Education

Join us in working to better understand our planet.

From simulating atmospheric temperature to explaining geological layers to tracing ocean circulation, the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences gives students new tools to explore our planet. You will benefit from the wide range of faculty expertise across undergraduate and graduate programs in AOES.

Learn more information about the Atmospheric, Oceanic & Earth Studies Program.

Excellence and leadership in conservation, water and watersheds, and healthy ecosystems by bridging environmental science and public policy

ESP is a growing academic and professional force spanning the twin domains of the natural and social sciences. We are focused on understanding and implementing science and public policy to address and solve complex environmental issues that challenge the integrity and sustainability of global systems.

ESP students who are trained in environmental policy, conservation sciences, climate change, aquatic ecology, wildlife management or one health, go on to professional careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

Learn more information about the Environmental Science & Policy Department.

Geography and Geoinformation Science (GGS) is understanding the human and natural complexities of our planet.

In today’s digitized age, technology advances the way we live and work. A GGS degree provides students with state-of-the-art geospatial knowledge to pursue careers in industry and academia.

Learn more information about the Geography & Geoinformation Science Department.

Survey of the scientific and societal issues associated with weather and climate variability and change. Examines physical phenomena observed in the Earth’s weather and climate, providing sufficient scientific and technical background to enable students to critically examine arguments being discussed by policymakers and the public at large. Also reviews the current debate on climate change from a scientific point of view with a focus on those aspects that have the largest potential impact on global society.

Review George Mason Catalogue for more information.

systematic study of weather, climate, energy, and hydrologic systems viewed from a geospatial and global perspective. Studies the spatial distribution and relationships of the Earth’s climate and hydrologic systems to other Earth systems, as well as the processes driving and changing them, including energy, climate, weather, and water resources.

Review George Mason Catalogue for more information.

Many of our most pressing social and environmental issues today fall into the category of “wicked problems”. Characterized by complexity, uncertainty, and divergence of human values and viewpoints, wicked problems are prone to becoming mired in controversy and failures of governance. To understand the nature of these problems, we must understand the systems from which they arise and their dynamics. This course in human dimensions of the environment takes a problem-based learning approach and introduces foundational literatures on wicked problems, systems thinking, and collective governance.

Review George Mason Catalogue for more information.

Longstanding calls for a “new social contract for science” demand that environmental scientists help meet societal needs by providing information to address global problems such as biodiversity conservation and climate change. But scientists’ generation of what they perceive to be useful research doesn’t necessarily equate to its usability in policy decisions. Through readings, guest lectures, and a variety of hands-on assignments, this course will explore the meaning of “evidence-based policymaking,” the benefits—and limitations—of using science in decision-making, and ways that individuals and organizations can build capacity, whether within research or policymaking institutions.

Review George Mason Catalogue for more information.

Reading and research on specific topic in systems engineering or operations research under direction of faculty member.

Review George Mason Catalogue for more information.