Smithsonian-Mason Scholars Program
This scholarship program helps you tailor your college studies to become a leader in the conservation field.
- Incoming freshmen at George Mason University who qualify will receive an invitation.
- Begin your degree program at Mason on the Fairfax campus, with courses that will prepare you for studying conservation biology.
- Get automatic admission and a merit scholarship to one of our undergraduate semesters in residence.
- Who's Eligible?
Rising college freshmen in any major, by invitation only
- Additional Benefits
- Private tour of our endangered species research facility
- Priority registration for our popular, week-long summer field course
- Access to seminars with world-renowned researchers and scientists
An Exclusive Opportunity
Candidates for our SMSC Scholars program are selected from incoming applicants to Mason and are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Academic achievement in high school
- Rigor of high school program
- College application essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Participation in extracurricular activities
- Standardized test scores
What You’ll Learn
SMSC offers three full-time residential programs in conservation biology that integrate directly into your degree plan at Mason, no matter your major. You choose when to attend, either fall or spring of your junior or senior year.
Through this one-of-a-kind opportunity, you’ll get hands-on field experience working with rare and endangered species. You’ll become a member of Smithsonian’s world-renowned community of conservationists where scientists, educators, and animal keepers will serve as your mentors.
Semester Programs
Choose one of three semester programs to suit your interests and academic schedule:
Conservation, Biodiversity and Society
- Offered in fall or spring to students with at least 45 undergraduate credits
- Includes weekly practicum working directly with a conservation expert
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Offered in fall only to students with at least 60 undergraduate credits and an upper-level ecology course
- Includes a five-week independent research experience under guidance of conservation mentor
Endangered Species Conservation
- Offered in spring only to students with at least 60 undergraduate credits and an upper-level ecology course
- Includes a five-week independent research experience under guidance of conservation mentor
