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Here’s how course credit from the following Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) undergraduate programs can apply to degree programs at George Mason University:

Minors

Minor in Conservation Studies

Students in any degree program at George Mason University can earn a Minor in Conservation
Studies
 by successfully completing any one of the three undergraduate SMSC semester programs.

In order to earn the conservation studies minor, you must:

  • Meet university requirements for all minors and review guidelines on the minor in conservation studies.
  • Meet with the advisor for this minor who will process your undergraduate minor declaration form.
  • Choose one of the three SMSC undergraduate programs and apply for admission.
  • Receive a minimum 2.00 GPA in each course you take in the program.
  • Have at least eight (8) credits that are unique to the minor. In other words, while some credits may apply to both your major/concentration/another minor, at least eight (8) of the credits must apply only to your conservation studies minor.

Minor in Sustainability Studies

Some credits of the undergraduate SMSC programs can be applied to the Minor in Sustainability Studies. For more information, talk to the Minor in Sustainability Studies advisor.

Mason Core Requirements

All undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete the Mason Core requirements. Some courses in SMSC undergraduate programs fulfill core requirements, including:

  • CONS 410, Human Dimensions in Conservation, fulfills Mason Core Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • CONS 490, RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies, fulfills Mason Core Synthesis and is designated as a Research/Scholarship Intensive Course
  • CONS 491, RS: Conservation Management Planning, fulfills Mason Core Synthesis and is designated as a Research/Scholarship Intensive Course
  • CONS 496, Research in Conservation, fulfills Mason Core Capstone Experience Requirement

Related Degree Programs

Certain degree programs have additional options to apply credits earned in the three undergraduate programs. These programs include:

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)

All credits from the three undergraduate SMSC programs can be used by students in the Conservation Studies Concentration. For more information, contact a BAS advisor.

Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS)

Credits from the undergraduate SMSC programs can be integrated into the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS). For more information, contact a BIS advisor.

Biology (BS)

Credits from the undergraduate SMSC programs can be substituted for biology credits and applied to the Concentration in Environmental and Conservation Biology (ESCB) for the BS in biology.

Biology students in other concentrations can apply SMSC program credits toward the Minor in Conservation Studies.

For information on course substitutions, check with your biology advisor.

Environmental and Sustainability Studies (BA)

All credits from the three undergraduate SMSC programs can be applied to the Conservation and Sustainability (CSUS) Concentration for the BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

For more information, see your Environmental and Sustainability Studies advisor.

Environmental Science (BS)

All credits from the three undergraduate SMSC programs can be applied to the Conservation (CNSV) Concentration for the BS in Environmental Science. For more information, see your Environmental Science advisor.

Global Affairs (BA)

All credits from the three undergraduate SMSC programs can be applied to the Concentration in the Environment (EVT) for the BA in Global Affairs. For more information, see your Global Affairs advisor.

Integrative Studies (BA)

Students in the individualized concentration for the BA in Integrative Studies can integrate credits from SMSC programs into their degree plan after consulting with their advisor.

Integrative studies BA students in other concentrations can apply SMSC program credits toward the Minor in Conservation Studies.

For more information, see your Integrative Studies Advisor.

Integrative Studies (BS)

All credits from the three undergraduate SMSC programs can be applied to the Integrative Conservation Concentration for the BS in integrative studies.

Students in the individualized concentration for the BS in Integrative Studies can integrate credits from SMSC programs into their degree plan after consulting with their advisor.

Integrative studies BS students in other concentrations can apply SMSC program credits toward the Minor in Conservation Studies.

For more information, see your Integrative Studies advisor.

Questions about applying credits to your program?

Email smsc@gmu.edu or schedule an advising appointment at the Fairfax campus.