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George Mason University

Success for STEM Transfers

We're glad you're considering continuing your undergraduate education at Mason's College of Science

Did you know that more than a third of our College of Science undergraduate students are transfers? We are proud to offer innovative, transfer-focused programs and events to jumpstart your STEM transfer success story.*

Transfer

Transfer Pathways to Success

Community of STEM Transfer Researchers (C-STR)

Transfer Students, are you ready to start your STEM research journey?  Register for C-STR, a (non-residential) learning community exclusively for undergraduate transfer students pursuing any College of Science major or minor. Connect with peers, faculty mentors and other transfer students to successfully build your network and navigate Mason’s robust, Carnegie Research 1 scholarly community. 

C-STR is a two-semester program that begins with a Research Foundations Program in semester one, and a Research Readiness Program in semester two.  New cohorts are launched in Fall and Spring Semesters.  Join C-STR to receive:

  • Exclusive access to C-STR seminars and research-intensive course work to develop your research skills.
  • Priority selection for the 2025-26 RISE Scholars program, a bridge to undergraduate research program for students who transferred (check out RISE below).
  • Support with finding and applying for undergraduate research and internship positions, fellowships, and more!
  • Faculty and peer mentoring to support career planning, including graduate/health professions admissions.

C-STR is currently recruiting students for the Spring 2025 Research Foundations/Fall 2025 Research Readiness program.  If you transferred into Mason and have limited research experience, we hope you’ll join our Spring 2025 cohort.  Please register HERE before February 10, 2025.  

RISE Transfer Scholars Program

Launching in Spring 2025 - Transfer Students, did you know that undergraduate research is among the most important career development experiences for STEM majors?  In fact, most STEM graduate or health professions programs list multiple undergraduate research experiences as a key admissions requirement. 

Funded by the National Science Foundation’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES program, Pre-register for the RISE Transfer Scholars Program, a bridge to undergraduate research designed to meet the unique needs of students who transferred into Mason.  

Recruitment for RISE will begin in December, but to reserve your spot, register today for COS 300 (3 credits, asynchronous online).

Join RISE to receive:

  • In-depth introduction to research and professional practice through Mason Impact Research-Intensive & Green Leaf-certified course, COS 300, Professional Preparation for STEM Disciplines (3 credits).
  • Mentor matching support – get paired with a mentor to guide you in your research endeavors.
  • Paid six-week, mentored summer research experience culminating in a RISE Research Symposium in June 2025.  
  • Scholarship support ($1000 in Spring 2025 and a $5000 stipend in Summer A 2025).

Interested students should complete the interest form and enroll in COS 300 for Spring 2025, and will receive notification when the formal recruitment window opens in December.  Limited slots are available!  Priority is given to C-STR participants

STEM (& Pre-Med/Pre-Health) Virtual Transfer Info Sessions

Prospective transfer students, join us on the Second Tuesday and Last Friday of each month to:

  • Explore Mason’s STEM degree options, get transfer planning tips, and course recommendations for STEM and health professions-focused students.
  • Understand the different transfer pathways from Virginia Community Colleges, and how to transfer from other colleges/universities.  
  • Learn about STEM career readiness at Mason – including research and internships.
  • Investigate scholarships and resources for future STEM teachers, premeds and other future health professionals.

Please Register HERE (registration is capped at 10 students per session)

STEM & Pre-Med/Pre-Health Transfer Info Sessions: Spring 2025

Feb 11: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Feb 28: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Mar 11: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Mar 28: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Apr 8: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Apr 25: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

May 13: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

May 30: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

 

STEM/Pre-Health Transfer Pathways Planning Appointments

Prefer a one-on-one appointment? Map your transfer pathway to one of our cutting-edge STEM majors and minors here at Mason by signing up for a pre-transfer planning* appointment.  Sign up HERE. (day and evening appointments available).

* These sessions are intended for students who are 1+ semesters away from transferring to Mason. Admitted students who are actively transferring into the university should schedule a pre-orientation advising appointment through the Office of Transfer Services or by emailing ugradcos@gmu.edu.

Mason Science: Transfer Bootcamp

Pave your pathway to success as a first-semester Mason Science transfer student! Join us for one of our upcoming, interactive bootcamp that builds on what you learned in New Student Orientation and fully prepares you for life as a Mason Science undergraduate scholar.

New Transfer Bootcamp Agenda:

  • Your GPS to STEM Success: Navigating Mason as a Transfer Scholar
  • Get Mason Lab-Ready: Explore Lab Rules & Reporting
  • New Transfer Q&A

The Spring 2025 Transfer Bootcamp will be held on Wednesday, January 15 from 4:30-5:15 pm. Register HERE. Students who cannot attend the live session should register to receive a link to the session recording.  

VCCS Collaborative STEM Transfer Advising

Virginia Community College students and advisors: Check in with a COS transfer specialist to plan your pathway to Mason’s College of Science!  Choose the best option: 1) Collaborative Planning Session (Joint meeting with Student & VCCS Advisor); 2) VCCS Advisor Collaboration (Advisor-Specialist Session).  Email Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon at khilkerb@gmu.edu to request an appointment.

STEM Transfer Day

Students are raving about STEM Transfer Day!

“I enjoyed everything about the STEM Transfer Day event, from logistics to sessions, and souvenirs.”

“I ended up falling in love with the campus and what it has to offer.”

Discover what makes George Mason University a top destination for STEM transfer students. Mason is proud to be a Carnegie R1-ranked research institution with transfer-inclusive STEM and health programs designed to support your goals.

Event Highlights:

  • Explore cutting-edge research and internship opportunities.
  • Learn about programs and supports exclusively for transfer students.
  • Connect with award-winning STEM faculty and current transfer students.
  • Win Mason swag and prizes.
  • Enjoy complimentary event parking and an optional campus tour.

This event is perfect for STEM students who:

Thank you for joining us at STEM Transfer Day 2025!  Be sure to save the date for next year’s event: 🗓️ Friday, April 10, 2026 | 1:00–3:45 PM

You can find additional information about transferring to Mason through the Office of Transfer Services. 

If you have questions about our transfer programs, or if you would like additional information, please contact Kerin Hilker-Balkissoon, Director of Educational and Career Pathways, at khilkerb@gmu.edu.

* 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.