BS in Computational and Data Sciences
Preparing Students to Power the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Banner Code: SC-BS-CDS
The aim of this degree is to provide students with technical skills and knowledge for rigorously investigating physical and social phenomena. The BS is a transformative approach that integrates science at George Mason University based on the combination of real-world computer science skills, data acquisition and analysis, scientific modeling, applied mathematics, and simulation. As an interdisciplinary STEM-designated program, this degree addresses the current central role of computation in the areas of "big data," modeling, and simulation. Graduates of the program will possess the computational, scientific, and mathematical skills necessary for participating effectively as members of the scientific simulation and data analysis groups that are of increasing importance in the federal and public sectors, and in high technology firms. Additionally, graduates of the program will be well prepared to pursue graduate studies.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.
The university's writing intensive requirement for the major will be met upon successful completion of CDS 302 Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core).
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Core Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CDS 130 | Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CDS 151 | Data Ethics in an Information Society | 1 |
| CDS 230 | Modeling and Simulation I | 3 |
| CDS 301 | Scientific Information and Data Visualization | 3 |
| CDS 302 | Scientific Data and Databases (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| CDS 303 | Scientific Data Mining | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Extended Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 24 credits from the following: | 24 | |
CDS 101& CDS 102 |
Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences (Mason Core) and Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences Lab (Mason Core) |
|
| Introduction to Computational Social Science | ||
| Introduction to Agent-based Modeling and Simulation | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Programming | ||
| Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Elements of Natural Language Processing | ||
| Elements of High Performance Computing | ||
| Machine Learning Applications in Science | ||
| Modeling and Simulation II | ||
| Computational Data Science | ||
| Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo Simulations | ||
| Image Operators and Processing | ||
| Computational Science Tools | ||
| Computational Science Programming | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Extended Multidisciplinary Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ||
| Select 10-11 credits from the following: | 10-11 | |
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis I | ||
| Numerical Analysis II | ||
| Numerical Analysis II | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Introductory Statistics II | ||
| Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | ||
| Probability for Engineers | ||
| Science or Engineering | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following options: | 6 | |
Any STEM course offered by the College of Science or the College of Engineering and Computing. |
||
| Total Credits | 22-23 | |
Elective Credits and Mason Core
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 57-58 credits, which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
Elective Course Suggestions
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses listed in the Extended Multidisciplinary Core category that were not applied toward the credit requirement are excellent elective courses suggestions, as well as any course from the following: | ||
| CDS 290 | Topics in Computational and Data Sciences | 1-3 |
| CDS 486 | Advanced Topics in Computational and Data Sciences | 3 |
| CDS 490 | Directed Study and Research | 1-3 |
| CDS 491 | Internship | 1-3 |
| CDS 492 | Capstone in Data Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Students who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in this area may choose to enroll in a Just Societies-flagged course. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely with their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.