FAQ Current Mason Student

An enhanced opportunity for the most motivated students from all majors at Mason.

• Curriculum. The Honors College offers an enhanced alternative general education curriculum comprised of small, highly interactive seminar-type classes.

• Programming. The Honors College offers co-curricular programming to help students excel academically, connect socially, and pursue the things they care about most.

• Support. You will receive additional support from an Honors College advisor, help navigating your transition, and extra help if you run into challenges along the way.

We focus on inquiry-based, civic, and experiential learning.

• Research. 100% of Honors College students begin conducting individual research their first semester. 44% conduct research with a faculty mentor before graduating.

• Civic learning: All Honors College students take a civic learning course. 12 nonprofits are chosen to partner with us each year. 

• Experiential learning: Students may participate in hands-on classes that develop professional skills. 110 Honors College students engage in partnership projects with local corporations, nonprofits, and government institutions each year. Numerous other students have experiential learning experiences through our partnerships with the Early Identification Program, through Peer Mentorship programs, and more. 

Learn with a community that inspires you to do your best.

• At George Mason. Excellent graduation rates. Before graduation, 80% of ours students are in Registered Student Organizations, with over half in leadership roles; 63% participate in service work; 73% have internships.

• In Grad School. Honors College grads attend the most prestigious graduate, law, and medical schools, from Harvard to Stanford and from UVA to University of California.

• Top Careers. Honors College grads work in leadership positions in every industry and field - in law firms, health systems, corporations, and the government.

The Honors College curriculum is an alternative to the Mason Core.

• Be excused from the remaining Mason Core Foundation and Exploration Requirements. Instead of taking these, you’ll take the remaining Honors College seminars.

• Substitute Mason Core credits you already have. You will be able to substitute Mason Core Exploration credits you already have for some of the Honors College seminars.

The Honors College will evaluate the classes you’ve taken and award appropriate credit. The Honors College Planning Form is available to assist you in understanding where you stand in terms of the Honors College requirements and Mason Core requirements.

• Credit from before George Mason. After admission, the Honors College will evaluate transfer, AP/ IB, and dual enrollment credits and apply them to relevant requirements in our curriculum.
• Mason Core credits. Students may use Mason Core Exploration courses to substitute for up to 4 of the 7 required Honors College seminars.
• Natural science and math. You will take the same science and math classes you would otherwise take, but will have optional enhanced H-sections available for certain classes.
• Other George Mason credits. Admission to the Honors College does not impact your major or minor requirements.

The chart below demonstrates common substitutions the Honors College accepts for students who transfer into the College.

Apply if you have a 3.5 cumulative GPA & will have completed at least 24 credits at Mason this semester.

• Get a recommendation. Request a recommendation from a Mason professor or advisor.

• Complete our application online. Apply online at honorscollege.gmu.edu/admissions/current-mason-student

Interested students can apply to join Honors College leadership. Information about opportunities and events can also be found in the weekly Honors College newsletter. 

• Honoring Our Community
• Honors College Recruitment Team
• Honors College Connects
• Honors College Student Advisory Board
• Honors College Peer Mentors
• Honors College Communications Team