Opportunities for Impact

Our greatest assets are the talented students and faculty who create the unique environment that positions our College to solve the world’s big problems.  While already one of the most diverse Colleges of Science in the country, our Science Includes initiative calls for advances in diversity in gender and underrepresented populations, as well as an enhanced focus on an inclusive culture within the College. 

As a recently designated R-1 University, we are unique in this distinguished ranking in our demonstrated commitment to broad access to students from all backgrounds and places in life.  We fiercely compete with wealthy private universities to support our exceptionally diverse and talented individuals. Other institutions' endowments translate into powerful discretionary funds for research infrastructure, competitive salary support for their faculty, and enticing scholarship support for students. Our programs also face a mounting challenge with threats of decreased funding from NSF, NIH and other federal agencies, and dwindling state support. As one of the world's preeminent universities, we must increase our support for our students and faculty and empower these amazing minds with the tools and world-class facilities they need to advance the frontiers of science.

• 62% of Mason Science undergraduate students are female
• 51% of Mason Science graduate students are female
• 47% of Mason Science students are from underrepresented populations
• %% of Mason students are first generation college students and
• %%  maintain jobs while pursuing their degrees.

Your support for our students and faculty will advance our commitment to diversity and inclusion, while providing the resources necessary to solve today’s urgent problems and train tomorrow’s scientists.

Environment, Climate, and Conservations Sciences are growing academic and professional forces spanning the twin domains of the natural and social sciences. The College of Science is focused on understanding and implementing science and policy to address and solve complex environmental issues that challenge the integrity and sustainability of global systems.

Department of Environmental Science and Policy

Environmental Science and Policy students who are trained in environmental policy, conservation sciences, climate change, aquatic ecology, wildlife management or one health, go on to professional careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector.

Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences

From simulating atmospheric temperature to explaining geological layers to tracing ocean circulation, the Atmospheric Science, Climate, and Earth Science Department (AOES) gives students new tools to explore our planet. You will benefit from the wide range of faculty expertise across undergraduate and graduate programs in AOES.

Biomedical and Health Sciences are comprised of multiple disciplines. Mason houses the first formal PhD program in Bioinformatics in the world, making us a leader in education and innovation. Undergraduate biology students learn in a lab-focused program with hands-on training and award-winning faculty. Graduate level systems biology focuses on understanding the structure and function of biological systems through data obtained using theoretical, experimental, and computational methodologies. 

Research is at the heart of every chemistry and biochemistry discipline including biomedicine. Students are trained to answer the unanswered questions by solving complex problems. Research and excellence at Mason starts in the classroom, and continues at our Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine (CAPMM) and the Center for Drug Discovery for Rare Diseases.

Department of Biology

With 1,300 students majoring in Biology, it is the largest major in the College of Science and second largest at Mason. In spite on the size of the program, the average biology lab size is 24 students.

School of Systems Biology

Systems biology focuses on understanding the structure and function of biological systems on multiple levels — from molecules to organisms — through data obtained using theoretical, experimental, and computational methodologies.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Research is at the heart of every chemistry and biochemistry discipline including biomedicine. Students are trained to answer the unanswered questions by solving complex problems. Our multicultural faculty and staff reflect the student population of the National Capital region, allowing the diverse members of our community to thrive.

Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine

Proteomics- the study of proteins, how the communicate and interact, and how these actions affect biology- is the newest frontier in molecular medicine. Developing new technologies to make new discoveries in the field of disease pathogens and applying these discoveries to implement strategies for disease prevention, early diagnosis and individualized therapy are at the heart of the center's mission.

Center for Drug Discovery for Rare Diseases (Coming Soon)

In today’s digitized age, technology advances the way we live and work. In the rapidly evolving world of global business, corporate, medical, and military industries rely heavily on data scientists who can accurately analyze and predict phenomena based on data.

Department of Computational and Data Sciences
The “science of data” and the exploration of evolving analytical techniques is the unique focus of the fast-growing Department of Computational and Data Sciences. Mason is a global leader in computational and data sciences, our program is one of only a few offering degrees at all levels: bachelors, masters and PhD. 

Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science
A Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS) degree provides students with state-of-the-art geospatial knowledge to pursue careers in industry and academia. Given our Washington, D.C. metro area location and our students’ expertise, there are numerous internship and employment opportunities in GGS ranging from startup companies to federal agencies.

Center for Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence (CMAI)
CMAI is a thriving partnership between George Mason University, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, and the Department of Navy. The center organizes conferences, workshops, a visitor program, educational programs via tutorials, summer schools, and active involvement in the GMU Department of Mathematical Sciences graduate program.

Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC)
The Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC) at George Mason University supports the exploration of these high-risk high-reward ideas by fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary, community-focused environment at Mason. This provides a unique environment for graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to make transformative contributions to quantum technology.  

The College of Science at George Mason University blends traditional science education with sought-after programs in molecular medicine, climate dynamics, planetary science, forensic science, environmental studies, and geoinformation science to prepare students for exciting careers at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary scientific domains. The foundations of science are at the core of every discipline and provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience to pursue their scientific interests.

Department of Mathematics
Students in majoring in mathematics are prepared for the abundance of consulting, teaching and government jobs in the Washington, D.C. area. In addition to undergraduate studies, Mason offers a vibrant graduate mathematics program that awards MS and PhD degrees. Students can specialize in a diverse selection of areas in pure, applied and computational mathematics.

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Research is at the heart of every chemistry and biochemistry discipline including biomedicine. Students are trained to answer the unaswered questions by solving complex problems. Our multicultural faculty and staff reflect the student population of the National Capital region, allowing the diverse members of our community to thrive.

Department of Physics & Astronomy
Physics and astronomy students with rigorous problem-solving skills and analytical training to prepare them for STEM careers in academia, research and industry. Our faculty and students collaborate with local and national research institutions, including the Naval Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA, the Jefferson Laboratory, and many others to push the boundaries of physics and astronomy research.

Mason Observatory
The George Mason University Observatory is located on the Fairfax Campus, on the roof of Research Hall and officially opened on January 24, 2007. The observatory is a community resource as well as an aid to Mason students in the learning of astronomy.

Females of Color Underrepresented in the Sciences (FOCUS)
Females of Color Underrepresented in the Sciences (FOCUS) provides hands-on stem workshops, leadership training, and college preparation for middle and high school girls.

Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
The George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program was established in 2007 by Dr. Lance Liotta, Dr. Emanuel Petricoin III, and Dr. Virginia Espina to give university undergraduates (from any university) and high school students 16 and older, who have an interest in STEM, access to real-world, hands-on research. 

Global Stem Scholars Program
The Global STEM Scholars Program provides a 4 to 5 day rigorous and immersive STEM experience for cohorts of secondary students from developing nations.

STEM Bridge Experience
Before classes start in August, this week-long residential camp welcomes incoming students with lab experiences, exam preparation, and lectures by Mason faculty. Students attend advising and career sessions, while working and living with other Mason STEM accepted freshmen. The Boot Camp has two available tracks: biology/chemistry and math/physical sciences/engineering.