Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are general education requirements (gen. ed.), and how does the Honors Program curriculum satisfy them?
A: To receive a degree at George Mason University all students must complete a set of core academic requirements (known at Mason as General Education requirements), as well as courses required in their major. General Education requirements ensure that students are introduced to a broad range of subjects that contribute to a liberal education, and provide instruction in writing and research skills that will enhance success in any field. In the Honors Program, students satisfy the University’s humanities and social science gen. ed. requirements through five specially-designed HNRS courses, called the “Core courses”. There is also a math requirement and a two-semester lab science requirement. AP/IB credits may substitute for some of these courses (see below). There are additional requirements depending on the type of degree and major.
Q: What are the LASS and STEM tracks?
A: Within the Honors Program, students have a choice of two tracks, determined by their majors and degrees. Each track consists of an additional two courses, beyond the Core Honors courses. Those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree have further General Education requirements which are satisfied through our LASS track (Liberal Arts and Social Science). Hence, BA students should choose the LASS track.
Students in a BS degree program may choose either track. To satisfy the STEM track requirements, students take at least two sections of department- and HPGE-designated honors courses.
Q: How do I apply for the Honors Program?
A: The Honors Program application is part of the application to George Mason University. To apply select the Honors and Scholars Program Application box and complete the additional essay.
Q: How can I find out if I have been accepted into the Honors Program?
A: The Admissions office at Mason sends out the acceptance letters for the Honors Program. To check on your status call the Admissions office at 703.993.2400.
Q: Where do Honors Program students live?
A: All Honors College students who elect the Honors Program curriculum receive priority housing and the opportunity to live in the Honors College LLC, which is housed in the best residence facilities available to freshmen at Mason, and provides living, learning, and recreational space designed to foster the development of community among Honors College students. Students who live in the Honors College LLC not only participate in a range of activities offered by the Honors College, they also have opportunities to collaborate with fellow students to create their own activities and programs. Each floor has a Resident Advisor to help plan activities and assist students in their transition to life at Mason.
Students also have the option of continuing to live in a Living and Learning Community (LLC) after their freshman year as well. If students decide not to live in the LLC they can live in the residence halls or off campus.
Q: How do I sign up for the honors section of a course on the STEM track?
A: To sign up for the Honors section of a course on the STEM track email Ms. Anderson (handers4@gmu.edu) with your g-number and the CRN of the course, and lab when applicable, to request registration. Make sure there is space in the lab you have selected before sending an email registration request. Students are signed up for these courses on a first come first served basis.
Q: How do AP/IB scores and dual-enrollment courses work for the Honors Program?
A: George Mason University awards credit for many AP and IB exams. Once you take an AP/IB exam or complete a dual-enrollment course you need to have the results/transcripts sent to the Admissions Office at Mason. The required scores for which credit is awarded can be viewed on the admission web page (admissions.gmu.edu/exams). Any exam you received a high enough score on will show up on your transcript for Mason as college credit as will any course you have completed before you attend Mason. Students who have achieved the required exam scores may substitute many of their exams for Honors Program courses. Exams that are not used for Honors Program requirements will be used for major, minor, or elective requirements. The entire Honors Program curriculum, with the exception of two courses, HNRS 110: Research Methods and HNRS 353: Technology in the Contemporary World, has AP and/or IB exam equivalents.
Once credit at Mason is given for AP/IB exams or dual-enrollment courses
those credits can be used to fulfill requirements at Mason, either in a major (or minor) or for your Honors Program requirements. Those courses that do not fulfill specific requirements will be used toward the 120 credits that are required to graduate.
For example, if you receive a 4 on the AP Environmental Science exam, the Admissions office will give you credit for EVPP 110 and 111, an eight-credit lab science course. The Honors Program will use those courses to fulfill your lab science course requirement. Also, if you receive a 5 on the AP United States History exam, the Admissions office will give you credit for HIST 121 and 122. HIST 121 can be used to substitute for HNRS 240: Reading the Past. HIST 122, however, cannot be used by the Honors Program, or for any regular general education requirements, since you will have already fulfilled your general education history requirement with HIST 121. The three credits you received for HIST 122 could possibly be used in your major. If they cannot be used in your major they will be applied as elective credits toward the 120 credits that are required to graduate.
Honors Course Substitutions:
HNRS Course |
AP/IB Exams Required |
HNRS 110 |
All Honors Program students are required to take HNRS 110 |
HNRS 122 |
|
HNRS 125 |
Calculus AB or BC |
HNRS 130 |
|
HNRS 131 |
And one of the following:
|
HNRS 227 |
|
HNRS 227 HNRS 228 |
|
HNRS 230 |
One of the following:
|
HNRS 240 |
|
HNRS 353 |
All Honors Program students are required to take HNRS 353 |
|
|
Q: What about AP/IB scores and dual-enrollment courses for STEM track courses?
A: Once Mason course credit has been awarded for your AP/IB exams and dual-enrollment courses, Honors will award a substitution for at most one STEM honors section. The Honors Program requires all honors students who choose the STEM track to take at least one STEM honors section. If you have received credit for all STEM track sections appropriate to your major contact Dr. Alligood.
Q: What do I do if a class is full and I have to be force added?
A: Students are added to full courses at the discretion of the faculty person teaching the course. To see if you can be added to a course contact the instructor directly.
Q: Who is my Advisor?
A: If you are pursing a Bachelors of Science or a Bachelors of Arts in a STEM degree your advisor is Dr. Alligood (alligood@gmu.edu).
If you are pursing a Bachelors of Arts your advisor is Ms. Anderson (handers4@gmu.edu).
If you are undecided or interested in pursing a degree in English your advisor is Dr. Burr (zburr@gmu.edu).
Q: How do I make an appointment to meet with an Advisor?
A: If you would like to make an appointment with your advisor email them directly to set-up a time for advising.