Global affairs is an interdisciplinary major that introduces students to the processes of globalization that affect all societies. Students gain a sophisticated understanding of complex issues such as terrorism, refugee crises, global inequality, and health and environmental challenges. Core courses in the major provide a knowledge foundation of the political, economic, cultural, and environmental processes in our global and globalizing world. The choice of a thematic or regional concentration helps students tailor the degree to their particular interests and career goals. Students in this program are encouraged to participate in study abroad opportunities and internships. They can complement their major with a second major or a minor.
This is a Green Leaf program.
Policies
Students pursuing this degree must complete 36-39 credits within the major, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. Students completing the Smithsonian-Mason semester program will have a total of 40-43 credits. Students must have a minimum grade of 2.00 in each of the core courses and a minimum grade of 1.67 in each of the courses used to fulfill the concentration and the language requirement for global affairs majors. Students who major in global affairs may not also earn the minor in global systems.
Global affairs majors may fulfill the Mason Core Capstone requirement by successfully completing GLOA 400.
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses in the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 101 | Introduction to Global Affairs (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or SOCI 120 | Globalization and Society (Mason Core) | |
| CONF 340 | Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 3 |
| CULT 320 | Globalization and Culture | 3 |
| ECON 385 | International Economic Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 337 | Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries | 3 |
| GOVT 322 | International Relations Theory 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| 1 | Note the prerequisite for this course: GOVT 132 Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core) or GOVT 133 Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) |
Language Study Beyond Intermediate Proficiency
To fulfill this requirement, students can continue the study of one language beyond the intermediate proficiency level (required for all BA degrees in the college) or choose to study other languages. After a student has demonstrated intermediate proficiency in one language, the remainder of the requirement may be fulfilled by taking any courses taught in a foreign language, at any level. Students are required to complete:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6-9 credits of language study beyond intermediate proficiency | 6-9 | |
9 credits beyond the completion of 210 or the receipt of heritage language waiver | ||
6 credits beyond the completion of 202 | ||
| Total Credits | 6-9 | |
Concentrations in the Major
Students select one concentration and complete the requirements therein. Courses applied to a global affairs concentration must come from at least two different departments. Concentration courses must be unique to the concentration: they cannot be simultaneously used to fulfill any Mason Core or college requirement for the bachelor's degree. They cannot be applied to any other major, minor, concentration, or certificate.
In addition to the courses listed with each concentration, other relevant courses, including special topics courses, study abroad, and internships (maximum 3 credits), may be applied to a concentration with prior written approval from the director.
- Concentration in the Environment (EVT)
- Concentration in Global Economy and Management (GEM)
- Concentration in Global Governance (GLGV)
- Concentration in Global Inequalities and Responses (GIR)
- Concentration in Human Security (HMSC)
- Concentration in International Development (IDEV)
- Concentration in Media, Communication, and Culture (MCC)
- Concentration in Africa (AFR)
- Concentration in Asia (ASA)
- Concentration in Europe (EU)
- Concentration in Latin America (LA)
- Concentration in Middle East and North Africa (MNA)
- Concentration in North America (NA)
- Concentration in Russia and Central Asia (RCA)
- Individualized Concentration (IND)
Concentration in the Environment (EVT)
Students may complete this concentration through 12 credits of regular coursework or through the Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program (15-16 credits).
Regular Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Environment and Culture | ||
| Biology and Society (Mason Core) | ||
| Environmental Economics 1 | ||
| Economics of Energy | ||
| The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science I (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Dimensions of the Environment | ||
| Applied Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography | ||
| Global Environmental Hazards | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Sustainable Development | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
or EVPP 361 | Introduction to Environmental Policy | |
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
or EVPP 362 | Intermediate Environmental Policy | |
| Environmental Justice | ||
| Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) | ||
| Sustainable Tourism | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| 1 | Note the prerequisites for this course: ECON 103 Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) and ECON 104 Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) |
Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program
Students complete 15-16 credits offered through the Mason Center for Conservation Studies in cooperation with the Smithsonian National Zoo Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Students may choose to focus their study on "Conservation, Biodiversity and Society", "Wildlife Ecology and Conservation", or "Endangered Species Conservation". Students take the courses in the selected focus area together in one semester, living on site at the institute in Front Royal, VA. Students who apply this coursework to the concentration cannot also apply it to the minor in Conservation Studies.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following focus areas: | 15-16 | |
Conservation, Biodiversity and Society option (16 credits): | ||
| Conservation in Practice | ||
| Conservation Theory | ||
| Applied Conservation | ||
| Human Dimensions in Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) | ||
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation option (15 credits): | ||
Offered only in Fall semesters, students complete four required courses: | ||
| Conservation Seminar | ||
| Biodiversity Monitoring | ||
| Landscape and Macrosystems Ecology | ||
| Research in Conservation | ||
Endangered Species and Conservation option (15 credits) | ||
Offered only in Spring semesters, students complete four required courses: | ||
| Conservation Seminar | ||
| Small Population Management | ||
| RS: Conservation Management Planning (Mason Core) | ||
| Research in Conservation | ||
| Total Credits | 15-16 | |
Concentration in Global Economy and Management (GEM)
In this concentration, students explore marketing, managing, financing, and networking dimensions of the globalizing world economy. Students will take classes on economic policies of national governments and international organizations as well as operations of non-government market actors.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Money and Banking | ||
| Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| African Economic Development (Mason Core) | ||
| Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | ||
| International Economics (Mason Core) | ||
| International Financial Management | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| IT in the Global Economy (Mason Core) | ||
| Cross Cultural and Global Management | ||
| Global Marketing | ||
| Managing Information in a Global Economy | ||
| Marketing in a Global Economy | ||
| Introduction to International Business (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics: Business Minor | ||
| Legal Environment of Business 1 | ||
| Commercial Law 1 | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| 1 | BULE courses require the approval of the director. |
Concentration in Global Governance (GLGV)
In this concentration students explore how national governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations interact to identify, understand, and address global issues. Coursework covers such topics as transnational challenges, theories of international relations, global institutions, international law and ethics, international security, and conflict. Students are expected to garner theoretical and practical understanding of the ways in which national and transnational actors approach global problems.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Political Anthropology (Mason Core) | ||
| Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) | ||
| Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core) | ||
| Theory and Politics of Terrorism | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| American Security Policy | ||
| International Security | ||
| Politics and the Mass Media | ||
| Democracy in Global Perspective | ||
| Human Rights | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Revolution and International Politics | ||
| Ethics and International Politics | ||
| Conflict Resolution and Transformation | ||
| Refugee and Internal Displacement | ||
| An Experiential Approach to American Foreign Policy | ||
| Power, Politics, and Society | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Global Inequalities and Responses (GIR)
This concentration addresses global social issues and the steps actors such as non-profits, social movements, and international organizations take to address these issues. Courses cover human rights, refugee crises, gender violence, racial discrimination, and economic inequality from both historical and contemporary perspectives and in different parts of the world. Students are expected to acquire the skills to analyze complex social problems and to be able to formulate effective strategies to address these.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Human Variation | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Culture | ||
| Human Rights and Inequality | ||
| Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core) | ||
| Health and Disease | ||
| Culture, Sexuality and the Global AIDS Epidemic | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Politics of Race and Gender | ||
| Comparative Slavery | ||
| Social Movements and Community Activism | ||
| Refugee and Internal Displacement | ||
| Social Movements and Political Protest | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in a Changing World | ||
| Contemporary Gender Relations | ||
| Social Inequality (Mason Core) | ||
| Representations of Women (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (Mason Core) | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Human Security (HMSC)
This concentration is designed to conceptualize security beyond the boundaries of national security and to promote a more comprehensive understanding of "human security" in its multiple facets, including: food and health (famine and infectious disease), environmental security (natural disasters and climate change), and economic security (development). Coursework addresses these and other themes and draws on government, sociology, criminology, environmental science and policy, and other fields. Students are expected to garner an understanding of the sources of insecurity in today's world.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Refugees (Mason Core) | ||
| Comparative Perspectives on Immigration | ||
| Social Dynamics of Terrorism, Security, and Justice | ||
| Theory and Politics of Terrorism | ||
| Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | ||
| The Human Dimensions of Global Climate Change | ||
| Health and Disease | ||
| Global Health Interventions: History and Systems | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| American Security Policy | ||
| International Security | ||
| Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society | ||
| Conflict Resolution and Transformation | ||
| Conflict, Trauma and Healing | ||
| Medicine, Justice, and Public Policy | ||
| Refugee and Internal Displacement | ||
| Social Structure and Globalization (Mason Core) | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in International Development (IDEV)
In this concentration, students examine international development, its challenges, and how these are addressed by governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Coursework covers development economics, the politics of developing regions and transitional economies, the social consequences of global inequality, public health and health-related development issues, humanitarian relief, and more. Students are expected to gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them for work in the development sector or for further specialized studies in international development.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Refugees (Mason Core) | ||
| Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| African Economic Development (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Health (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Health Interventions: History and Systems | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Sustainable Development | ||
| Political Development and Change | ||
| Democracy in Global Perspective | ||
| Human Rights | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Interventions for Populations and Communities at Risk | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Refugee and Internal Displacement | ||
| Ethical Issues in Global Health | ||
| Sustainable Tourism | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Media, Communication, and Culture (MCC)
In this concentration, students examine historic trends and recent changes in media and communication technologies as well as their cultural contexts. Coursework includes critical analysis of media content, comparison of global media infrastructures and systems of political communication, discussion of the foundations of intercultural communication, and more. Students are expected to gain an understanding of the role of media and communication in shaping and responding to global issues of concern.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | ||
| Language and Culture | ||
| Work, Technology, and Society: An IT Perspective (Mason Core) | ||
| Hip Hop Culture | ||
| Media and Society | ||
| Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) | ||
| Issues in Intercultural Communication | ||
| Media Criticism | ||
| Politics and the Mass Media | ||
| Comparative Mass Media (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Perspectives: World Dance Forms (Mason Core) | ||
| Folklore and Folklife | ||
| Global Voices (Mason Core) | ||
| The Idea of a World Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| World Literatures in English | ||
| Topics in World Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in World Cinema (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Telecommunications | ||
| Introduction to Multimedia | ||
| Digital Futures | ||
| When Cultural Worlds Collide | ||
| Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Sociology of Culture | ||
| World Stages (Mason Core) | ||
or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Africa (AFR)
This concentration focuses on the societies of Africa, their history, culture, economics, and politics, including the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial experiences. Course options include African diaspora experiences. Upon completion of this concentration, students will have an in-depth understanding of Africa as an international actor, African contributions (past and present) to global society, the political and economic challenges facing the continent today, and African solutions to problems such as civil wars and inequality.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | ||
| African Economic Development (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Sub-Saharan Francophone Literature and Culture | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Political Change and Social Development in Sub-Saharan Africa | ||
| Survey of African History (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of African History (Mason Core) | ||
| The African American Experience in the United States: African Background to 1885 | ||
| The African American Experience in the United States: Reconstruction to the Present | ||
| History of South Africa (Mason Core) | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Asia (ASA)
This concentration emphasizes Asia's increasingly significant role in contemporary global issues as well as its historical contexts. The courses in this concentration cover the economic, social, and political issues that confront the Asia-Pacific region (that is, East and Southeast Asian countries). Students interested in anthropology, history, art history, government, and religious studies should consider this concentration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Peoples and Cultures of Island Asia (Mason Core) | ||
| Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of India (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of China (Mason Core) | ||
| Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | ||
| The Silk Road (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of Chinese Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| Asian American Women Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Chinese Film | ||
| Government and Politics of Asia | ||
| Government and Politics of Russia | ||
| Chinese Foreign Policy | ||
| Political Economy of East Asia | ||
| Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | ||
| History of Traditional China | ||
| Modern China | ||
| Modern Japan (Mason Core) | ||
| Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | ||
| Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | ||
| Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | ||
| Japanese Cinema | ||
| Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | ||
| Hinduism (Mason Core) | ||
| Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | ||
| Buddhism (Mason Core) | ||
| Daoism | ||
| Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Europe (EU)
This concentration is designed to equip students with a deep and broad understanding of politics, history, culture, religion, and the arts in Europe as well as Europe's lasting legacies across the globe. Coursework includes broad surveys on government, geography, literature, and economics as well as special topics courses on the Renaissance, World Wars I and II, and nationalism in Eastern Europe. Upon completion of this concentration, students will have the ability to think critically about how historical processes and current events in Europe not only impact Europeans, but also the global community at large.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Early Renaissance Art in Italy, 1300-1500 (Mason Core) | ||
| Nineteenth-Century European Art (Mason Core) | ||
| Twentieth-Century European Art (Mason Core) | ||
| British and Irish Drama after 1900 | ||
| Continental Fiction, 1880-1950 | ||
| Major French Writers (Topic Varies) (Mason Core) | ||
| French and Francophone Cinema | ||
| Major Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of German Literature | ||
| Modern Literature: 1925 to the Present | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Government and Politics of Europe | ||
| Ethnic Politics in Western Europe and North America | ||
| Government and Politics of Russia | ||
| Western Europe in the Middle Ages | ||
| The Renaissance | ||
| The Reformation | ||
| Old Regime and Revolutionary Europe | ||
| Nineteenth-Century Europe | ||
| Europe in Crisis: 1914-1948 | ||
| Nationalism in Eastern Europe | ||
| History of Germany | ||
| Modern Britain | ||
| European Society and Culture: 19th and 20th Centuries | ||
| Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Spanish Culture | ||
| Major Hispanic Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Spanish Civilization and Culture | ||
| Medieval and Early Modern Literature of Spain | ||
| Modern and Contemporary Literature of Spain | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Latin America (LA)
This concentration is designed to provide students with an overview of Latin America and its diaspora. Course options include broad surveys of Latin American history, art, literature, music, culture, and politics, as well as courses that provide in-depth exploration of topics such as colonialism, economic development, political movements, race and ethnicity, migration, and aesthetic trends. Upon completion of this concentration, students will have an in-depth understanding of Latin America as an international actor, Latin American contributions (past and present) to global society, and the political and economic challenges faced by the region.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | ||
| Twentieth-Century Latin American Art (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Government and Politics of Latin America | ||
| Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | ||
| Revolution and Radical Politics in Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | ||
| History, Fiction, and Film in Latin America | ||
| Introduction to Latin American Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| Major Hispanic Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Latina/o Studies (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Hispanic Literary Analysis | ||
| Latin American Civilization and Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| The Literature of Spanish America | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Middle East and North Africa (MNA)
This concentration provides students with a contemporary and historical perspective on the politics, economics, and religious diversity of the Middle East and North Africa. Coursework includes broad surveys as well as courses on specific topics such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, francophone literature from North Africa, politics and Islam, and art and archeology of the ancient Near East. Upon completion of this concentration, students are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the current state of the Middle East and North Africa and how this state has developed historically.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | ||
| Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | ||
| Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | ||
| The Silk Road (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in North African Francophone Literature and Culture | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
| Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Iran (Mason Core) | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | ||
| The Middle East in the 20th Century | ||
| Religions of the West (Mason Core) | ||
| Islam | ||
| Judaism from Exile to Talmud | ||
| Sufism | ||
| Qur'an and Hadith | ||
| Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in North America (NA)
In this concentration, students explore the multifaceted development of the United States and its relationship with its North American neighbors. Coursework includes historical examinations of pre-American culture, as well as in-depth surveys of political, economic, cultural, and artistic developments in United States. Upon completion of this concentration, students will have the ability to critically assess how the US has influenced and been influenced by European and non-European societies and traditions, knowledge of the development of American government and its consequences within and beyond North America, and an appreciation of the role of arts and literature in American culture.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Native North Americans | ||
| American Architecture and Material Culture | ||
| Studies in 18th- and 19th-Century Art of the United States (Mason Core) | ||
| Studies in 20th-Century Art of the United States (Mason Core) | ||
| Recent American Fiction | ||
| Recent American Poetry | ||
| Geography of the United States | ||
| Public Law and the Judicial Process | ||
| Legislative Behavior | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Ethnic Politics in Western Europe and North America | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Postwar United States, 1945-1973 | ||
| United States since 1973 | ||
| The African American Experience in the United States: Reconstruction to the Present | ||
| U.S. Women's History | ||
| History of the Old South | ||
| The South since 1865 | ||
| War and American Society | ||
| Seminar: The Future of Metropolitan America | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Russia and Central Asia (RCA)
This concentration provides students contemporary and historical perspectives on the political, economic, and cultural climates and trends in Russia and Central Asia. Upon completion of this concentration, students will not only have the skills to critically assess the impacts of Soviet-era legacies on newly independent political systems, economies in transition, and re-emerging cultural traditions, but also knowledge of pre-Soviet sociocultural and political environments in Russia and Central Asia.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| The Silk Road (Mason Core) | ||
| Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of the Soviet Succession States | ||
| Government and Politics of Russia | ||
| Central Asian Politics | ||
| Revolution and International Politics | ||
| The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | ||
| Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | ||
| The Russian Revolution | ||
| Major Russian Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| A Survey of Russian Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| A Survey of Russian Literature (Mason Core) | ||
| Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | ||
| Russian Drama and Theater | ||
| Russian Poetry | ||
| Topics in (Post) Soviet Film | ||
Or other course approved by the program director | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Individualized Concentration (IND)
Students who wish to design their own concentration must submit a one-page proposal and create a curriculum plan to be approved by the director.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in global affairs may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing EVPP 337 Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries.
Upper Level Requirement
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
College Level Requirements in the BA Degree
In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).
Philosophy or Religious Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
PHIL 1 | ||
| 1 | Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:
|
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 1 | 3 | |
| ANTH | ||
| CRIM | ||
| ECON | ||
| GOVT | ||
| HIST 2 | ||
| LING | ||
| PSYC | ||
| SOCI | ||
| Or choose from the following GGS courses: | ||
| Major World Regions (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Geography of the United States | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Geography of the Soviet Succession States | ||
| Structures in Urban Governance and Planning | ||
| Geography of Virginia | ||
| 1 | The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. |
| 2 | HIST 100 History of Western Civilization (Mason Core) and HIST 125 Introduction to World History (Mason Core) may not be used to fulfill this requirement. |
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1 | ||
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test | ||
Or completing the following ASL three course sequence: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
| 1 | Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. |
Non-Western Culture
Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Understanding requirement) 1 | ||
| ANTH 114 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 300 | Civilizations | 3 |
| ANTH 301 | Native North Americans | 3 |
| ANTH 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 303 | Peoples and Cultures of the Andes | 3 |
| ANTH 306 | Peoples and Cultures of Island Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 307 | Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 308 | Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 309 | Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 313 | Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 314 | Zombies | 3 |
| ANTH 316 | Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 323 | Digging and Dealing in the Dead: Ethics in Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH 330 | Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western | 3 |
| ANTH 332 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 381 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 383 | Cities of the Global South | 3 |
| ANTH 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 360 | Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | 3 |
| ARAB 420 | Survey of Arabic Literature | 3 |
| ARAB 440 | Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 204 | Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 318 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | 3 |
| ARTH 319 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 320 | Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 382 | Arts of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 383 | Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 384 | Arts of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 385 | Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 386 | The Silk Road (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 320 | Contemporary Chinese Film | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 118 | World Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 451 | Topics in Sub-Saharan Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| FREN 454 | Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| GGS 101 | Major World Regions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 316 | Geography of Latin America | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 330 | Geography of the Soviet Succession States | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 328 | Non-Western Political Theory | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Government and Politics of Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 340 | Central Asian Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 341 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 345 | Islam and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 432 | Political Change and Social Development in Sub-Saharan Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 433 | Political Economy of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 251 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 252 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 261 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 262 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 272 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 281 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 282 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 326 | Stalinism | 3 |
| HIST 327 | The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | 3 |
| HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 353 | History of Traditional China | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern China | 3 |
| HIST 356 | Modern Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of South Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Revolution and Radical Politics in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 367 | History, Fiction, and Film in Latin America | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| HIST 426 | The Russian Revolution | 3 |
| HIST 460 | Modern Iran (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 461 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| HIST 462 | Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 465 | The Middle East in the 20th Century | 3 |
| JAPA 310 | Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Religions of the West (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 240 | Death and the Afterlife in World Religions | 3 |
| RELI 272 | Islam | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 337 | Mysticism: East and West | 3 |
| RELI 365 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 374 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 375 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 379 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 387 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights | 3 |
| RELI 490 | Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| 1 | A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global understanding requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. |
Mason Core
Note: 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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication | 6 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology | 3-7 | |
| Core Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Understanding | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Western Civilization/World History | 3 | |
| Synthesis/Capstone Requirement 1 | ||
| Synthesis/Capstone | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
| 1 | minimum 3 credits |
Additional Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Any remaining credits may be completed with electives to bring the degree total to 120. | ||
Honors in the Major
Highly qualified students may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Global Affairs majors who have completed 75 credits with an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.50 in courses for the major are eligible to apply to graduate with honors.
Students pursuing honors in the major must complete a two-course honors sequence GLOA 491 Honors Seminar in Global Affairs and GLOA 492 Honors Research Project in Global Affairs with a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the sequence. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed acceptance.
The accelerated master's programs listed below specify the BA in global affairs as a feeder degree for their programs. It is important to note, however, that many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason, including this one. See the full list of master's degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason. In addition, as a student with a BA in global affairs you may be particularly interested in the accelerated MA in global affairs.
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Middle East and Islamic Studies, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates pursuing a BA in select majors (listed below) may apply to the accelerated master's degree in Middle East and Islamic studies. If accepted, and depending on their undergraduate major, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and a master's degree in Middle East and Islamic studies after satisfactory completion of 144 credits, sometimes within five years. See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
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.
Selected Majors
- government and international politics
- global affairs
- history
- religious studies
- Russian and Eurasian studies
- sociology
- anthropology
It is preferred, though not required, that the student have a minor in Middle East studies or Islamic studies.
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 Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the accelerated MA in Middle East and Islamic studies, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students complete two graduate courses as indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. Once admitted to the accelerated master's pathway, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in all course work. Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, they submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form and are admitted to graduate status.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies | ||
| Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History | ||
| Politics and Societies of the Middle East | ||
| Islamic Texts and Contexts | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
As graduate students, accelerated master's students have an advanced standing. They must meet all master's degree requirements except for the two courses (6 credits) they completed as undergraduates. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. To apply these credits to the master's degree, students should use the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select up to 6 additional graduate credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies | ||
| Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History | ||
| Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics (when content focus is the Middle East) | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Islamic Texts and Contexts | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
The ability to take courses, including ones not listed above, for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department. Permission is normally granted only to qualified Mason seniors within 15 hours of graduation. Permission is normally granted only to qualified Mason seniors within 15 hours of graduation. See AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Religion, Culture, and Values Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in selected majors (see below) may apply to the accelerated master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in religion, culture, and values. If accepted, and depending on their undergraduate major, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen major and a master's in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in religion, culture, and values after satisfactory completion of 150 credits, sometimes within five years. See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
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.
Selected Majors
- Art history
- Philosophy
- Conflict analysis and resolution
- Global affairs
- History
- Religious studies
- Russian and Eurasian studies
- Sociology
- Anthropology
If the student has not majored in religious studies, it is preferred, though not required, that the student have a minor in religious studies.
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 Admissions. For information specific to the accelerated MAIS, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students complete two graduate courses as indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. Once admitted to the accelerated master's pathway, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in all coursework. Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, they submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form and are admitted to graduate status.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Approaches to the Study of Religion | ||
| Sacred as Secular in Modern Spirituality | ||
| World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue | ||
| Ethical Perspectives of World Religions | ||
| World Religions in Transition and Transformation | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Sacred Language, Scripture, and Culture | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
As graduate students, accelerated master's students have an advanced standing. They must meet all master's degree requirements except for the two courses (6 credits) they completed as undergraduates. Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. To apply these credits to the master's degree, students should use the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Approaches to the Study of Religion | ||
| Sacred as Secular in Modern Spirituality | ||
| World Religions in Conflict and Dialogue | ||
| Ethical Perspectives of World Religions | ||
| World Religions in Transition and Transformation | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Sacred Language, Scripture, and Culture | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
The ability to take courses, including ones not listed above, for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department. Permission is normally granted only to qualified Mason seniors within 15 hours of graduation. See AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Bachelor's Degree (Green Leaf)/Environmental Science and Policy, Accelerated MS
Overview
This degree option allows highly qualified George Mason University students to earn an Environmental Science and Policy, MS in less time than if they had first graduated with an environmentally-focused Green Leaf-designated BA or BS degree and then applied to the MS program sequentially.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Admission Requirements
Students with an overall GPA of at least 3.20 who are pursuing any Green Leaf-designated major or minor may apply for provisional acceptance into this accelerated master's program after completing two semesters of chemistry (including CHEM 211 General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and CHEM 212 General Chemistry II (Mason Core)) and three semesters of biology, including a course in ecology, or the equivalent, for example:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options: | 13 | |
Option 1: | ||
| Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | ||
| Biostatistics for Biology Majors | ||
| Foundations of Ecology and Evolution | ||
Option 2: | ||
| Environmental Biology: Molecules and Cells | ||
| Environmental Science: Biological Diversity and Ecosystems | ||
| Environmental Science: Biomes and Human Dimensions | ||
| Environmental Microbiology Essentials | ||
| Environmental Microbiology Essentials Laboratory | ||
Option 3: | ||
| Conservation Theory | ||
| Applied Conservation | ||
6 credits of 6 credits of BIOL or CONS electives | ||
Option 4: | ||
| Ecology and Conservation Theory | ||
| Biodiversity Monitoring | ||
BIOL or CONS electives | ||
By the beginning of the undergraduate's senior year, they should first submit a Graduate Application for Accelerated Master's Program form (obtained from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs). Secondly, in their senior year accelerated master's students must complete the two graduate courses indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all coursework and in coursework applied to their major. Upon completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in a Green Leaf-designated program, in the semester indicated in the application, they must additionally submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form (found on the Office of the University Registrar website) and will subsequently be admitted into graduate status.
By at least the beginning of their senior year, they should seek out a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy who is willing to serve as their advisor (unless the student is planning to enroll in the MS concentration in Environmental Management). This advisor will aid the student in choosing the appropriate graduate courses to take and help to prepare the student for graduate studies. Admission into a research-oriented master's concentration is dependent upon securing the agreement of a faculty advisor. Faculty from a variety of departments and colleges at George Mason (called "program faculty") can serve as master's advisors. Potential students are encouraged to speak with the graduate program coordinator in the department to obtain guidance on this issue.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at Mason must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog, excluding the GRE exam requirement (which is not required for those enrolled in the accelerated program). This includes three letters of recommendation (at least one from a former professor or someone with a PhD), a recent resume, a statement of interest/research goals and interests (including information on the candidate's proposed MS research), and a letter from their advisor stating that the advisor agrees to take on the candidate as an MS student, how the candidate would be a good fit for them and why candidate's research topic would be suitable (please note that a letter of endorsement from an advisor not necessary for candidates taking the Environmental Management concentration).
For information specific to the accelerated Environmental Science and Policy, MS, see Graduate Admissions on the department's website.
Reserve Graduate Credits
Students admitted to this program may take graduate courses after completing 90 undergraduate credits, and up to 6 credits of appropriate environmentally-focused graduate coursework may be used in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree. If students earn at least a 3.00 GPA in these classes, they are granted advanced standing in the master's program and must then complete an additional 27-31 credits to receive the master's degree.
To apply these credits to the master's degree, students must request that the credits be moved from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree using the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form found on the Office of the University Registrar website (as noted above).
Students may take up to 6 additional environmentally-focused graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree but will reduce the subsequent master's degree credits accordingly (e.g., with 6 credits counted towards undergraduate degree plus the maximum 6 reserve credits, an MS could be completed with 21 post-bachelor's credits). The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department.