2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
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2015-2016 University Catalog

Global and Environmental Change, BS

Banner Code:  SC-BS-GLEC

This program of study is offered by the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science  in the College of Science .

This interdisciplinary undergraduate program is one of the first of its kind in the nation. It distinguishes itself from other degrees in the natural sciences by examining local, regional, and global scales to better understand the dynamics of the Earth’s systems (the geosphere, the atmosphere, the ecosphere, the sociosphere) and their interactions. In addition, it emphasizes the dynamic and changing Earth systems and the use of Earth observing and remote sensing and related geoinformation technologies in detecting changes. It is jointly offered with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy .

In meeting the requirements for this major, students choose a focus in environmental change (i.e. impacts of sea level rise on the Chesapeake Bay) or global change (i.e. global causes of sea level and detection).

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees  including the Mason Core . Through the coursework listed below, Global and Environmental Change, BS  majors satisfy Mason Core  requirements in ‘Natural Science’, ‘Quantitative Reasoning’, ‘Information Technology’, ‘Global Understanding’, ‘Social and Behavioral Science’, and ‘Synthesis’.

GGS 304  meets the writing intensive requirement for this major.

This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please go to Green Leaf Programs and Courses .

Degree Requirements

Two Required Ecosphere Core Courses (8 credits)

Students take either the GGS sequence:

Four Required Core Courses in Global and Environmental Change (12-13 credits)

Four Required Courses in Geosphere and Atmosphere (13-15 credits)

Choose from two options (Mason Core: Natural Science  courses):

Plus 3 Courses From:

Four Required Courses in Ecosphere and Sociosphere (12-13 credits)

Two Required Courses in Applications and Techniques of Detecting Global Change (6 credits)

Choose two from:

One Supporting Science Sequence Beyond Mason Core Requirements (8 credits)

Choose one of these 8-credit Mason Core: Natural Science  course sequences:

Four Required Supporting Mathematics and IT Courses (14 credits)

General Electives

  • Students choose 27-31 additional credits in consultation with their advisor.

Mason Core and Elective Credits (12-20 credits)

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 12-20 credits, which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), requirements for bachelor’s degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Mason Core

Please note that some Mason Core  requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.

Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category:

Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)

Core Requirements (22 credits)

Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits