Bachelor of Science in Community Health

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for PUBLIC HEALTH

Transfer Guidance

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Transfer applicants must present a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete an English composition equivalent to ENGH 101 (ENG 112). Students may provide secondary school coursework or test scores demonstrating English language proficiency.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete a college-level math course.

• GAA applicants must present a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA. For more information about Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements, visit: https://www.vccs.edu/transfer-programs/

Important Links & Dates

• Office of Transfer Services: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/office-transfer-services

• Admission Application: By Oct 1 or March 1 at https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now

• Financial Aid: https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 15 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Are you interested in helping your community, country, or the world? Then public health is the right path for you! Our programs focus on the applied science of protecting and enhancing the health and well-being of individuals, families, populations, and communities, utilizing evidence-based practices for health promotion and disease prevention programs and policies.

• Deciding on which - if any - concentration is right for you is an individual choice based on your interests and career goals. We encourage you to review each concentration's complete requirements in the University Catalog and talk with your academic advisor.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Students who complete a transfer associate degree (AS, AA, AA&S, or AFA) from a Virginia Community College will receive a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower division) Mason Core general education categories. To be eligible for the waiver, students must provide the George Mason Office of Admissions with a final, official transcript reflecting the degree conferral date. As a prerequisite for ENGH 302, ENGH 101 is not waived. Students must transfer in or complete ENGH 100 or ENGH 101 at George Mason with a C or higher.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Applicants are required to apply as freshmen.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by exam may be used to fulfill General Education and/or major requirements. See: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first term of attendance at George Mason.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in Fairfax, Virginia, within the Washington metropolitan area, George Mason enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries in 78 in-demand majors.

• More than 4,500 new transfer students choose George Mason each year, and the university has been recognized as the most diverse in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.

• Transfer students are welcome to live among our 7700-student residential community or off campus. The Office of Contemporary Student Services is dedicated to the support of off-campus transfers.

• 65% of George Mason students receive financial aid.

• 22 Division I men's and women's sports teams, plus club and intramural leagues, and more than 400 student organizations.

• For more information, visit: https://www.gmu.edu/transfer

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at George Mason University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Many of our students who graduate with degrees from our institution move on to graduate programs in public health, such as epidemiology, community health promotion, and global health, among others. Students in our clinical science concentration, one of our most popular concentrations, often pursue medical school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy school, and other allied health professions. Students who choose to enter the workforce after graduation choose careers as community health workers, health educators, and health promoters, among others.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Our college and program are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). This means our program meets nationally recognized public health education standards, demonstrating our commitment to training highly skilled public health professionals.

• Students who complete our program are eligible to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. This professional certification demonstrates to your future employers your commitment to ongoing professional development beyond the completion of your degree.

Do More With Your Degree!

• We offer an accelerated master's in public health (MPH) program. Students may complete up to 18 credits (6 courses) of approved graduate coursework while still an undergraduate - saving both time and tuition.

• Many of our courses offer active learning opportunities, allowing students to apply what they learn in the classroom.

• Students interested in research can work through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR). This university-level program enables students to conduct their own research under the guidance of a faculty member or serve as a research assistant as part of the work-study program.

• We offer a variety of concentrations, including clinical science (pre-health professions), global health, nutrition, and physical activity and public health, as well as minors in public health, global health, nutrition, and physical activity and public health.

• Community Health majors have minors in academic departments across the university. You can find a list of minors using the link that might interest you. Learn more about how to add a minor to your degree program.