This undergraduate minor will train more versatile scientists by educating them on the interplay between science and policy, broadening their perspectives, and providing a pathway for those who wish to pursue policy-related careers.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor.
A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required for all coursework applied to the minor.
For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 15
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Pre-Internship Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COS 310 | Introduction to Science Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COS 315 | Science Policy Internship Preparation | 1 |
| EVPP 429 | Environmental Science Communication | 3 |
| Choose any 3 credit GOVT course. Suggestions include, but are not limited to: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Technology Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Responsible Innovation | ||
| Science and Technology Institutions/Policy | ||
| Cybersecurity Policy | ||
| Political Theory of Autonomous Algorithms | ||
| Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society | ||
| Public Interest Technology | ||
| Choose any 1 credit seminar offered by the College of Science, the College of Engineering and Computing, or the Schar School of Policy and Government. Suggestions include, but are not limited to: | 1 | |
| Alternative Careers in Biology | ||
| Professional Practice and Management in Engineering | ||
| Data Ethics in an Information Society | ||
| Computer Ethics and Society | ||
| Colloquium in Geoinformation Science | ||
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Internship
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students will explore internship sites during their enrollment in COS 310. Once a site is identified, students will work with their minor advisor to arrange the internship. A final paper is expected at the internship's conclusion. | ||
| Select one course from the following options: | 3 | |
| Forensic Internship | ||
| GGS Internship | ||
| Internship | ||
Post-Internship Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students will expand upon their internship's final paper during their enrollment in COS 320. | ||
| COS 320 | Science Policy in Practice | 1 |