This program is approved by the American Chemical Society. Upon completion, students who choose either the BS in Chemistry with no concentration or with the Analytical Chemistry concentration are certified to the society. Students that have a keen interest in sustainability should choose the Environmental Chemistry concentration. Students planning professional careers in chemistry should choose this degree.
Teacher Licensure
Students who wish to become teachers and plan to seek teacher licensure should consider the following options:
- Chemistry, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Chemistry concentration)
- Secondary Education - Chemistry (6-12) Undergraduate Certificate
Interested students should attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, visit the School of Education's website.
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.
CHEM 336 Physical Chemistry Lab I or CHEM 465 Biochemistry Lab will fulfill the writing intensive requirement for students majoring in chemistry.
Termination from the Major
To ensure the academic integrity of the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate major program, students are expected to maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance.
No chemistry, math, or science course that is required for the major may be attempted more than three times. Students who do not successfully complete such a course with a grade of C or better by the third attempt may be terminated from the major.
Students who have been terminated from the Chemistry major may not register for a chemistry course without the permission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
A student may not declare a major in chemistry if the student has previously met the termination criteria for the major at any time, regardless of what the student’s major was at the time the courses were taken.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Students majoring in chemistry must complete the chemistry program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and present no more than two courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) in CHEM coursework at graduation.
BS without Concentration
Students who do not select an optional concentration complete the curriculum requirements listed below.
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 211 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 214 | General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 337 | Physical Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 422 | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 423 | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 441 | Properties and Bonding of Inorganic Compounds | 3 |
| CHEM 445 | Inorganic Preparations and Techniques | 2 |
| CHEM 463 | General Biochemistry I | 4 |
| Select 3 credits of chemistry electives 2 | 3 | |
| In Depth Electives | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Synthetic and Mechanistic Organic Chemistry | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| The Chemistry of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions | ||
| Bioorganic Chemistry | ||
| Total Credits | 52 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
- 2
Any lecture, lab or research course(s)
Mathematics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 160 | University Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 161 | University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 260 | University Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 261 | University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Concentration in Environmental Chemistry (EVCH)
Students who choose this concentration will have a broad knowledge of chemistry and a firm foundation in the environmental sciences covering atmospheric, aquatic, and soil. The major prepares students to work in the public or private sector as environmental chemists as well as to pursue an advanced degree.
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 337 | Physical Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 422 | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 423 | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 427 | Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 438 | Atmospheric Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 441 | Properties and Bonding of Inorganic Compounds | 3 |
| or CHEM 446 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | |
| CHEM Elective (lecture or research course) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 49 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one option: | 8 | |
Option One: | ||
| University Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
Option Two: | ||
| College Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Mathematics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Science Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOL 101 & GEOL 103 | Physical Geology (Mason Core) and Physical Geology Lab (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GEOL 306 | Soil Science | 3 |
| EVPP 210 | Environmental Biology: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| or BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Supporting Science Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: 1 | 6-8 | |
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
or BIOL 309 | Oceanography | |
or EVPP 309 | Oceanography | |
or GEOL 309 | Oceanography | |
| Environmental Science: Biological Diversity and Ecosystems | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Environmental Microbiology Essentials and Environmental Microbiology Essentials Laboratory | ||
| Global Environmental Hazards | ||
| Total Credits | 6-8 | |
- 1
The discipline sequences may be interchanged only with approval by the program coordinator.
The remaining credits are fulfilled by Mason Core requirements or general electives.
Concentration in Analytical Chemistry (ANAC)
The Analytical Chemistry concentration is designed to introduce and train students in modern aspects of analytical chemistry. Students who choose this program will be well prepared to run sophisticated analytical instruments in industry and research laboratories and to pursue an advanced degree specializing in analytical chemistry.
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 337 | Physical Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 422 | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 423 | Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 427 | Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| or CHEM 355 | Undergraduate Research | |
| or CHEM 451 | Special Projects in Chemistry | |
| or CHEM 452 | Special Projects in Chemistry | |
| CHEM 463 | General Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 441 | Properties and Bonding of Inorganic Compounds | 3 |
| CHEM 465 | Biochemistry Lab | 2 |
| or CHEM 445 | Inorganic Preparations and Techniques | |
| CHEM 424 | Principles of Chemical Separation | 3 |
| or CHEM 425 | Electroanalytical Chemistry | |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 160 | University Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 161 | University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 260 | University Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 261 | University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Mathematics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Supporting Science Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Bioengineering | ||
or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
| Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
or CHEM 620 | Modern Instrumentation | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
The remaining hours are used to fulfill the Mason Core requirements and general elective courses.
CDS 130 Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) is required to fulfill the Mason Core IT requirement.
Concentration in Biochemistry (BC)
Students planning professional careers in biochemistry, the pharmaceutical industry, medicine, biotechnology, or related fields with a chemistry emphasis should choose this program instead of the Chemistry, BS without a concentration. This concentration provides students with a focus on biochemistry while retaining a strong chemistry foundation. Students are allowed to tailor the concentration to their interests with 9 credits of biology or chemistry elective credits.
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 446 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 463 | General Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 464 | General Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 465 | Biochemistry Lab 1 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Mathematics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one option: | 8 | |
Option One: | ||
| College Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | ||
Option Two: | ||
| University Physics I (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics II (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Biology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| BIOL 305 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| BIOL 306 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Approved Science Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 credits of approved science electives chosen from CHEM or BIOL courses numbered 302-499 1 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Other science or math courses may be approved as electives, subject to prior approval of the undergraduate coordinator.
Concentration in Materials Chemistry (MATC)
Students in the Materials Chemistry concentration explore nanostructures and how they relate to the macroscale physical and chemical properties of a material. Students interested in a career specializing in the synthesis and characterization of materials, as well as applied areas of materials chemistry, obtain a firm foundation in this subfield of chemistry.
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 337 | Physical Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 441 | Properties and Bonding of Inorganic Compounds | 3 |
| CHEM 445 | Inorganic Preparations and Techniques | 2 |
| CHEM 472 | Modern Polymer Chemistry | 3 |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Mathematics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 160 | University Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 161 | University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 260 | University Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 261 | University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Additional Science Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Undergraduate Research | ||
| Synthetic and Mechanistic Organic Chemistry | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis | ||
| Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Special Projects in Chemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| Biochemistry Lab | ||
| Solid State Chemistry | ||
| Fundamentals of Nanoscience and Nanomaterials | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Material Science | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
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 electives. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Without concentration: 49 credits
- Environmental concentration: 33-35 credits
- Analytical concentration: 43 credits
- Biochemistry concentration: 48 credits
- Materials Chemistry concentration: 49 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.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. 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 (ENGH 101) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Global Understanding | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communications (ENGH 302) | 3 | |
| Writing-Intensive 1 | 3 | |
| Synthesis/Capstone 2 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
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.
- 2
Minimum 3 credits required.
Honors in the Major
Chemistry majors who have completed prerequisites for CHEM 455 Honors Research in Chemistry and CHEM 456 Honors Research in Chemistry and have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in mathematics and science courses are eligible to enter the departmental honors program. To graduate with honors in chemistry, a student is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in mathematics and science courses and successfully complete the two semesters of CHEM 455 Honors Research in Chemistry and CHEM 456 Honors Research in Chemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
In order to apply for Chemistry Honors, please complete the application and submit it to the undergraduate coordinator.
Chemistry, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Chemistry Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's option and obtain a BA or BS in Chemistry (degree without concentration) and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Chemistry concentration) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 143 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the School of Education.
Students in an accelerated 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 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and additional unit-specific criteria.
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 and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MEd program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- 3.0 overall GPA
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing 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 which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDRD 619 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| EDUC 547 | Scientific Inquiry and the Nature of Science | 3 |
| SEED 522 | Foundations of Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 540 | Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 573 | Teaching Science in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED 673 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Science in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED approved elective | ||
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Chemistry, BS/Chemistry, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Chemistry, BS and the Chemistry, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits. They will be able to enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
Successful applicants will have earned 60 undergraduate credits and have an overall GPA of at least 3.00. Additionally, they will have completed 36 credits of CHEM courses with a GPA of at least 3.00.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics 1 | ||
| For Students Interested in the Environmental Sciences | ||
| Aquatic Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Environmental Chemistry of Organic Substances | ||
| For Students Interested in Biochemistry | ||
| The Chemistry of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions | ||
| Protein Biochemistry | ||
| For Students Interested in Organic Chemistry | ||
| Bioorganic Chemistry | ||
| Modern Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Physical Organic Chemistry | ||
| For Students Interested in Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Solid State Chemistry | ||
| Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| For Students Interested in Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Principles of Chemical Separation | ||
| Electroanalytical Chemistry | ||
| For Students Interested in Materials Science | ||
| Fundamentals of Nanoscience and Nanomaterials | ||
| 1 | This course covers the advanced concepts necessary to understand the mechanism and kinetics of chemical reactions. |
Bachelor's Degree (selected), Bioinformatics Management, Accelerated PSM
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Biology, BS, or the Chemistry, BS, or the Computational and Data Sciences, BS, or the Physics, BS, or the Neuroscience, BS and the Bioinformatics Management, PSM degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students in the Biology, BS; Chemistry, BS; Computational and Data Sciences, BS; Neuroscience, BS; or Physics, BS with an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits are welcome to apply to the Bioinformatics Management, PSM accelerated master's program. Applicants to this accelerated master's should have previously taken courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, physical chemistry, and statistics. Students with deficiencies in one or more of these areas may be required to take additional courses from the undergraduate curriculum.
The GRE requirement is waived for students accepted into this accelerated program.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credits
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BINF 630 | Bioinformatics Methods | 3 |
| BINF 631 | Molecular Cell Biology for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| GBUS 623 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| GBUS 643 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| GBUS 738 | Data Mining for Business Analytics | 3 |