Master of Science in Computational Science
Overview of the Degree
The interdisciplinary M.S. program in Computational Science offered by CDS is an innovative new degree that addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained computational scientists. It combines a solid foundation in information technology skills with computational courses in a variety of scientific areas. All courses are offered in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate students with full-time employment outside the university.
The degree is centered on a strong computational component, which comprises 22 hours of coursework. The remaining 9 hours represents the scientific component, and centers on specific scientific areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, etc. This provides students with a flexible set of options that can be used to create their own customized curriculum under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to undertake an optional master's thesis or research project that allows them to gain useful experience in the development of simulations and other aspects of computational science.
Candidates for the M.S. degree in Computational Science must successfully complete 30 credit hours as follows:
A. Complete any three of the core computational courses out of CSI 700, 701, 702, 703 and 710.
B. Complete any five 3-credit CSI courses other than CSI 796, 798, 799 and 996. The selection must be approved by the student's advisor.
C. Complete two elective 3-credit courses chosen from any CSI 3-credit courses (other than CSI 600), MATH 686, CS 635, INFS 614, or other courses approved by the student's advisor. Students can also fulfill the elective requirement by selecting CSI 799 (masters thesis). Students who select the project course CSI 798 will satisfy 3 credits toward the electives requirement.
Applicants to the Master's program in Computational Science should have academic backgrounds in the physical or biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. They should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. Additionally, each applicant should have taken at least one course in differential equations and should have facility in using a high-level computer programming language.
To apply, prospective students should forward a completed George Mason graduate application, two transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, a current resume, and an expanded goals statement to the COS Graduate Admissions Processing Center (see address below). Each master's program applicant should also include three letters of recommendation, and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN exam. The GRE-SUB is recommended if it is given in the student's undergraduate major. The GRE requirement for admission will be waived if the student holds a master's degree from a U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are also required for all foreign applicants. Note that transcripts originating from foreign countries must be evaluated by a U.S.-recognized agency.
Students applying for fall admission should submit completed applications by March 1. Applications for spring admission should be received by November 1 of the preceding year. Please note that local applications may be accepted after these general deadlines. For more information, please call Dr. Peter Becker at 703-993-3619.
Fellowships and assistantships are generally not available to students in the M.S. Computational Science program.
Address applications and procedural questions t
o:
COS Graduate Applications Processing Center
George Mason University
Mail Stop 6A3
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
Additional information:
Phone: (703) 993-3430; Fax: (703) 993-9034;
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University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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