The Geography, BS is designed to offer students the opportunity to study the integrated social and environmental processes that continuously shape and reshape the world we live in. This major provides students with broad training across the core subdisciplines of geography (human, physical, and GIScience), emphasizing application and technique-driven coursework, in addition to a rigorous science and mathematics curriculum. Students will find numerous opportunities for employment in both the private and public sectors, as well as in academia. Given their interdisciplinary approach and uniquely spatial perspective, geographers are well suited to address important local, regional, and global challenges in today's world.

The Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science fosters a supportive, active learning environment in which students are encouraged to work closely with both faculty and peers. The curriculum in this major provides students with the analytical, technical, and practical training that prepares them to be successful in an ever-evolving job market. For students who wish to pursue their interest in geography via a more flexible degree program, the department also offers a Geography, BA.

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.

GGS 415 Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology (Mason Core) fulfills the writing intensive requirement.

For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Banner Code: SC-BS-GEOG

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Candidates for the Geography, BS degree must complete the Core Courses, Breadth and Experience Courses, Elective Courses, and one concentration, all with a minimum GPA of 2.00:

Geography

Core Courses

GGS 102Physical Geography (Mason Core)3-4
or GGS 121 Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Mason Core)
or GGS 122 Dynamic Geosphere and Ecosphere
GGS 103Human Geography (Mason Core)3
GGS 110Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies3
GGS 300Quantitative Methods for Geographical Analysis3
GGS 310Cartographic Design3
GGS 311Geographic Information Systems3
GGS 415Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology (Mason Core) 13
GGS 485Capstone in Geography and Geoinformation Science3
Total Credits24-25
1

Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.

Breadth and Experience Courses

Spatial Computing
GGS 366Spatial Computing3
GGS 379Remote Sensing3
MATH 113Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core)4
Systematic Courses
Select one from the following courses:3
Political Geography (Mason Core)
Global Environmental Hazards
Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core)
Population Geography (Mason Core)
Economic Geography
Urban Geography
Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development
Introduction to Weather and Climate
Physical Climatology
Severe and Extreme Weather
Biogeography
Health Geography
Military Geography
Geography of Religions and Belief Systems
Urban Planning
Select Topics in GGS
Regional Courses
Select one from the following courses:3
Geography of the United States
Geography of Latin America
Geography of China (Mason Core)
Geography of Europe
Geography of North Africa and the Middle East
Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia
Issues in Regional Geography
Geography of Virginia
Total Credits16

Elective Courses

Select 3 credits of GGS courses3
Select 6 credits of upper division GGS courses6
Total Credits9

Geoinformatics Concentration (GINF)

Geoinformatics is a technical field of study in geography in which digital spatial information is captured, stored, processed, visualized, and analyzed. Geoinformatics encompasses theories and methods of understanding geoinformation, and broadly incorporates geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), cartography and geovisualization, and spatial computing. Students that complete the Geoinformatics Concentration develop skills in applying spatial scientific techniques to digital spatial information, in order to address complex challenges in social and environmental systems.

Select 6 courses from the following; no more than two courses outside of the GGS prefix are permitted:18-19
Field Mapping Techniques
Field Mapping Techniques
Data Analysis and Global Change Detection Techniques
Geovisualization
Satellite Image Analysis
Drone Remote Sensing
Physical Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing of the Environment and Earth System
Spatial Modeling for Public Health
Web-based Geographic Information Systems
RS: GIS Analysis and Application
Special Topics in Geographic Techniques
GGS Independent Study (when the topic has been approved by an advisor)
Business Analytics I (Mason Core)
Computing for Scientists (Mason Core)
Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation
Modeling and Simulation I
Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core)
Machine Learning Applications in Science
Computational Data Science
Crime and Place
Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core)
Fundamentals of Environmental Geographic Information Systems
Modern Methods in Geology
Database Fundamentals
Machine Learning for Information Sciences
Introduction to Business Information Systems (Mason Core)
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Mason Core)
Analysis of Social Data
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)
Introduction to Statistical Practice I
Introduction to Probability Models and Simulation
Introductory Statistics II
Introduction to Computing for Digital Systems Engineering (Mason Core)
Total Credits18-19

Geospatial Intelligence Concentration (GI)

The geospatial intelligence (or geointelligence) concentration is designed for students to deepen their knowledge about computational approaches to geoinformation, with particular emphasis in techniques of remote sensing and digital image analysis. While geospatial intelligence has a strong Department of Defense connotation, the techniques developed in this concentration have wide applicability regarding location intelligence over a diverse range of uses and in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Core Courses
GGS 384Special Topics in Geospatial Intelligence3
CRIM 310Introduction to the Intelligence Community3
Remote Sensing Electives
Select three courses from the following:9
Satellite Image Analysis
Drone Remote Sensing
Physical Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing of the Environment and Earth System
Special Topics in Geographic Techniques (When the topic has been approved by an advisor)
GGS Independent Study (When the topic has been approved by an advisor)
Intelligence Electives
Select one course from the following:3-4
Image Operators and Processing
Intelligence Analysis Techniques
Counterintelligence
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society
American Security Policy
International Security
Mathematics of Cryptography: An Introduction
Big Data, Technology, and Society
Analysis of Social Data
Total Credits18-19

Urban Science Concentration (URBS)

We are living in an increasingly urban world. As concentrations of human activity, cities and urban environments are data-rich, requiring geo-computational approaches to understand complex city systems and urban challenges. Through this concentration, students will apply geoinformational techniques to large-scale data to urban phenomenon like transportation, mobility, urban planning, and urban development.

Core Courses
GGS 306Urban Geography3
CDS 303Scientific Data Mining3
Urban Electives
Select two courses from the following: 16-7
Urban Planning
Urban Planning
Urban Anthropology (Mason Core)
Design of Cities (Mason Core)
Community Engagement and Collaborative Problem Solving
Urban Ecosystems and Processes
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (When the topic is "Urban Smart Growth Strategies")
Issues in Public Policy and Administration (when title is "Urban Economic Development in Smart Growth Era")
Urban Agriculture
The Urban World (Mason Core)
Mapping and Spatial Analysis Electives
Select one course from the following:3
Field Mapping Techniques
Geovisualization
Satellite Image Analysis
Spatial Modeling for Public Health
Web-based Geographic Information Systems
RS: GIS Analysis and Application
Special Topics in Geographic Techniques (When the topic has been approved by an advisor)
GGS Independent Study (When the topic has been approved by an advisor)
Computational Data Science Electives
Select one course from the following:3
Introduction to Computational Social Science
Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation
Modeling and Simulation I
Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core)
Scientific Information and Data Visualization
Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core)
Computational Data Science
Total Credits18-19
1

Other urban topics courses may be taken with advisor approval.

Mason Core and Elective Credits

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional 51-53 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements, Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and electives. 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.)
Foundation Requirements
Written Communication (lower-level)3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Information Technology and Computing3
Exploration Requirements
Arts3
Global Contexts3
Global History3
Literature3
Natural Science7
Social and Behavioral Sciences3
Just Societies (optional) 1
Integration Requirements
Written Communication (upper-level)3
Writing Intensive 23
Mason Apex 33
Total Credits40
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.

Honors in the Major

To graduate with departmental honors in Geography, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in GGS courses, an overall GPA of 3.50, and complete the following courses each with a grade of 'B+' or above:

GGS 463RS: GIS Analysis and Application3
GGS 499GGS Independent Study 13
3 credits of 500-699 level GGS courses 23
1

Before registering for this course, students must have identified a topic under the guidance of a full-time faculty member following departmental guidelines.

2

Eligibility for these courses is restricted to students who obtain permission from the undergraduate coordinator or those in the Accelerated Master’s program.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS

Overview

Offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Sciences (GGS) in the College of Science, this bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program enables highly qualified undergraduates to obtain any Mason bachelor's degree and the Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. The program strategy enables students to undertake graduate coursework during their final year in the bachelor's degree. In the case of a 120 credit bachelor's program, this accelerated master's option can be completed as a 138 credit program (thesis option) or 145 credit program (comprehensive exam option). This accelerated pathway prepares students for professional careers where geoinformation management, geographic analysis, and geospatial visualization are of importance. 

Students in this accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the bachelor's program and the Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, MS. While the information below is largely comprehensive, students are strongly encouraged to also review AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Application Requirements

Students with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for provisional acceptance into this accelerated master's program after completing at least 60 undergraduate credits. Additionally, students they must have completed the following courses with a combined GPA of 3.0 or better: GGS 300 Quantitative Methods for Geographical AnalysisGGS 311 Geographic Information Systems, and any one upper level GGS-prefixed course.

Applicants to all graduate programs at Mason must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions section of this catalog. However, this accelerated master's does not require GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, CV/resume, or a statement of interest.

While being undergraduate students, accelerated master's students must complete the graduate courses indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application (obtained from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs) with a minimum grade of B in each course. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework and in coursework applied to their major.

At the beginning of their final undergraduate semester, they must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form (found on the Office of the University Registrar website). Students must begin their master's program in the semester immediately following the term of undergraduate degree conferral. Students should consult with their faculty advisor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science and the Office of Academic and Student Affairs to obtain further guidance.

Accelerated Option Requirements

Students admitted to this program may start taking graduate courses after completing 75 undergraduate credits. It is recommended that students register for one of the following courses in their first semester of accelerated coursework:

GGS 551Cartographic Design3
GGS 553Geographic Information Systems3
GGS 560Quantitative Methods3
GGS 579Remote Sensing3

Including the course chosen above, up to 12 credits of graduate coursework may be applied to both undergraduate degree and the master's degree. If students earn at least a B in these classes, they are granted advanced standing in the master's program and must then complete 18 (thesis option) or 25 (comprehensive exam option) additional credits to receive the master's degree. All other master's degree requirements must be met. 

Reserve Graduate Credit

During the bachelor's degree status, students may take up to 6 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. With 12 credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18. The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department. To apply the reserved credits to the master's degree, students must request their transfer from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree via the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form found on the Office of the University Registrar website. 

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS

Overview

Offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Sciences (GGS) in the College of Science, this bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program enables highly qualified undergraduates to obtain any Mason bachelor's degree and the Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. The program strategy enables students to undertake graduate coursework during their final year in the bachelor's degree. In the case of a 120 credit bachelor's program, this accelerated master's option can be completed as a 141 credit program. This accelerated pathway prepares students for professional careers where geoinformation management, geographic analysis, and geointelligence and geovisualization are of importance. 

Students in this accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the bachelor's program and the Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, MS. While the information below is largely comprehensive, students are strongly encouraged to also review AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Application Requirements

Students with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for provisional acceptance into this accelerated master's program after completing at least 60 undergraduate credits. Additionally, students must have completed the following courses with a combined GPA of 3.0 or better: GGS 300 Quantitative Methods for Geographical AnalysisGGS 311 Geographic Information Systems, and any one upper level GGS-prefixed course.

Applicants to all graduate programs at Mason must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions section of this catalog. However, this accelerated master's does not require GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, CV/resume, or a statement of interest.

While being undergraduate students, accelerated master's students must complete the graduate courses indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program Application (obtained from the Office of Academic and Student Affairs) with a minimum grade of B in each course. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework and in coursework applied to their major.

At the beginning of their final undergraduate semester, they must submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form (found on the Office of the University Registrar website). Students must begin their master's program in the semester immediately following the term of undergraduate degree conferral. Students should consult with their faculty advisor in the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science and the Office of Academic and Student Affairs to obtain further guidance.

Accelerated Option Requirements

Students admitted to this program may start taking graduate courses after completing 75 undergraduate credits. It is recommended that students register for one of the following courses in their first semester of accelerated coursework:

GGS 550Geospatial Science Fundamentals3
GGS 553Geographic Information Systems3
GGS 579Remote Sensing3
GGS 684Selected Topics in Geospatial Intelligence3

Including the course chosen above, up to 12 credits of graduate coursework may be applied to both undergraduate degree and the master's degree. If students earn at least a B in these classes, they are granted advanced standing in the master's program and must then complete 21 additional credits to receive the master's degree. All other master's degree requirements must be met. 

Reserve Graduate Credit

During the bachelor's degree status, students may take up to 6 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. With 12 credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18. The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with the permission of the department. To apply the reserved credits to the master's degree, students must request their transfer from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree via the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form found on the Office of the University Registrar website.