Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
George Mason University
Key Information
Campus location
Fairfax, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 4,897 / per semester *
Application deadline
01 Jun 2024
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
The Environmental Science, BS provides students with rigorous training in the fundamental science of the environment and in the application of key scientific principles to the analysis of environmental processes and problems. Subsequently, the program introduces students to the development of practical responses to those problems.
The program covers ecological systems, environmental policy, fundamental techniques of environmental science and engineering, protection and improvement of environmental quality, and public and private decision-making processes.
Students select a concentration in:
- Conservation
- Ecological Science
- Environmental Health
- Human and Ecosystem Response to Climate Change
- Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Ecology
- Wildlife
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program are prepared to undertake careers in a variety of environmental science fields and are also qualified to pursue advanced scientific/professional education.
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
This is a Green Leaf program.
Core Requirements
All students complete the following core courses:
Environmental Science
- EVPP 210 Environmental Biology: Molecules and Cells 4
- EVPP 301 Environmental Science: Biological Diversity and Ecosystems 4
- EVPP 302 Environmental Science: Biomes and Human Dimensions 4
- EVPP 305 Environmental Microbiology Essentials 3
- EVPP 306 Environmental Microbiology Essentials Laboratory 1
- EVPP 337 Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries 1 3
- EVPP 361 Introduction to Environmental Policy 3
- EVPP 377 Applied Ecology 3
- EVPP 430 Fundamentals of Environmental Geographic Information Systems 3
- BIOL 214 Biostatistics for Biology Majors 4
Select one from the following: 3
- EVPP 336 Human Dimensions of the Environment
- EVPP 338 Economics of Environmental Policy
- EVPP 362 Intermediate Environmental Policy
- EVPP 475 Global Biodiversity Governance
Select one from the following: 3-4
- EVPP 378 RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core)
- EVPP 401 lntegrated Environmental Assessment
- EVPP 480 Sustainability in Action (Mason Core)
- CONS 490 RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core)
Total Credits 38-39
Chemistry
- CHEM 211 General Chemistry I (Mason Core) 3
- CHEM 213 General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) 1
- CHEM 212 General Chemistry II (Mason Core) 3
- CHEM 214 General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) 1
Total Credits 8
Mathematics
Select two from the following: 7-8
- MATH 111 Linear Mathematical Modeling (Mason Core)
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)
- MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Total Credits 7-8
Geology
- GEOL 102 & GEOL 104 Historical Geology (Mason Core) and Historical Geology Laboratory (Mason Core) 4
Total Credits 4
Information Technology
- CDS 130 Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 3
Experiential Learning
Select at least one from the following: 1-6
- EVPP 395 Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy
- EVPP 494 Internship
- CONS 496 Research in Conservation (Mason Core)
- CONS 498 Internship
Total Credits 1-6
Concentration in Ecological Science (ECSI)
Credits Select at least 21 credits from the following: 21
- EVPP 309 Oceanography
- EVPP 350 Freshwater Ecosystems
- EVPP 355 Ecological Engineering and Ecosystem Restoration
- EVPP 378 RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core)
- EVPP 395 Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy
- EVPP 396 Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy 1
- EVPP 408 Mushrooms, Molds, and Society
- EVPP 427 Conservation Medicine
- EVPP 440 Field Environmental Science 1
- EVPP 449 Marine Ecology
- EVPP 490 Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy 1
- EVPP 494 Internship
- BIOL 300 BioDiversity
- BIOL 345 Plant Ecology
- BIOL 435 Selected Topics in Biology 1
- BIOL 459 Fungi and Ecosystems
- GEOL 305 Environmental Geology
- GEOL 306 Soil Science
- GGS 307 Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development
Alternative courses may be taken as approved by the program coordinator.
Total Credits 21
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- CNSV Concentration: 31-38 credits
- ESCI Concentration: 31-38 credits
- EVHL Concentration: 31-38 credits
- HERC Concentration: 31-38 credits
- MEFC Concentration: 31-38 credits
- WILD Concentration: 29-38 credits
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40