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George Mason University

College of Science Learning Communities

Connect with other students of similar interests and goals.

Find Your STEM Community at Mason

Connect with other students, build your network, and explore STEM opportunities beyond the classroom. College of Science learning communities bring students together around shared experiences, interests, and goals while providing connections to faculty, research, careers, and the broader Mason Science community.

Choose the experience that best fits where you are in your Mason journey.

Mason Science Experience: First-Year Residential Learning Community

Start your Mason experience as part of a residential community of students interested in science, research, and STEM careers.

  • Open to first-year students from all majors
  • Live with other Mason Science Experience students
  • Build connections with faculty and STEM peers from your first semester
  • Explore research, internships, careers, and professional pathways
  • Participate in STEM-focused activities, excursions, and community events
  • Complete COS 100: Introduction to Science as a Profession
  • Optional affinity groups include Aspiring Health Professionals and SUSTAIN@Mason

Best fit for: First-year students who want a STEM-focused residential experience.

Learn More About the Mason Science Experience

Pathways in Science: First-Year Non-Residential Experience

Are you looking for a Science-focused first-year experience without a residential requirement? Pathways in Science connects first-year College of Science students with academic, career, and community-building opportunities.

  • Designed for first-year College of Science majors and minors outside the Mason Science Experience RLC
  • Meet other first-year STEM students
  • Connect early with faculty and College of Science resources
  • Explore undergraduate research, internships, and STEM careers
  • Participate in community events, STEM activities, and experiential learning
  • Complete COS 100: Introduction to Science as a Profession
  • Access optional Aspiring Health Professionals and SUSTAIN@Mason programming

Best fit for: First-year College of Science students who want a strong STEM community while living off campus or in another residential community.

[Explore Pathways in Science]

STEM Solutions & Sustainable Futures: Upper-Level Residential Learning Community

Live and learn with students interested in using STEM to tackle complex challenges facing communities and the world.

  • Open to upper-level students from all majors
  • Explore global challenges through interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Connect STEM innovation with sustainability and community impact
  • Participate in applied projects, citizen science, and experiential activities
  • Build career connections and leadership skills
  • Engage with peers who want to translate ideas into solutions
  • No required course; students are encouraged to enroll in COS 300 or a Green Leaf-designated course

Best fit for: Upper-level students interested in STEM innovation, sustainability, and solving real-world problems.

[Learn More About STEM Solutions & Sustainable Futures]

Community of STEM Transfer Researchers (C-STR): Transfer Student Learning Community

Build your pathway into undergraduate research through a community designed specifically for College of Science transfer students.

  • Non-residential community for undergraduate transfer students
  • Open to College of Science majors and minors
  • Develop foundational research skills and research readiness
  • Learn how to identify and pursue research, internship, and fellowship opportunities
  • Connect with faculty, peers, and other transfer students
  • Receive mentoring related to research, careers, and graduate or health professions pathways
  • Participate in a two-semester experience with new cohorts beginning in fall and spring

Best fit for: Transfer students who want to build research experience and prepare for advanced STEM opportunities.

[Explore C-STR]

Why join a learning community? 

Mason Science Posters

 

  • College of Science learning communities can help you:
  • Find your people and build connections with students who share your interests
  • Meet faculty outside the traditional classroom
  • Explore research and internships earlier in your Mason experience
  • Prepare for STEM careers and graduate or professional study
  • Build practical skills through projects and experiential learning
  • Stay connected to opportunities throughout the College of Science
  • Whether you are beginning your first semester, continuing your Mason journey, or arriving as a transfer student, there is a Mason Science community designed to help you connect, explore, and grow.

Discover more about Mason's Learning Communities.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.