HELP 2015-2016 University Catalog Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  SC-PHD-CSI

This program of study is offered by the Department of Computational and Data Sciences  in the College of Science.

Founded in 1992, the Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD  addresses the role of computation in science, mathematics, and engineering, and is designed around a core of advanced computer technology courses. Computational science is defined as the systematic development and application of computing systems and computational solution techniques for modeling and simulation of scientific and engineering phenomena. Informatics is defined as the systematic development and application of computing systems and computational solution techniques for analyzing data obtained through experiments, modeling, database searches, and instrumentation. The resulting interdisciplinary approach often leads to understanding that, in many cases, traditional theory or experimentation alone cannot provide. The close relationship of the Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD  to the research and development activities in federal laboratories, scientific institutions, and high-technology firms affords students opportunities for continued or new employment. Scheduled courses and sequences accommodate part-time students, with most courses meeting once a week in the late afternoon or early evening. The research and teaching activities associated with the program reflect the recognized role of computation as part of a triad with theory and experimentation, leading to a better understanding of nature.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies  section of this catalog. Students interested in applying for admission into the Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD  program should have a bachelor’s degree in any natural science, mathematics, engineering, or computer science with a minimum GPA of 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. All applicants to the PhD program should have a mathematics background up to and including differential equations. All applicants to the PhD program should also have knowledge of a computer programming language such as C, C++, FORTRAN, etc.

The GRE is required, unless the applicant holds a master’s degree from a regionally accredited school in the United States. A TOEFL score of 570 (paper-based test) or 230 (computer-based test), or 88 points total and a minimum of 20 points in each section (Internet-based test), is required for international students. The ETS code for Mason is 5827.

Students should submit a completed Mason Graduate Application along with three letters of recommendation, an expanded goals statement, and application fee in addition to the items listed above.

Applications should be received by March 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Applications requesting financial support must be received by February 1 for the fall semester. Please note that applications from local applicants may be accepted after these general deadlines.

For additional information, please contact the CSI graduate coordinator/advisor.

Reduction of Credit

For students entering the doctoral program with a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution, the number of required credits may be reduced up to 30 credits, subject to approval of the program faculty and the college’s associate dean. See the Graduate Policies  section of this catalog for more information.

Program of Study

The list of research areas tells only part of the story because the greatest strength of the Computational Sciences and Informatics, PhD  lies in its ability to foster and promote truly interdisciplinary research that crosses traditional domain boundaries. In the doctoral program, each student is presented with an exciting opportunity to create a new area of interdisciplinary inquiry that would not fit into a traditional PhD program. Students in the program use computationally intensive methods to solve current problems in these scientific areas.