Mason Core

Mason Core is Mason’s general education program that builds the foundation for the Mason Graduate—an engaged citizen and well-rounded scholar who is prepared to act.

Mason Core is a set of required courses that creates the foundation of a George Mason University undergraduate degree. It provides a breadth of liberal education courses, complementing the depth of knowledge and skills students build in their majors and minors. All undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete Mason Core requirements. 

 

Mason Core Courses

Mason Core is divided into three sections: Foundation, Exploration, and Integration. 

  • Foundation courses strengthen a student’s foundation in 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 learning in the major 

The courses in each category are guided by specific student learning outcomes that are assessed on a regular basis. Faculty can submit courses to the Mason Core Committee for approval. 

Mason Core Enhancements

The Mason Core Committee continues to enhance Mason’s general education program to better prepare students to be scholars and citizens who thrive in a diverse, global world. The targeted goal of these enhancements is to integrate diverse, anti-racist, and global perspectives into the Mason educational experience.  

As we transition into the enhanced Mason Core, we’re here to support faculty as they revise and develop new courses to better serve our mission at Mason.