The Environmental Science, BS provides students with rigorous training in the fundamental science of the environment and in the application of key scientific principles to the analysis of environmental processes and problems. Subsequently, the program introduces students to the development of practical responses to those problems. The program covers ecological systems, environmental policy, fundamental techniques of environmental science and engineering, protection and improvement of environmental quality, and public and private decision-making processes. Graduates of the program are prepared to undertake careers in a variety of environmental science fields and are also qualified to pursue advanced scientific/professional education.
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 must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.
Students can fulfill the writing intensive requirement for this major by taking EVPP 337 Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries (Mason Core).
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
This is a Green Leaf program.
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Please note that all CONS courses are offered through the Smithsonian-Mason Semester.
Core Requirements
All students must complete the following core courses:
Environmental Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EVPP 210 | Environmental Biology: Molecules and Cells | 4 |
| EVPP 301 | Environmental Science: Biological Diversity and Ecosystems | 4 |
| EVPP 302 | Environmental Science: Biomes and Human Dimensions | 4 |
| EVPP 305 | Environmental Microbiology Essentials | 3 |
| EVPP 306 | Environmental Microbiology Essentials Laboratory | 1 |
| EVPP 337 | Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| EVPP 361 | Introduction to Environmental Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 377 | Applied Ecology | 3 |
| EVPP 430 | Fundamentals of Environmental Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| BIOL 214 | Biostatistics for Biology Majors 2 | 4 |
| or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Tackling Wicked Problems in Society the Environment (Mason Core) | ||
| Economics of Environmental Policy | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| Global Biodiversity Governance | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3-4 | |
| RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | ||
| Sustainability in Action (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 38-39 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
- 2
BIOL 214 Biostatistics for Biology Majors is recommended by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.
Chemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 211 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 212 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 214 | General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following two options: | 4-6 | |
| Option One: Select one course from the following: | ||
| Linear Mathematical Modeling (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Option Two: Complete the following courses: | ||
| Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A | ||
| Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 4-6 | |
Geology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOL 102 & GEOL 104 | Historical Geology (Mason Core) and Historical Geology Laboratory (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Information Technology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CDS 130 | Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Experiential Learning
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least one from the following: | 1-6 | |
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship | ||
| Research in Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 1-6 | |
Concentration in Conservation (CNSV)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 21 credits from the following: 1 | 21 | |
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Freshwater Ecosystems | ||
| RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | ||
| Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands (Mason Core) | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Field Course | ||
| Marine Conservation | ||
| Conservation Medicine | ||
| Planetary Health | ||
| Field Environmental Science 2 | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Global Biodiversity Governance | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship | ||
| BioDiversity | ||
| Selected Topics in Biology 2 | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Conservation in Practice | ||
| Conservation Seminar | ||
| Conservation Theory | ||
| Applied Conservation | ||
| Biodiversity Monitoring | ||
| Landscape and Macrosystems Ecology | ||
| Small Population Management | ||
| Human Dimensions in Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) (Synthesis course) | ||
| RS: Conservation Management Planning (Mason Core) | ||
| Research in Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics in Conservation | ||
| Independent Study/Research | ||
| The Mysteries of Migration: Consequences for Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
Alternative courses may be taken as approved by the program coordinator. | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
Credits must be unique to this concentration and are not permitted to share with the Core Requirements in this degree.
Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that they do not exceed allowable credits of EVPP 395 and EVPP 494.
- 2
In a relevant topic.
Concentration in Ecological Science (ECSI)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 21 unique credits from the following: 1 | 21 | |
| Oceanography | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Freshwater Ecosystems | ||
| RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | ||
| Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands (Mason Core) | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Mushrooms, Molds and Society | ||
| Conservation Medicine | ||
| Planetary Health | ||
| Environmental Science Communication | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Field Environmental Science 2 | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Marine Ecology | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship | ||
| BioDiversity | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Selected Topics in Biology 2 | ||
| Fungi and Ecosystems | ||
| Environmental Geology (Mason Core) | ||
| Soil Science | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Sustainable Land Development | ||
| Water Supply and Distribution | ||
| Water Resources Planning and Design | ||
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes | ||
Alternative courses may be taken as approved by the program coordinator. | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
Credits must be unique to this concentration and are not permitted to share with the Core Requirements in this degree.
Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that they do not exceed allowable credits of EVPP 395 and EVPP 494.
- 2
In a relevant topic.
Concentration in Environmental Health (EVHL)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EVPP 427 | Conservation Medicine | 3 |
| EVPP 445 | Principles of Environmental Toxicology | 3 |
| Course Options | ||
| Select at least 15 credits from the following 1 | 15 | |
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Planetary Health | ||
| Field Environmental Science 2 | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Applied and Industrial Microbiology | ||
| Medical Microbiology | ||
| Histology | ||
| Air Pollution | ||
| Global Environmental Hazards | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Global Health (Mason Core) | ||
| Health and Environment | ||
Alternative courses may be taken as approved by the program coordinator. | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
Credits must be unique to this concentration and are not permitted to share with the Core Requirements in this degree.
Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that they do not exceed allowable credits of EVPP 395 and EVPP 494.
- 2
In a relevant topic.
Concentration in Human and Ecosystem Response to Climate Change (HERC)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Course Options | ||
| Select 21 unique credits from the following courses; at least 15 of these credits must be in EVPP-prefixed courses: 1 | 21 | |
| Oceanography | ||
| Tackling Wicked Problems in Society the Environment (Mason Core) | ||
| Economics of Environmental Policy | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | ||
| Nature and Culture in Global Wetlands (Mason Core) | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Conservation Medicine | ||
| Planetary Health | ||
| Environmental Science Communication | ||
| Energy Policy | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Politics of Climate Change Governance | ||
| Field Environmental Science | ||
| Global Biodiversity Governance | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Coral Reef Ecology, Health, and Conservation | ||
| Coral Reef Ecology, Health, and Conservation Lab/Field Experience | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship | ||
| Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Physical Climatology | ||
| Severe and Extreme Weather | ||
| Air Pollution | ||
| Topics in Climate Research | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Mason Core) | ||
| Global Environmental Hazards | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Introduction to Weather and Climate | ||
| Physical Climatology | ||
| Severe and Extreme Weather | ||
| Biogeography | ||
| Data Analysis and Global Change Detection Techniques | ||
| Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) | ||
Alternative courses may be taken as approved by the program coordinator. | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
Credits must be unique to this concentration and are not permitted to share with the Core Requirements in this degree.
Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that they do not exceed allowable credits of EVPP 395 and EVPP 494.
Concentration in Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Ecology (MEFC)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EVPP 309 | Oceanography | 3 |
| EVPP 350 | Freshwater Ecosystems | 4 |
| EVPP 421 | Marine Conservation | 3 |
| EVPP 449 | Marine Ecology | 3 |
| Course Options | ||
| Select at least 8 credits from the following: 1 | 8 | |
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Coastal Morphology and Processes | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Field Course | ||
| Conservation Medicine | ||
| Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus | ||
| Field Environmental Science 2 | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship | ||
| Coastal Morphology and Processes | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| The Diversity of Fishes | ||
| Marine Geology | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
Alternative courses may be taken as approved by the program coordinator. | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
Credits must be unique to this concentration and are not permitted to share with the Core Requirements in this degree.
Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that they do not exceed allowable credits of EVPP 395 and EVPP 494.
- 2
In a relevant topic.
Concentration in Wildlife Conservation and Management (WICM)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: 1 | 15 | |
| Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Directed Topic in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | ||
| Conservation Medicine | ||
| Planetary Health | ||
| Principles of Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy | ||
| Internship 2 | ||
| Plant Biology | ||
| Plant Diversity and Evolution | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| General Genetics | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Insect Biology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Herpetology | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | ||
| Infectious Diseases Wildlife | ||
| People With Nature | ||
| Park Management and Operations | ||
| Human Behavior in Natural Environments | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
- 1
Credits must be unique to this concentration and are not permitted to share with the Core Requirements in this degree.
Students should consult with an advisor to ensure that they do not exceed allowable credits of EVPP 395 and EVPP 494.
- 2
In a topic relevant to wildlife.
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 33-41 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.
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'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 |