Web: univstudies.gmu.edu
University Studies facilitates the holistic development of undergraduate students through academics, career exploration, self-discovery, and meaningful community engagement as they transition to, through, and beyond Mason.
University Studies empowers students to craft a successful college experience and prepare for their future. Our courses are open to all undergraduate students as they transition into Mason, learn how to engage in the college community, determine their career path and prepare for life after graduation by building a holistic set of skills and competencies. Our classes support Patriots’ journey of self-discovery and growth during their college years.
Please see all UNIV course offerings (UNIV 100-496) in this catalog. In addition to first-year transition courses, topics include: career education, academic success, transfer student transition, undergraduate research, well-being, student leadership, and more.
100 Level Courses
UNIV 100: Introduction to Mason. 1 credit.
This course assists first-year students with their transition from high school to college life at Mason. It helps students to be successful through academic skill-building, educational planning, and career preparation. It provides information regarding campus resources and ways to engage in the Mason community. Although all sections have a core curriculum, certain sections also focus on a particular theme, student population, or course of study. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 106, UNIV 108, UNIV 140, UNIV 150, UNIV 160.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Freshman.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 101: Extended Transition. 0-1 credits.
This course serves as a continuation of University 100 into the second freshman semester. It extends the transition support of international students, and other students in special sections of University 100. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to INYO 101, INYO 102, UNIV 151.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 106: Mason Transitions for Diverse Learners I. 0-1 credits.
Assists first-year students with their transition from high school to college life and offers the opportunity to learn resources, skills, and strategies that will guide them to academic success. This course is open only to diverse learners identified by Disability Services. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 1 credits. Equivalent to UNIV 100, UNIV 108, UNIV 150, UNIV 160.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
UNIV 108: Mason Transition. 0-1 credits.
Specialized transition to Mason courses with identified student populations. Notes: Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 2 credits. Equivalent to UNIV 100, UNIV 106, UNIV 140, UNIV 150, UNIV 160.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Freshman.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 110: Academic Success. 0-1 credits.
Focuses on academic transition and planning issues for students in their first or second year. Emphasis ls placed on resources and techniques to assist students with improving their academic performance. Students work closely with the instructor to track their academic progress over the course of the semester. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 150: First Year Learning Communities. 0-1 credits.
This course is available for students who are members of a first year LLC. It is the learning component of the program for students who live together on a residence hall floor. The course follows the core University 100 curriculum, but is tailored to the particular theme or academic discipline of the LLC. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 100, UNIV 106, UNIV 108, UNIV 140, UNIV 160.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Freshman.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 151: First Year Learning Communities Extended Transition. 0-1 credits.
This course serves as a continuation of University 150 into the second freshman semester. It extends the transition support of students in the First Learning Communities Program. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 101.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 160: University Scholars Transition Seminar. 0-2 credits.
A first year transition seminar for students in the University Scholars Program. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 100, UNIV 106, UNIV 108, UNIV 140, UNIV 150.
Recommended Prerequisite: Admittance to the University Scholars Program.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 170: Special Topics. 0-1 credits.
Varied UNIV course topics are offered to first and second year undergraduate students. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 3 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 180: First Year Bonner Seminar. 3 credits.
This course will explore concepts of community engagement, social justice, and social change. This course introduces an integrative learning experience to the ideas of community and civic engagement through the lens of critical service. Students should be able to define their role and the role of others within and outside of certain communities. Students will translate the knowledge gained from the course within and outside the classroom to further establish their connection and relationship to Mason and its surrounding community of Fairfax County. It offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about what is happening in their community and how to link projects, courses, and ideas to making impactful changes. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Schedule Type: Fieldwork
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 190: Introduction to Research Opportunities. 0-1 credits.
Provides an opportunity to learn more about participating in research and creative projects at Mason and acquire skills needed to be successful in research. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
200 Level Courses
UNIV 206: Mason Transitions for Diverse Learners II. 0-1 credits.
Explores identity and social development within the university environment. This course is open only to diverse learners identified by Disability Services. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 1 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
UNIV 220: Decide and Confirm Majors. 0-1 credits.
This course focuses on helping students clarify or choose a major or career. Students explore and assess their interests, values and skills, as well as research various majors, careers, and the world of work as information for the decision-making process. Notes: May not be taken with UNIV 320, UNIV 420, or UNIV 421 in the same semester. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Second-semester freshman standing.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Freshman or Sophomore.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 250: Second Year Living Learning Communities. 0-1 credits.
Students in a Second Year Living Learning Community live together on a residence hall floor and attend this course together to fulfill the learning component of the LLC program. Notes: For students who are members of a Second Year Living Learning Community. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
300 Level Courses
UNIV 300: Transfer Transition. 0-1 credits.
This course assists new transfer students with a successful transition to Mason. This course addresses academic success, time management, and course schedule planning, as well as graduate school/career readiness, degree requirements, and other university policies and procedures. Students explore campus resources and opportunities for engaging in the Mason community. Notes: Only transfer students in their first or second semester at Mason are eligible to take this course. Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 302, UNIV 303, UNIV 308.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 302: College of Science Transfer Transition. 0-1 credits.
This course is intended for new transfer students in the College of Science to assist them with a successful transition to Mason. This course addresses academic success, time management, and course schedule planning, as well as graduate school/career readiness, degree requirements, and other university policies and procedures. Students explore campus resources and opportunities for engaging in the Mason community. Notes: Only transfer students in their first or second semester at Mason are eligible to take this course. Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 300, UNIV 303, UNIV 308.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 303: Veteran Transition. 0-1 credits.
This course is for students with veteran status. Based on theory and research specific to the needs of veterans, this course builds a foundation for success in college and beyond, including career planning, translating military experience on a resume, practical interviewing techniques, and networking and engaging with other veterans in a military-friendly environment. Notes: Only transfer students in their first or second semester at Mason are eligible to take this course. Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 300, UNIV 302, UNIV 308.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 306: Mason Transitions for Diverse Learners III. 0-1 credits.
Helps students solidify major and career decisions, develop job-hunting strategies, and practice workplace skills. This course is open only to diverse learners identified by Disability Services. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 1 credits. Equivalent to UNIV 320.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
UNIV 308: Mason Transition. 0-1 credits.
Specialized transition to Mason courses with identified student populations. Notes: Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 2 credits. Equivalent to UNIV 300, UNIV 302, UNIV 303, UNIV 304.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 310: Academic Success. 0-1 credits.
Focuses on academic strengthening and planning issues for students in their third year or later. Emphasis is placed on resources and techniques to assist students with improving their academic performance. Students work closely with the instructor to track their academic progress over the course of the semester. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior, Senior Plus or Senior.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 320: Internship and Career Readiness. 0-1 credits.
This course helps students confirm major/career choices and actively pursue internships, research assistantships, and other career-related experiences. With a focus on career readiness, students prepare a resume and cover letter, practice interviewing techniques, and conduct career research. Notes: This course cannot overlap with UNIV 220, UNIV 420, or UNIV 421 during a semester or semester half. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to UNIV 306.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Students with a class of Freshman may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 330: Peer Leadership: Peer Advisors. 0-1 credits.
This course prepares undergraduate students to serve as University 100 Peer Advisors, a role that helps first-year students transition successfully from high school to college. This course provides Peer Advisors with the necessary information, tools, and resources to co-teach University 100 effectively. Notes: For students who have been selected as a Peer Advisor by the University Studies Program. Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 331: Peer Leadership: Patriot Leaders. 0-1 credits.
This course introduces students who will serve as Patriot Leaders to the principles of effective leadership. Students will apply knowledge gained through the course directly to their roles and responsibilities as Patriot Leaders through readings and discussions, experiential activities, and class assignments. Notes: For students who have been selected as a Patriot Leader by the New Student and Family Programs Office. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 1 credits.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 332: Peer Leadership: Resident Advisors. 0-1 credits.
For students who have been selected for Resident Advisor education by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Notes: Enrollment is contingent upon approval by University Studies in consultation with the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 2 credits.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 333: Peer Leadership: Peer Mentors. 0-1 credits.
Prepares students to serve as Peer Mentors in a variety of Mason departments and programs. Students learn and put into practice leadership approaches and strategies. They become familiar with communication tools and campus resources that will enable them to mentor fellow students successfully. Notes: For students who have been selected as a Peer Mentor in a Mason department or program. Only repeatable with department approval. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 350: Third Year Living Learning Communities. 0-1 credits.
Students in a Third Year Living Learning Community live together on a residence hall floor and attend this course together to fulfill the learning component of the LLC program. Notes: For students who are a member of a Third Year Living Learning Community. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 370: Special Topics. 0-1 credits.
Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 3 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 372: Mental Health First Aid. 0-1 credits.
This course trains and certifies students in Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Behavioral Health. Students will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses and will gain strategies to engage with someone demonstrating those signs and symptoms. Students explore the stigma associated with mental illness as well as cultural components and help-seeking behaviors. Students explore positive coping strategies and self-care as being relevant to the individual with the mental health concern and the individual providing assistance. This course is not repeatable for credit. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 380: Bonner Seminar Continuation. 0-1 credits.
This course will explore concepts of community engagement, social justice, and social change. This course builds upon previous coursework to integrate students understanding of community engagement and their actions with their service sites. Students will translate the knowledge gained from the course within and outside the classroom to further establish their connection and relationship to Mason and its surrounding community of Fairfax County. Students should be able to begin developing action plans for making positive and sustainable change within their service sites and in the broader community. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Schedule Type: Fieldwork
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 381: Foundations for Building a Just Society. 3 credits.
Aims to produce graduates who navigate the diverse world around them in a way that promotes justice, equity, and inclusion. This class provides foundational building blocks for that learning trajectory. In addition to engaging with course material (reading, podcasts, TED talks), students will grow through experiential learning and critical dialogue. Students will develop awareness, knowledge, analytical tools, and interpersonal skills related to diversity that will provide a foundation for exploration and constructive contributions to the George Mason community and beyond. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 391: Students as Scholars Scholarly Inquiry. 0-9 credits.
Students contribute to scholarly, research, or creative projects by engaging in the recursive process of scholarly inquiry as preparation for participation in an individualized original project. Students will hold regular meetings with their project mentor, and make satisfactory contributions to the project. Notes: Enrollment only with permission from OSCAR. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 27 credits.
Specialized Designation: Mason Impact.
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
400 Level Courses
UNIV 406: Mason Transitions for Diverse Learners IV. 0-1 credits.
Prepares students for the workplace or graduate school. Students will practice interviewing and interpersonal skills, as well as develop and practice strategies for success in post-graduation endeavors. This course is open only to diverse learners identified by Disability Services. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 1 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Special scale.
UNIV 420: College to Career. 0-1 credits.
This course supports second semester juniors, senior, and senior plus students with transitioning into the professional workplace. Students develop a tailored resume and cover letter, refine their interviewing skills, and discuss important workforce issues, such as compensation packages and workplace dynamics. Notes: This course cannot overlap with UNIV 220, UNIV 320, or UNIV 421 during a semester or semester half. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to ENGH 303, FRLN 309, GLOA 305, HIST 385, PHIL 393.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior Plus, Junior, Senior Plus or Senior.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 421: College to Graduate School. 0-1 credits.
This course supports second semester juniors and seniors. The academic emphasis is on transition readiness for graduate or professional school. Students learn about application and testing options and strategies, interviewing skills, budgeting, and career development. Notes: This course cannot overlap with UNIV 220, UNIV 320, or UNIV 420 during a semester or semester half. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior, Senior Plus or Senior.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 422: Professional Skills Development. 0-1 credits.
Is for seniors preparing for success in the workplace. Course topics include: building skills employers demand, advocating for yourself in challenging situations, preparing for performance reviews, understanding employment benefits such as compensation, health, and financial plans, and more. This course helps prepare students for meeting 21st century workplace challenges in a practical, experiential, and collaborative workplace-simulated environment. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Senior Plus or Senior.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 480: Bonner Seminar Capstone. 0-1 credits.
This course is focused on two primary objectives; finalizing capstone projects and moving into higher level leadership roles within the Bonner program. Over the duration of this course, the focus will be on individual and group leadership development, developing facilitation skills, planning for leading Bonner spring seminars, and laying the foundation for beginning capstone experiences during the fourth year. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 2 credits.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 490: Critical Decisions in Postgraduate Transitions. 0-1 credits.
This course guides and supports students through the postgraduate fellowship application process and postgraduate decisions. Students create a resume, complete a fellowship application, prepare for a scholarship interview, and refine their educational and career goals. Notes: Enrollment through the Office of Fellowships. Only repeatable with approval from the Office of Fellowships. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 1 credits.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 491: RS: Students as Scholars Individualized Scholarly Experience. 0-9 credits.
Students actively participate in the process of scholarship and make a significant contribution to the creation of scholarly, research, or creative project. Students meet regularly with their project mentor, make satisfactory progress towards the completion of the project, and create a disciplinary product for evaluation. Notes: Enrollment only with permission from OSCAR. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 27 credits.
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 495: RS: Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Seminar. 0-1 credits.
Students accepted into Undergraduate Research Scholars Program participate in a weekly seminar, hold regular meetings with their project mentor, and make satisfactory progress on their research or creative project. At the end of the semester, students either complete their project and present the results in a professional context, or apply for continuation through UNIV 496. See oscar.gmu.edu for more information and application. Notes: Enrollment only with acceptance into the URSP through OSCAR. Offered by Provost's Office. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
UNIV 496: RS: Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Continuation. 0 credits.
Students continuing their participation in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program hold regular meetings with their project mentor and make satisfactory progress on their research or creative project. At the end of the semester, students either complete their project and present the results in a professional context, or apply for continuation. See oscar.gmu.edu for more information and application. Notes: Enrollment only with acceptance into the URSP through OSCAR. Offered by Provost's Office. May be repeated within the degree.
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: UNIV 495.
Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.