2015-2016 University Catalog 
  
2015-2016 University Catalog

Environmental GIS and Biodiversity Conservation Graduate Certificate


Banner code: SC-CERG-EGBC

This certificate is available through the College of Science , offered by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy , the Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science , and the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation .

As biodiversity is the life support system of our planet, it is important to prepare students for careers that require knowledge of both ecology and public policy. This certificate focuses in the fields of conservation biology, land use policy, conservation planning, and modern tools and approaches used in GIS to prepare students to tackle complex environmental challenges in a changing world.

This certificate is suitable for traditional students as well as for student-professionals (such as environmental scientists, managers, practitioners in government, and experts in non-governmental organizations) who wish to acquire further knowledge to advance their careers.

The certificate requires 18 credit hours (six courses). Students take 9 credits of required core courses, and then 9 credits from a list of electives. This certificate may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply, prospective students should complete the George Mason University Graduate Application. Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason must meet the admission standards and application requirements for study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies  section of this catalog. In addition, applicants should hold a BA or BS in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Requirements for Graduate Certificates

It is important for students to be aware of Mason’s Graduate Policies , particularly the section on ‘Requirements for Graduate Certificates ’.