Mason Core Submission Guidance
Tips for a Successful Mason Core Course Submission
The University's Mason Core Committee reviews all submissions of courses for approval to meet the Mason Core requirements.
Current Mason Core Requirements
Foundation Requirements - 12 credits
Written Communication (lower level) - 3 credits
Oral Communication - 3 credits
Quantitative Reasoning - 3 credits
Information Technology & Computing - 3 credits
Exploration Requirements - 22 credits
Arts - 3 credits
Global History - 3 credits
Global Understanding - 3 credits
Literature - 3 credits
Natural Science - 7 credits (2 approved science courses; at least one with a lab)
Social & Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
Integration Requirements - 9 credits
Written Communication (upper level) - 3 credits
Writing Intensive Course - usually 3 credits
Synthesis or Capstone Experience - min. 3 credits
Enhanced Mason Core (beginning '24-'25)
The University has developed a new Enhanced Mason Core effective catalog year '24'-25.
Foundation Requirements - 12 credits
Written Communication (lower level) - 3 credits
Oral Communication - 3 credits
Quantitative Reasoning - 3 credits
Information Technology & Computing - 3 credits
Exploration Requirements - 22 credits
In addition to the following requirements, students will take 2 exploration courses flagged with the Just Societies designation [See below for more information]. Approval for this designation is obtained in the same way as other Mason Core categories.
Arts - 3 credits
Global History - 3 credits
Global Contexts - 3 credits [See below for more information]
Literature - 3 credits
Natural Science - 7 credits (2 approved science courses; at least one with a lab)
Social & Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
Integration Requirements - 9 credits
Written Communication (upper level) - 3 credits
Writing Intensive Course - usually 3 credits
Mason Apex - 3 credits - [See below for more information]
Upcoming Changes
The Global Understanding category will be gradually phased out and replaced by Global Contexts starting in academic year 2024-2025. All current Global Understanding courses will need to be resubmitted for Global Contexts approval, and not all current Global Understanding courses will meet the new Global Contexts outcomes without substantial revision.
Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2024 may take Global Contexts or Global Understanding courses to meet their Mason Core requirement.
Current Global Understanding Courses
Global Contexts Proposal Worksheet
Students entering Mason in Fall 2024 or later will be required to take two Mason Core courses that have the Just Societies flag. Just Societies flags are added on to existing Mason Core Exploration courses in Arts, Global Contexts (coming in 2024-2025), Literature, Natural Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Courses submitted for one of the exploration categories can be reviewed for Just Societies at the same time.
Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to further round out their general education program.
Just Societies Proposal Worksheet
Beginning Fall 2024, Capstone and Synthesis courses will be merged into a new category — Mason Apex. All students admitted Fall 2024 and beyond will be required to complete a Mason Apex course as part of the Integration tier of Mason Core.
Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 can use either a Capstone or a Synthesis course to satisfy this Integration requirement for Mason Core.
As the Mason Apex category is phased in for future students, the designation will be added to the existing Capstone/Synthesis courses. If the existing course does not meet the basic requirements, the Mason Core Committee will work with the department to adjust offerings.
