Biodefense PhD

The PhD program in biodefense is designed to prepare students to serve as scholars and professionals in the fields of biodefense and biosecurity. The program integrates knowledge of natural and man-made biological threats with the skills to develop and analyze policies and strategies for enhancing biosecurity. Other areas of biodefense including nonproliferation, intelligence and threat assessment, and medical / public health preparedness are integral parts of the program.

This program is run jointly with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Bioinformatics and Computational Biology PhD

The main objective of the Ph.D. program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is to train the next generation of computational biologists for careers in academia, industry, and government. The program provides students with an interdisciplinary academic environment, including fundamental biosciences courses as well as core and advanced courses in bioinformatics. In general, course requirements may be completed within the first two years of the program. The program is structured to be accessible by both full-time and part-time students.

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Biosciences PhD

The George Mason University Biosciences Doctoral Program is a research-oriented field of study that prepares students for significant contributions in an academic or industrial setting. Areas of emphasis include microarray analysis of gene expression; the sequencing and analysis of genes; gene family evolution; mechanisms of toxicology and mutagenesis; and biotechnological applications.

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Climate Dynamics PhD

The mission of the Ph.D. Degree Program in Climate Dynamics is to train the next generation of world leaders in the science of climate dynamics. Graduates of the program will have learned to carry out independent and innovative scientific research in climate dynamics. This may include emphasis on atmospheric dynamics, land surface processes or oceanography, but a familiarity with the interactions between the elements of the Earth system is essential. The graduate will have a demonstrated ability in theory, numerical modeling, or advanced data analysis. The core curriculum is designed to cover the essential knowledge base, which all students are expected to master.

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Computational Sciences and Informatics PhD

Founded in 1992, the innovative Computational Sciences and Informatics (CSI) doctoral program at George Mason University addresses the role of computation in science, mathematics, and engineering. Computational Sciences is defined as the development and application of computational methodologies and techniques to the modeling, simulation, and understanding of phenomena in the natural sciences and engineering. Informatics is defined as the design and implementation of complex software systems for the extraction of knowledge from large databases. The research and teaching activities associated with the CSI program reflect the recognized role of computation as part of a triad with theory and experimentation, leading to a better understanding of nature.

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Earth Systems and GeoInformation Sciences PhD

The Ph.D. in Earth Systems and GeoInformation (ESGS) has four concentrations:
Earth Systems Sciences, Geography, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science

Students pursuing this degree are required to develop expertise in both the Earth science and information technology areas related to Earth observing.

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Environmental Science & Public Policy PhD

This program provides training to contribute to the solution of complex environmental problems, which require the development of knowledge and skills in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data as well as in the integration of scientific understanding into the public policy process.

This interdisciplinary program draws on faculty and expertise from the Environmental Science and Policy core faculty as well as from the departments of Molecular and Microbiology, Public and International Affairs, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, and Sociology and Anthropology; and the schools of Computational Sciences, Public Policy, Information Technology and Engineering, and College of Education and Human Development.

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Mathematics PhD

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers courses in pure and applied mathematics leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. The PhD program will train mathematicians for further research, high-level teaching, and industrial employment. Students will have a solid grounding in mathematics, be exposed to contemporary problems and applications, use computational tools where appropriate, and be prepared to collaborate with others.

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Neuroscience PhD

The interdisciplinary Neuroscience Ph.D. program at George Mason University is a joint program between The College of Sciences (CoS), the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study at George Mason.

The main objective of the Ph.D. program in Neuroscience is to train students to be research scientists in academia, industry, and government. The program provides students with an interdisciplinary academic environment for comprehensively developing their intellectual ability to successfully pursue a career in the neurosciences.

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Physical Sciences PhD

Initiated in the Fall 2004 semester, the innovative Physical Sciences (PSCI) offered by the College of Sciences provides students with many opportunities to perform research with a primarily experimental or theoretical focus in the fields of astronomy, biophysical (biochemistry and biophysics), chemistry, and physics. The new degree SIMULTANEOUSLY ALLOWS STUDY EITHER IN THESE INDIVIDUAL AREAS AS WELL AS PURSUIT OF A MORE INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM. IN THE LATTER CASE, THE PREMISE IS that much of the most exciting research in the physical sciences is now interdisciplinary - in the broadest sense of that word - and that students can therefore best be trained to become successful research scientists in an interdisciplinary program. This premise is rapidly becoming accepted in the academic marketplace, as evidenced by the increasing number of opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary scientific research teams at corporations, laboratories, and universities around the nation.

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Physics PhD

The mission of the Physics PhD program offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy is to train the next generation of research physicists in academia, industry, and government. Graduates of the program will have learned to carry out independent and innovative scientific research in physics and astronomy. Our faculty members are dynamic, well-known in their fields, highly productive in research, and student-oriented. Students within our program will have the opportunities to research in many cutting-edge fields in applied physics, astrophysics, atomic physics, atmospheric and ionospheric physics, biological physics (including neuroscience and biomedical physics), condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, materials science, nonlinear dynamics, nuclear physics, planetary science, and space weather & plasma astrophysics.

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Applied and Engineering Physics MS

The M.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics contains both elements of traditional physics programs and the application of physics to a diversity of critical societal problems. The program is divided into two emphases. The applied physics emphasis is intended for those who wish to apply the techniques and subject areas of physics to multifaceted problems encountered in the workplace, particularly in physics, engineering, computational science and other related areas. The engineering physics emphasis, jointly administered with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, allows students to select a larger number of courses from electrical engineering.

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Biodefense MS

The MS in biodefense provides students with a foundation in the science and technology of biodefense and the opportunity to specialize in the areas of intelligence and threat assessment, nonproliferation, and medical and public health preparedness. Students are able to select a concentration in one of two fields: International Security or Homeland Security.

This program is run jointly with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Bioinformatics and Computational Biology MS

The M.S. degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational biologists. The degree combines a solid foundation in biotechnology with computational skills required for bioinformatics. The flexibility of the degree structure permits students to custom-design their curriculum under an advisor’s guidance, making this especially relevant for students employed in today’s diverse biotechnology workplace. Students completing the program are qualified to pursue careers that require knowledge of current bioinformatics methods and the ability to develop new bioinformatics software.

Biology MS

The Master’s of Science in Biology degree is administered by the Department of Molecular and Microbiology. This core life science discipline offers a diversity of concentrations and is taught both by faculty in MMB and by faculty from the Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP).

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Chemistry MS

The Chemistry Department offers an M.S. Degree in Chemistry. The program provides advanced training for recent college graduates, professionals in teaching, and technical workers in research organizations who have an interest in chemistry.

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Computational Science MS

The interdisciplinary M.S. program in Computational Science offered by CDS is an innovative new degree that addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational scientists. It combines a solid foundation in information technology skills with computational courses in a variety of scientific areas. All courses are offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate students with full-time employment outside the university.

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Earth Systems Science MS

The innovative, interdisciplinary MS in Earth Systems Science addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained professionals in Earth systems science and applications. The MS in Earth Systems Science (ESS) emphasizes a research-oriented global systems approach to the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, including their interrelationships and their interactions with the biosphere. Emphasis is on the observation and quantitative analysis of Earth systems science with a global perspective, and which involves the biological and human dimensions. This is particularly important as societal, governmental, such as NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise, and international, such as IGBP, Earth science program priorities evolve to include biological and human dimensions.

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Environmental Science and Policy MS

The MS in Environmental Science and Policy is designed to meet the increasing need to train environmental professionals and who will address the problems of land and water management, land use and urbanization, wetland loss, and ecosystem preservation. These professionals will also contribute to the analysis and resolution of global problems such as deforestation, insufficient world food supplies, acid deposition, population growth and public health, global warming, and depletion of the ozone layer. Areas of specific departmental focus include ecosystem, conservation, and sustainability science, policy, and management.

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Geographic and Cartographic Sciences MS

The master’s of science in geographic and cartographic sciences at Mason focuses on techniques of compilation, display, and analysis of spatial data. The program’s objective is to produce geographers with a solid understanding of the techniques of spatial data and the ability to apply those techniques to a variety of issues. The MS program offers two options: 36 credit hours and a comprehensive examination, or 24 credit hours and a thesis. Courses from other departments and other universities may be applied to the program with prior approval. Students may select internships as part of their program. Program graduates have proceeded to positions in government and industry and doctoral-level work.

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Mathematics MS

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers courses in pure and applied mathematics leading to the degree of Master of Science in Mathematics. The Master of Science in Mathematics addresses the needs of professionals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree. Most of our students are part-time and hold full or part-time jobs, though some are full-time students. All classes are offered in the evening (4:30pm or later). The program offers both a standard mathematics program and an emphasis in computational and applied mathematics.

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Certificate in Actuarial Sciences

The department of Mathematics offers a Graduate Certificate in Actuarial Sciences. This 18-credit program can be completed in three semesters and prepares the student for Society of Actuaries Courses 2-4 and Causality Actuary Society Exams 2-4.

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Certificate in Bioinformatics

The Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology offers a graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics to meet the growing needs for trained bioinformatics specialists. Ideal candidates for this certificate have a background in biological and computer sciences, and are either currently working in or planning to enter into the fields of biotechnology or bioinformatics. The certificate is especially designed for professionals who are interested in advancing their career goals, but who may not have adequate time available to undertake a graduate degree program.

The 15-credit certificate is based upon the set of core courses currently supporting the Bioinformatics M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs, along with a set of elective courses. Students completing the Certificate in Bioinformatics will receive the most up-to-date advanced bioinformatics education available in the region. Completion of the certificate will enhance the careers of those students who are already working in this area, and can also serve as a useful intermediate step towards later enrollment in the Bioinformatics M.S. or Ph.D. degree program.

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Certificate in Computational Techniques and Applications

In addition to the Ph.D. and Masters degrees, CDS also offers a separate Certificate in Computational Techniques and Applications which affords students an opportunity to improve their basic computational skills. The Certificate is independent of the doctoral program and is designed primarily for technical professionals, but it also provides prospective and currently enrolled Ph.D. students with a useful intermediate step before undertaking the dissertation.

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Certificate in Environmental Management

The graduate certificate allows students to expand their knowledge of the environment and environmental management beyond their undergraduate training. It offers a professional credential to students who might not have the time or background to enroll in a graduate degree program requiring a thesis or dissertation. Students desiring admission to the MS or PhD programs in environmental science and policy (ESP) who do not currently meet admission requirements can demonstrate their ability to do degree work through successful completion of the certificate with excellent academic achievement.

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Certificate in Forensics

The College of Science offers a graduate Certificate in Forensics to meet the growing needs for trained specialists in the area of forensics. Ideal candidates for this certificate have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have a strong interest in forensics. The certificate is ideal for professionals either currently working in or planning to enter into the fields of law enforcement and forensics. The certificate is especially designed for professionals who are interested in advancing their career goals, but who may not have adequate time available to undertake a graduate degree program, as all classes meet once a week and are offered at 4:30 or 7:20 PM. A background in Chemistry or Biology is useful, but not required, since the program contains both science and non-science tracks. The 18-credit certificate begins with a set of two core courses designed specifically for this program. Students will then take three courses unique to their track, either forensic science or general forensics, before finishing with a final capstone course that integrates knowledge and skills learned in both tracks. Students completing the Certificate in Forensics will receive the most up-to-date advanced forensic science education available in the region from renowned George Mason faculty and local forensics experts. Completion of the certificate will enhance the careers of those students who are already working in this area, and can also serve as a useful intermediate step towards later enrollment in a Forensic Science M.S. or Ph.D. degree program.

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Certificate in Geoinformation Science

The GIScience Graduate Certificate is designed to help students pursue careers in the rapidly expanding opportunities in the geographic and mapping sciences. The certificate requires 15 credit hours (five courses). Three courses are required, and two are electives. Courses taken for the GIScience Certificate may be applied to the departmental master’s degree.

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Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence

The Geospatial Intelligence (GI) certificate requires a total of 18 credit hours, or 6 courses. These comprise 5 mandatory core courses and one elective. The mandatory core courses reflect the three key science concentration areas (CA) of this program, namely geospatial image analysis, spatial analysis, and information technology.

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Certificate in Nanotechnology and Nanoscience

Nanotechnology and Nanoscience are of great importance in a wide range of industries and are fundamental for the success of the region and the nation in the 21st century. Hence it is imperative that these fields be incorporated into the education of the next generation of applied scientists and engineers. To this extent, the Mason Nanotechnology Forum has developed a Graduate Certificate in Nanotechnology and Nanoscience to address the need for qualified professionals in these critical areas. The Mason NANO graduate certificate is composed of five courses (15 credit hours) focusing on two key areas of knowledge: (1) nanomaterials and nanostructures and their relation to bulk materials, and (2) methods for characterization and production of nanomaterials. This certificate program will be attractive to students and professionals who wish to benefit from the employment boom in the nanoscience fields. Graduates will be well prepared to fill the demand for personnel with nanoscience training who can serve as process controllers in area fabrication facilities, and/or participate as members of interdisciplinary science teams.

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Certificate in Remote Sensing and Earth Image Processing

The primary mission of the proposed graduate certificate in Remote Sensing and Earth Image Processing is to equip students to meet the needs of society by working in the rapidly developing remote sensing industry. With this certificate, we intend to provide advanced and up-to-date training for students currently working in this field who would like to enhance their skills in this area and acquire the latest knowledge in remote sensing technology. Some of the potential students may be those who would like to enter this field of work, and may have some prior training, but do not yet have an in-depth educational background, training and skills. In other words, this certificate will help to “re-train” the workforce to meet the new challenges in the area of Remote Sensing/Earth Observing, and to prepare the population for the job market in this area.

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