The aim of this degree is to provide students with technical skills and knowledge for rigorously investigating physical and social phenomena. The BS is a transformative approach that integrates science at George Mason University based on the combination of real-world computer science skills, data acquisition and analysis, scientific modeling, applied mathematics, and simulation. As an interdisciplinary STEM-designated program, this degree addresses the current central role of computation in the areas of "big data," modeling, and simulation. Graduates of the program will possess the computational, scientific, and mathematical skills necessary for participating effectively as members of the scientific simulation and data analysis groups that are of increasing importance in the federal and public sectors, and in high technology firms. Additionally, graduates of the program will be well prepared to pursue graduate studies.
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.
The university's writing intensive requirement for the major will be met upon successful completion of CDS 302 Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core).
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Core Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CDS 130 | Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CDS 151 | Data Ethics in an Information Society | 1 |
| CDS 230 | Modeling and Simulation I | 3 |
| CDS 301 | Scientific Information and Data Visualization | 3 |
| CDS 302 | Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| CDS 303 | Scientific Data Mining | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Extended Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 24 credits from the following: | 24 | |
| Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences (Mason Core) and Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Computational Social Science | ||
| Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Programming | ||
| Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Elements of Natural Language Processing | ||
| Elements of High Performance Computing | ||
| Machine Learning Applications in Science | ||
| Modeling and Simulation II | ||
| Computational Data Science | ||
| Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo Simulations | ||
| Image Operators and Processing | ||
| Computational Science Tools | ||
| Computational Science Programming | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Extended Multidisciplinary Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ||
| Select 10-11 credits from the following: | 10-11 | |
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis I | ||
or MATH 447 | Numerical Analysis II | |
or CDS 410 | Numerical Analysis II | |
| Statistics | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Introductory Statistics II | ||
| Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | ||
| Probability for Engineers | ||
| Science or Engineering | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following options: | 6 | |
Any STEM course offered by the College of Science or the College of Engineering and Computing. | ||
| Total Credits | 22-23 | |
Elective Credits and Mason Core
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 57-58 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
Elective Course Suggestions
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses listed in the Extended Multidisciplinary Core category that were not applied toward the credit requirement are excellent elective courses suggestions, as well as any course from the following: | ||
| CDS 290 | Topics in Computational and Data Sciences | 1-3 |
| CDS 486 | Advanced Topics in Computational and Data Sciences | 3 |
| CDS 490 | Directed Study and Research | 1-3 |
| CDS 491 | Internship | 1-3 |
| CDS 492 | Capstone in Data Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
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.
Computational and Data Sciences, BS/Computational Science, 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 Computational and Data Sciences, BS and the Computational Science, 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 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 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.
GRE-general scores are waived for graduates of BS degrees from any program in the College of Science or in the Volgenau School of Engineering at George Mason University.
Applicants must have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00. Additionally, applicants will have completed the following courses with a GPA of 3.00 or better:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CDS 205 | Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| or CDS 251 | Introduction to Scientific Programming | |
| CDS 230 | Modeling and Simulation I | 3 |
| CDS 301 | Scientific Information and Data Visualization | 3 |
| CDS 302 | Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CDS 303 | Scientific Data Mining | 3 |
| CDS 411 | Modeling and Simulation II | 3 |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo Simulations | ||
| Directed Study and Research | ||
| Computational Science Tools | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
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. Undergraduate students may not register for courses at the 700-level or higher.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| For students focusing on Data Science, the following courses are suggested: | ||
| CSI 501 | Computational Science Programming | 3 |
| CSI 672 | Statistical Inference | 3 |
| CSI 695 | Scientific Databases | 3 |
| STAT 544 | Applied Probability | 3 |
| For students focusing on Modeling, the following courses are suggested: | ||
| CSI 500 | Computational Science Tools | 3 |
| CSI 501 | Computational Science Programming | 3 |
| CSI 600 | Quantitative Foundations for Computational Sciences | 3 |
| CSI 690 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
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 |