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George Mason University

Pathways in Science First-Year Initiative

Pathways in Science

Pathways in Science is a first-year experience program designed for students who are not part of the Mason Science Residential Learning Community (RLC)* but want to actively engage in the College of Science's research, career, and community-building opportunities.

 

Students in biology lab class

Explore STEM Beyond the Classroom with the Pathways in Science First Year Experience

Seeking a fulfilling first-year STEM experience? Join other College of Science majors and minors in our First Year Experience (FYE) program, and dive into the worlds of scientific inquiry, cutting-edge research, and the STEM careers shaping the future.

The Pathways in Science FYE program is your GPS to STEM Success!  Build early connections with faculty, explore STEM internship and research opportunities, and engage with a dynamic community of fellow STEM students.  Dive deeper and explore specialized interests in our optional RLC/FYE Affinity Groups, including SUSTAIN@Mason and Aspiring Health Professionals (AHP).  Enjoy fun, off-campus excursions, mid-semester “stressbuster” events and build your leadership skills through our annual Citizen Science Challenge, while building life-long friendships with peers who share similar interests and goals. 

Pathways in Science students jumpstart their STEM success in COS 100, our mandatory, hands-on FYE course that builds key skills in research, problem-solving, and science communication.  Selected students will be registered for COS 100 by the College of Science.

Who Can Participate?

The Pathways in Science program is open to first-year students pursuing a major or minor in the College of Science who are not a part of the Mason Science Residential Learning Community (RLC).* Special consideration for selection is given to students who:

  • Live off campus or select on-campus settings (such as the Honors RLC).
  • Completed Mason’s Early Identification Program, Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), or the College of Science STEM Bridge/Math Bootcamp Experiences.

Questions?  Contact Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon, Director of Community Engagement and Career Pathways, at khilkerb@gmu.edu.

*Students in the Mason Science Experience Residential Learning Community (RLC) automatically receive access to all Pathways in Science FYE programs and events, and more!  Check out our residential learning community HERE!

Register for Pathways in Science

* 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.