Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for COMPUTER SCIENCE

Transfer Guidance

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Applicants must present the equivalent of ONE of the following CS courses with a grade of A or B: CS 112 Intro to Computer Programming or CS 211 Object-Oriented Programming.

• Applicants must present the equivalent of ONE of the following MATH courses with a grade of A or B: MATH 113 Calculus I, MATH 114 Calculus II, or MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics. MTH 263 and MTH 264 are the VCCS equivalents of MATH 113 and MATH 114, respectively. MTH 288 or CSC 208 are the VCCS equivalents for MATH 125.

• 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.

• 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?

• Students should prioritize the completion of as much mathematics coursework as possible prior to transfer.

• 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 within your first year. College connect available in your account of www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Accelerated Masters: students may dual-count up to four graduate level courses, which will apply to both the BS CS and MS CS.

• Coursework is generally in person, on weekdays from 7:20 am to 4:30pm.

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?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at: TransferVA.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• The BS CS program is ABET accredited.

• The department has over 70 faculty with wide coverage of cutting-edge emerging topics.

Do More With Your Degree!

• This program leads directly into the MS Computer Science, MS Software Engineering, MS Information Security and Assurance, and MS Information Systems programs. For program admission requirements, visit the catalog at https://catalog.gmu.edu/programs/

• This program prepares students for a wide variety of programming, computing, and software engineering careers.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• There are no required internships or capstone projects, though many students opt to do one or both as part of their college experience.