The BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies is a joint program between the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Science.
This degree provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge of three aspects of environmental and sustainability studies: people, prosperity, and planet. In addition to required core courses, students develop more in-depth knowledge in their choice of concentration. This degree prepares students for employment and graduate study in fields related to social justice, business and public policy, and environmental protection as they relate to the environment and sustainability.
This is a Green Leaf program.
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 pursuing this degree must complete a minimum of 60 credits within the major, with a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course.
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
This is a Green Leaf program.
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Of the credits required for this degree, 14 credits simultaneously fulfill core requirements for the major and Mason Core requirements, and, depending on the concentration and electives chosen, up to 9 credits may simultaneously fulfill Mason Core requirements and college BA requirements.
Core Courses in the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science and Society | ||
| EVPP 377 | Applied Ecology | 3 |
| And completion of one of the following sequences: 1 | 11-12 | |
| Ecosphere - Introduction to Environmental Science I-Lecture (Mason Core) and Ecosphere- Introduction to Environmental Science I- Lab (Mason Core) and Ecosphere: Introduction to Environmental Science II-Lecture (Mason Core) and Ecosphere: Introduction to Environmental Science II–Lab (Mason Core) and Tackling Wicked Problems in Society the Environment (Mason Core) | ||
| or | ||
| Environmental Biology: Molecules and Cells and Environmental Science: Biological Diversity and Ecosystems and Environmental Science: Biomes and Human Dimensions | ||
| Individual and Group Behavior | ||
| INTS 334 | Environmental Justice (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Business and Public Policy | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Economics for the Citizen (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | ||
| Environmental Economics for the Citizen (Mason Core) | ||
| EVPP 322 | Business and Sustainability | 3 |
| EVPP 361 | Introduction to Environmental Policy 2 | 3 |
| or GOVT 361 | Introduction to Environmental Policy | |
| Statistics | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Mason Core) | ||
| Biostatistics for Biology Majors | ||
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Integration, Analysis, Innovation | ||
| INTS 210 | Sustainable World (Mason Core) | 4 |
| EVPP 480 | Sustainability in Action (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| International Internship (Mason Core) (minimum of 3 credits required) | ||
| Experiential Learning (minimum of 3 credits required) | ||
| Experiential Learning (minimum of 3 credits required) | ||
| Internship (minimum of 3 credits required) | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy (minimum of 3 credits required) | ||
| Internship (minimum of 3 credits required) | ||
| Total Credits | 41-43 | |
- 1
EVPP 110 can be used toward EVPP 108/109 and EVPP 111 can be used toward EVPP 112/113.
- 2
Satisfies the college BA requirement for social and behavioral science.
Concentration in the Major
Available Concentrations
- Concentration in Business and Sustainability (BUSU)
- Concentration in Climate Change and Society (CCSO)
- Concentration in Conservation and Sustainability (CSUS)
- Concentration in Environmental Policy (EVP)
- Concentration in Equity and Environmental Justice (EQEJ)
- Concentration in Sustainable Food and Agriculture (SFG)
Concentration in Business and Sustainability (BUSU)
The requirements for this concentration, depending on the electives chosen, may satisfy the college BA requirement in philosophy and religious studies (PHIL 243 Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core), PHIL 305 Business Ethics).
Students who have already taken and received credit for OSCM 303 Operations Management shall substitute it for MBUS 306 Managing Projects and Operations. Both courses cannot be taken for credit. Students who have taken and received credit for both ACCT 203 Survey of Accounting and FNAN 303 Financial Management shall substitute the combination for MBUS 300 Accounting in a Global Economy. All three courses cannot be taken for credit.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MBUS 300 | Accounting in a Global Economy | 3 |
| MBUS 306 | Managing Projects and Operations | 3 |
| MGMT 303 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| Additional Course | ||
| Select one course (3 credits) from the following: | 3 | |
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Social Innovation in Action | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing a New Enterprise | ||
| Introduction to Entrepreneurship | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Two Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses (6 credits) from the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Economics of Environmental Policy | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Leadership Theory and Practice | ||
| Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) | ||
| Business Ethics | ||
Other course work with advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Concentration in Climate Change and Society (CCSO)
The requirements for this concentration, depending on the electives chosen, may satisfy the college BA requirement in philosophy and religious studies (PHIL 243 Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core), PHIL 343 Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core)).
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLIM 101 | Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core) | 3-4 |
| or GGS 121 | Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Mason Core) | |
| EVPP 432 | Energy Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 436 | Politics of Climate Change Governance | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
Three Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three courses (9 credits) from the following: | 9 | |
| Archaeology of Climate Change | ||
| Introduction to Global Climate Change Science (Mason Core) | ||
| Severe and Extreme Weather | ||
| Air Pollution | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | ||
| Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands (Mason Core) | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Urban Ecosystems and Processes | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Global Environmental Hazards | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Introduction to Weather and Climate | ||
| Physical Climatology | ||
| Severe and Extreme Weather | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) 1 | ||
| Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) 1 | ||
Other course work with advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Satisfies the college BA requirement in philosophy and religious studies.
Concentration in Conservation and Sustainability (CSUS)
Smithsonian-Mason Program
Students complete one of the programs offered through the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in cooperation with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Conservation, Biodiversity and Society Option (16 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONS 320 | Conservation in Practice | 3 |
| CONS 401 | Conservation Theory | 3 |
| CONS 402 | Applied Conservation | 4 |
| CONS 410 | Human Dimensions in Conservation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 490 | RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation Option (16 credits)
Offered only in Fall semesters, students complete four required courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONS 400 | Conservation Seminar | 2 |
| CONS 404 | Biodiversity Monitoring | 4 |
| CONS 405 | Landscape and Macrosystems Ecology | 4 |
| CONS 496 | Research in Conservation (Mason Core) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Endangered Species and Conservation Option (16 credits)
Offered only in Spring semesters, students complete four required courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONS 400 | Conservation Seminar | 2 |
| CONS 406 | Small Population Management | 4 |
| CONS 491 | RS: Conservation Management Planning (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CONS 496 | Research in Conservation (Mason Core) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Three Credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of three credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Insect Biology (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Introductory Animal Behavior | ||
| Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries (Mason Core) | ||
| Freshwater Ecosystems | ||
EVPP 355 | ||
| Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands (Mason Core) | ||
EVPP 401 | ||
| Mushrooms, Molds and Society | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | ||
| Marine Conservation | ||
| Beekeeping and Sustainability | ||
| Conservation Medicine | ||
| Fundamentals of Environmental Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Energy Policy | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Politics of Climate Change Governance | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Herpetology | ||
| Marine Ecology | ||
| Fungi and Ecosystems | ||
| Infectious Diseases of Wildlife | ||
| Global Biodiversity Governance | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Introduction to Conservation Studies (Mason Core) | ||
| Science in the News (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Movements and Community Activism (Mason Core) | ||
| The Mysteries of Migration: Consequences for Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | ||
| Sustainable Food Systems | ||
| Food Systems and Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Conservation Biology (Mason Core) | ||
| Conservation Behavior (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
Other course work with advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Concentration in Environmental Policy (EVP)
The requirements for this concentration satisfy the Mason Core requirement in social and behavioral science (ECON 104 Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core)) and, depending on the elective chosen, may fulfill the college BA requirement in non-Western culture (ECON 362 African Economic Development (Mason Core)).
Required Courses
Completion of these courses will satisfy the Mason Core social and behavioral science requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EVPP 338 | Economics of Environmental Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 362 | Intermediate Environmental Policy | 3 |
| or GOVT 362 | Intermediate Environmental Policy | |
| GOVT 351 | Administration in the Political System | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Nine Credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of nine credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Environment and Culture | ||
| Politics and the Mass Media | ||
| Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) (if not used to meet the Business and Public Policy core requirement) | ||
| Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | ||
| Intermediate Microeconomics | ||
| Intermediate Macroeconomics | ||
| Public Finance | ||
| Introduction to Econometrics | ||
| Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | ||
| Game Theory and Economics of Institutions | ||
| Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries (Mason Core) | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
EVPP 401 | ||
| Energy Policy | ||
| Earth Science and Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Legislative Behavior | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Public Policy Making | ||
| Administrative Law and Procedures | ||
| Issues in Public Policy and Administration | ||
| The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | ||
| Food Systems and Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
Other course work with advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Concentration in Equity and Environmental Justice (EQEJ)
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EVPP 362 | Intermediate Environmental Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 436 | Politics of Climate Change Governance | 3 |
| INTS 336 | Poverty, Wealth and Inequality in the US (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 337 | Social Justice Consciousness and Action | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Six Credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of six credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Environment and Culture | ||
| Human Rights and Inequality | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Human Rights | ||
| Social Movements and Community Activism (Mason Core) | ||
| The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Justice and Human Rights (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Innovation in Action | ||
| Globalization and Social Change (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Inequality (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
Other course work with advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Concentration in Sustainable Food and Agriculture (SFG)
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTS 370 | Sustainable Food Systems | 6 |
| INTS 371 | Food Systems and Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 470 | Professional Pathways in Sustainable Food Systems | 1 |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
Eight Credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of eight credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Food and Human Evolution | ||
| Food and Culture | ||
| Plant Diversity and Evolution | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands (Mason Core) | ||
| Beekeeping and Sustainability | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Politics of Climate Change Governance | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Nutrition and Food Security | ||
| Taste and Place | ||
| Food Security | ||
| Community Nutrition | ||
| Urban Agriculture | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when topic is relevant with approval) | ||
Other course work with advisor approval | ||
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as "writing intensive" in their major at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in environmental and sustainability studies should consult an advisor to learn how to fulfill this requirement.
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.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
College Level Requirements for 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:
- PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory
- PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
- PHIL 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory
- PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career
- PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Additionally, PHIL 253, RELI 235, RELI 333, and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature 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 (Mason Core) | ||
| 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 Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Urban 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 and HIST 125 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 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (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 317 | East Asian Cultures | 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 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 360 | Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | 3 |
| ARAB 365 | Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core) | 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 317 | The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (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 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 320 | Contemporary Chinese Film | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 470 | Special Topics in Chinese Studies | 3 |
| DANC 118 | Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 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 317 | Geography of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Politics of East Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 338 | Politics of Eurasia | 3 |
| GOVT 340 | Central Asian Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 341 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 345 | Islam and Politics | 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 (Mason Core) | 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 in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 377 | The Vietnam War (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| 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 |
| JAPA 380 | Japan in Motion | 3 |
| KORE 300 | Korean Culture and Society | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| KORE 385 | Introduction to Korean Linguistics | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 312 | Islam (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 317 | Daoism | 3 |
| RELI 318 | Korean Philosophy and Religions | 3 |
| RELI 338 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 342 | Comparative Study of Mysticism | 3 |
| RELI 344 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 358 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 367 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 368 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 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 |
| WMST 407 | Transnational Sexualities | 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
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 (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. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht 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.
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies Sample Plan of Study
A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes
- Individual and Group Behavior (people): critically assess the part individuals and communities have played in creating environmental challenges, the diversity of ethical and social justice issues raised by human interactions with the environment, and understand how individuals and communities can use these ethical insights as a foundation to devise and implement solutions to address these problems;
- Business and Public Policy (prosperity): analytically consider how political institutions, markets and businesses have interacted with the environment, and the pivotal role they have in developing solutions that address environmental concerns;
- Environmental Science and Society (planet): identify the components and interactions that make up the ecosystem, and how this system responds to natural and human interactions;
- Integration and Analysis: integrate and apply the knowledge of the three aspects of environmental and sustainability studies to practical applications within the community and to critically assess and devise plans that address the social factors related to natural resource use;
- Written and Oral Communication: communicate effectively in a written format and apply appropriate rhetorical standards (e.g., audience adaptation, language, argument, organization, evidence, etc.). Students will also communicate effectively in an oral format, applying appropriate rhetorical standards (e.g., audience adaptation, language, argument, organization, evidence, etc.).
- Innovation: contribute to the global movement towards realizing a more healthy, just and sustainable society;
- Concentrated Expertise: create in-depth knowledge in one of six concentration areas related to environmental and sustainability studies.
The accelerated master's program below specifies the BA in environmental and sustainability studies as a feeder degree for its program. Many other accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Environmental Science and Policy, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain a Green Leaf-designated bachelor's degree and the Environmental Science and Policy, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 141-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.
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 the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
The GRE exam is not required for this accelerated master's program.
Students should submit 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 (Perspective Advisor Form) 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.
Students with an overall GPA of at least 3.20 who are pursuing any Green Leaf-designated major or minor may apply to 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 (Mason Core) | ||
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 BIOL or CONS electives | ||
Graduate Advisor
By at least the beginning of their senior year, students should seek out a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy who is willing to serve as their advisor. 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 University (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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| EVPP 518 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| EVPP 529 | Environmental Science Communication | 3 |
| EVPP 621 | Overview of Biodiversity Conservation | 3 |
| EVPP 635 | Environment and Society | 3 |