog.

This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please visit Green Leaf Programs and Courses .

Minor Requirements


Students pursuing this minor must complete either of the options described below with a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course. Eight credits of course work must be unique to the minor.

Conservation, Biodiversity and Society option (16 credits)


Students complete five required courses.

Total: 16 credits