The Honors Program Curriculum
The University General Education requirements are satisfied through a concentrated curriculum of Honors core courses. Students then have a choice of two tracks, determined by their majors and degrees. Those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree have further College General Education requirements which are satisfied through our LASS track (Liberal Arts and Social Science). The STEM track was designed for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, Economics, or Mathematics majors.
How Honors Courses Are Related To Your Major
Honors students are not restricted in their choice of majors or minors. Honors courses provide skills and perspectives that are valuable, whatever a student’s major. Many majors offer separate upper-level honors programs.
The Honors Community Beyond the Classroom
The Honors program offers students special access to the technical, intellectual, and artistic resources of the university and the national capital region. Outside the classroom, Honors students and faculty participate in field trips and social events, as well as lectures and discussions. Students enjoy informal community in the Honors Study Lounge, Computer Lab, and Residence Halls. Most students in the Honors Program choose to live in a residence hall reserved specifically for the Honors Living and Learning Community but this is not a requirement.
Admission
The Honors Program invites students who want to be challenged and have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in high school to join the Honors Program in General Education. Candidates applying to George Mason who also want to be considered for the Honors Program submit a separate essay which is included in the general Mason application. If your application meets the criteria for Honors, you will receive an invitation to the program shortly after you receive your acceptance to the university. Candidates are evaluated on the strength of their entire academic record, including their GPA and standardized tests scores as well as the rigor of their high school curricula. To complete the admission process, students will need to follow the instructions in the letter of invitation to confirm online their intention to enroll to the Program.