Program Overview

About Mason Core

Mason Core is George Mason University's general education program that builds the foundation for the Mason Graduate – an engaged citizen and well-rounded scholar who is prepared to act in a global, diverse world. Mason Core prepares students for work in their majors and minors, for their careers, and for life-long learning.

Mason Core Curriculum

Mason Core accomplishes its goal through three sections of required course categories:

• Foundation
• Exploration
• Integration Foundation courses build key knowledge and skills needed for academic success. Exploration courses provide a breadth of learning across the university. Integration courses include upper-division courses that are designed to integrate knowledge and skills learned from Foundation and Exploration courses into the major.

Course Design and Requirements

Courses are designed around learning outcomes that help develop the qualities expected of all students graduating with a Bachelor's degree from George Mason. All undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete Mason Core requirements.

Mason Core Committee

The Mason Core Committee is a Standing Committee of George Mason's Faculty Senate, made up of 14 voting members. These members are responsible for maintaining the integrity of George Mason's general education program, and all proposed courses to Mason Core must be approved by a majority vote of the committee.

Committee Meetings and Updates

Mason Core Committee meetings are held throughout the academic year. The committee reviews upcoming meeting dates, the most recent meeting agenda, and previous meeting minutes to stay informed.

Academic Appeals

Students interested in submitting an appeal for Mason Core course credit should refer to the Undergraduate Appeals, Academic Requests, and Exceptions to Policy and reach out to their advisor for support.

University Policy

The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. The university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.