The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree covers various fields within forensic science including field and laboratory applications. These topics include areas such as crime scene investigation, forensic DNA, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, firearms examination, questioned document, fingerprints, arson, and drug analysis.
This degree is intended to provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on forensic science education in order to prepare students for entrance into a graduate-level educational program, and/or entry-level professional careers in public and private forensic laboratories, federal, state, or local government/law enforcement, defense, homeland security and intelligence agencies.
The Forensic Science undergraduate program provides a strong scientific foundation while simultaneously enabling students to individualize their educational experience toward specific career goals or post-graduate degrees by taking specialized forensic science and natural science courses. This degree offers concentrations in Criminalistics, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Interdisciplinary Forensic Science to prepare students who desire a career within these specialties.
Unique features of this program include an innovative curriculum that offers hands-on training with crime scene techniques and crime laboratory methodologies, an outdoor forensic excavation research and training facility, and courses taught by professional and distinguished faculty from various forensic agencies and laboratories.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.
FRSC 302 Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) will satisfy the writing intensive requirement.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Students must complete the core courses, select one concentration, and complete Mason Core and Elective Credits.
All major coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.30. No more than three courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) may be applied to the major.
Students are advised to be aware of any prerequisites that may be required for each course in the curriculum.
Students are only permitted three attempts for all major courses; following a third unsuccessful attempt the student will no longer be able to pursue the major.
Core Courses
Students in each concentration must complete the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Core Courses | ||
| FRSC 200 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 201 | Introduction to Criminalistics | 3 |
| FRSC 302 | Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| CRIM 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Natural Science Core Courses | ||
| BIOL 213 & BIOL 215 | Cell Structure and Function and Cell Structure and Function Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 214 | Biostatistics for Biology Majors | 3-4 |
| or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
| BIOL 311 & BIOL 313 | General Genetics and General Genetics Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I | 5 |
| CHEM 314 & CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II | 5 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4-6 |
| or MATH 123 & MATH 124 | Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | |
| PHYS 243 & PHYS 244 | College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) 2 | 4 |
| PHYS 245 & PHYS 246 | College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) 2 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 53-56 | |
- 1
FRSC 302 will satisfy this major's writing-intensive requirement.
- 2
- Students in the Forensic Chemistry Concentration may instead choose the following physics sequence: PHYS 160 University Physics I (Mason Core) & PHYS 161 University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) & PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core) & PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core).
- Please note that PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core) & PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) require a prerequisite of MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III.
Concentration in Criminalistics (FRCR)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Extended Core | ||
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| FRSC 304 & FRSC 305 | Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 401 | Crime Scene Investigations | 3 |
| FRSC 405 | Independent Research Methods | 3 |
| or FRSC 406 | Forensic Internship | |
| FRSC 460 & FRSC 461 | Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| Required Concentration Courses | ||
| Select two lecture and laboratory pairings for a minimum of 8 credits: | 8-12 | |
| Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Microbial Diversity | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Histology | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I and Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease and Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Supporting Science Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 7 credits (not previously taken) from the following: | 7-10 | |
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Advanced Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry | ||
| Practical Forensic Skeletal Biology | ||
| Forensic Genomics | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Virology | ||
| Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering | ||
| Phage Discovery | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Microbial Diversity | ||
| Advanced General Genetics | ||
| Phage Genomics | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is "Illumina Sequencing") | ||
| Genetics of Human Diseases | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Infectious Diseases Wildlife | ||
or EVPP 460 | Infectious Diseases of Wildlife | |
| Histology | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 32-39 | |
Concentration in Forensic Biology (FRBL)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Extended Core | ||
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| FRSC 304 & FRSC 305 | Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 401 | Crime Scene Investigations | 3 |
| FRSC 405 | Independent Research Methods | 3 |
| or FRSC 406 | Forensic Internship | |
| FRSC 460 & FRSC 461 | Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| Required Concentration Courses | ||
| FRSC 325 & FRSC 326 | Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 470 | Forensic Genomics | 4 |
| BIOL 483 | General Biochemistry | 4 |
| Supporting Science Courses | ||
| Select a minimum of 3 credits from the following courses: | 3-6 | |
| Practical Forensic Skeletal Biology | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Virology | ||
| Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering | ||
| Phage Discovery | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Microbial Diversity | ||
| Advanced General Genetics | ||
| Phage Genomics | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is "Illumina Sequencing") | ||
| Genetics of Human Diseases | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Infectious Diseases Wildlife | ||
or EVPP 460 | Infectious Diseases of Wildlife | |
| Histology | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 32-35 | |
Concentration in Forensic Chemistry (FRCH)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Forensic Science Core | ||
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| FRSC 304 & FRSC 305 | Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| FRSC 401 | Crime Scene Investigations | 3 |
| FRSC 405 | Independent Research Methods | 3 |
| or FRSC 406 | Forensic Internship | |
| FRSC 460 & FRSC 461 | Forensic DNA Analysis and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory | 4 |
| Required Concentration Courses | ||
| FRSC 404 | Advanced Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Supporting Science Courses | ||
| Select a minimum of 7 credits from the following courses: | 7-10 | |
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Physical Chemistry II 1 | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab II | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis 1 | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Chemical Separation 1 | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Properties and Bonding of Inorganic Compounds 1 | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 36-39 | |
- 1
These course selections recommend the University Physics sequence: PHYS 160 University Physics I (Mason Core), PHYS 161 University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core), PHYS 260 University Physics II (Mason Core), PHYS 261 University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core)
Concentration in Interdisciplinary Forensic Science (FRIN)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Forensic Science Core | ||
| Select 6 credits (not previously taken) of any 300-400 level FRSC courses | 6 | |
| Interdisciplinary Courses or Minor | ||
| Select one option from the following: | ||
| Option One: Interdisciplinary Coursework | ||
| Select 15 credits (not previously taken) from the following courses: | 15 | |
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology I | ||
| Bioinformatics and Computational Biology II | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Virology | ||
| Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering | ||
| Phage Discovery | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Genetics | ||
| Microbial Diversity | ||
| Phage Genomics | ||
| Advanced General Genetics | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is "Illumina Sequencing") | ||
| Genetics of Human Diseases | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Infectious Diseases Wildlife | ||
or EVPP 460 | Infectious Diseases of Wildlife | |
| Histology | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Cell Signaling Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Option Two: Complementary Minor | ||
| Select one minor from the following: | 8-15 | |
| Total Credits: | 14-21 | |
Mason Core and Electives
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 electives. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Criminalistics concentration: 25-35 credits
- Forensic Biology concentration: 29-35 credits
- Forensic Chemistry concentration: 25-31 credits
- Interdisciplinary Forensic Science concentration: 43-53 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.
All Integration-level requirements must be completed at George Mason and cannot be satisfied through transfer credit. These courses are integral to the university's educational philosophy and ensure that all graduates demonstrate proficiency in writing, critical thinking, and integrative learning consistent with the university's standards. Rare exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Provost's Office.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories with the exception of Written Communication, which must be met by transferring in or taking an approved coruse at George Mason University. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Students who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in this area may choose to enroll in a Just Societies-flagged course. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely with their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Forensic Science, BS/Forensic Science, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's and accelerated master's degree pathway program (accelerated master’s or BAM) and obtain a BS in Forensic Science and an MS in Forensic Science through the Forensic Science, BS/Forensic Science, Accelerated MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated master’s degree program must fulfill all university
requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and:
- Completion of the courses listed in the Required Undergraduate Courses table below,
- Declaration of a master's concentration (details below).
- Provide one letter of recommendation from a Forensic Science Program faculty member.
- A detailed goal statement to include why the student is interested in the Forensic Science, MS, the student's career goals and professional aspirations, and a proposed area of interest for the final research project.
Required Undergraduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of B or higher: | ||
| FRSC 200 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 201 | Introduction to Criminalistics | 3 |
| FRSC 302 | Forensic Trace Analysis (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FRSC 303 | Forensic Evidence and Ethics | 3 |
| BIOL 213 & BIOL 215 | Cell Structure and Function and Cell Structure and Function Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 4 |
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate-level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Upon acceptance, students must meet with a master’s accelerated program advisor to complete a Plan of Study form in order to approve eligible graduate coursework prior to registering for any graduate courses. Failure to do so may result in the removal of the course(s). Approval does not guarantee availability in a course.
Concentration Declaration
Students must declare their intended M.S. concentration upon application. In the event that a student wishes to change their concentration, students may request to change their concentration by submitting a letter to the Forensic Science Program Director detailing the request and providing justification. These requests and possible substitutions/waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only when the appropriate admissions requirements are met.
Forensic Biology Analysis Concentration Applicants
In order to obtain a career as a DNA Analyst, the student should have undergraduate coursework in Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the intended master’s program, if they have met the following criteria that
will be verified:
- Submission of BAM Transition Form by the deadline stated on the form.
- Sufficient minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
- Sufficient minimum 2.30 major area GPA. No more than three courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) may be applied to the major area.
- Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses that have met the minimum grade requirement (please refer to AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees).
- Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion of any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
- Successfully meeting George Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submission of the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing Courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses, while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FRSC 500 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 510 | Basic Crime Analysis 1 | 3 |
| FRSC 514 | Survey of Forensic Chemistry, Biology, and DNA Analysis 2 | 3 |
| FRSC 530 | Law and Forensic Science | 3 |
| FRSC 570 | Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts 3 | 3 |
| FRSC 540 | Advanced Forensic Chemistry 4 | 3 |
| FRSC 541 | Forensic Chemistry Laboratory 4 | 1 |
| FRSC 560 | Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences 5 | 3 |
| FRSC 561 | Forensic DNA Laboratory 5 | 1 |
| FRSC 600 | Forensics Seminar 6 | 1 |
| FRSC 601 | Quantitative Methods for Forensic Scientists 6 | 3 |
| FRSC 610 | Forensic Research Project 6 | 1 |
- 1
Can only be selected if FRSC 401 Crime Scene Investigations has been completed.
- 2
Can only be selected if FRSC 304 Forensic Chemistry and FRSC 460 Forensic DNA Analysis have been completed. This course is suggested for the Forensic Biology Analysis, the Forensic Chemistry Analysis, or the Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis concentrations.
- 3
Suggested for the Crime Scene Investigation, the Forensic Biology Analysis, or the Forensic Chemistry Analysis concentrations.
- 4
Prior to enrolling in FRSC 540 Advanced Forensic Chemistry and FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, students shall have completed undergraduate coursework in general chemistry including polarity and acid/base chemistry. Students shall also have completed Organic Chemistry and be able to identify functional groups and other chemistry structures that make up a molecule. Exposure to instrumental techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy is recommended or permission of instructor.
- 5
Prior to enrolling in FRSC 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory, students shall have completed undergraduate coursework in molecular and/or cell biology, as well as genetics, or students must obtain permission of the instructor.
- 6
Suggested for the Forensic Biology Analysis, or the Forensic Chemistry Analysis concentrations.
Reserve Graduate Credits
While in undergraduate student status, students may complete up to 6 credits of graduate-level coursework that will only count toward the graduate degree program. Reserve credits must be selected from the curated list of courses above.
Premium Tuition
Students enrolled in this professional MS program are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate after the bachelor's degree has been conferred. Therefore, any courses or secondary programs that they may enroll in are subject to the differential tuition rate. The Forensics Graduate Certificate has the same premium tuition rate, making it the ideal program for concurrent enrollment (if desired).
Criminal Background Check
The successful passing of a Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences background check is required prior to gaining access to FRSC 540 Advanced Forensic Chemistry, FRSC 541 Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, FRSC 560 Advanced Forensic DNA Sciences, and FRSC 561 Forensic DNA Laboratory.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Quantum Science and Engineering, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's and accelerated master's degree pathway program (BAM Pathway) and obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in any College of Science major and a Master of Science in Quantum Science and Engineering in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs in the College of Science and the Quantum Science and Engineering, MS program, which is jointly offered by the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computing.
Students in an accelerated master’s degree program must fulfill all university
requirements for the master's degree. See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.
Students must major in a College of Science Bachelor of Science program and will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the intended master’s program if they have met the following criteria that will be verified:
- Submission of BAM Transition Form by stated deadline.
- Sufficient minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
- Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses; please refer to policy A.P. 6.7.
- Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
- Successfully meeting George Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submitting the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing Courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12.
Students are encouraged to consult with both their undergraduate advisor and the Quantum Science and Engineering, MS advisor:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select from the following options: | 3-12 | |
| Up to one 500-600 level specialized course from the following: | ||
| Computer Simulation in Astronomy | ||
| Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics | ||
| Analysis of Algorithms | ||
| Advanced Algorithms | ||
| Foundations of Parallel Computation | ||
| Numerical Methods | ||
| Computer Architecture | ||
| Applied Cryptography | ||
| Error Control Coding | ||
| Post-Quantum Cryptography | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Numerical Solutions of Differential Equations | ||
| Operations Research: Deterministic Optimization | ||
| Operations Research: Stochastic Models | ||
| Stochastic Optimization | ||
| Computational Physics I | ||
| Computational Physics II | ||
| Remaining credits are selected from the following: | ||
| Ideas in Quantum Science and Technology | ||
| Mathematical Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Programming Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Classical and Quantum Information Theory | ||
| Quantum Algorithms | ||
| Applications of Quantum Technology | ||
| Quantum Computing System Design | ||
or ECE 570 | Quantum Computing System Design | |
Reserve Credit Courses
Students may complete up to 6 credits while in undergraduate student status, of graduate-level coursework from the list below that will only count toward the graduate degree program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select up to 6 credits of not previously completed courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Ideas in Quantum Science and Technology | ||
| Mathematical Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Programming Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Classical and Quantum Information Theory | ||
| Quantum Algorithms | ||
| Applications of Quantum Technology | ||
| Quantum Computing System Design | ||
or ECE 570 | Quantum Computing System Design | |
- 1
As only one of these courses count for Quantum Science and Engineering, MS, credit, and these courses may not be necessary for all students, consult with an academic advisor prior to enrolling in QSE 501 Mathematical Foundations of QSE or QSE 502 Programming Foundations of QSE.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.