Advisor FAQs

The Mason Core catalog page is the best place to start. However, because Mason Core designations may be approved or removed throughout the academic year, we also recommend reviewing Newly Approved Courses and Removed Courses, which are updated after each committee meeting. In addition, Mason Core courses are flagged in PatriotWeb during course registration. 

If you’re advising a student under an older catalog year, be sure to consult the appropriate catalog, especially given recent changes to Mason Core categories. 

For categories that offer student choice, especially at the Exploration level, it’s helpful to consider how courses can broaden or deepen a student’s academic experience. If a student is undecided on a major, recommend courses that align with potential areas of interest so they can explore those fields before committing. If they’ve already declared a major, suggest courses that might complement their program of study or help build additional skills that enhance their career readiness. 

Encourage students to read course descriptions in the catalog rather than relying solely on course titles. They’ll get a much better sense of the content and whether it fits their goals. 

Changes that may affect students and/or advisors are typically shared through MAAN (Mason Academic Advisor Network). However, our advisor webpages are also a great resource. For specific questions, contact the Mason Core team. We’re happy to help! 

All substitution and waiver requests must be submitted by an advisor via the Degree Audit Exception Workflow. Please refer to the detailed instructions on the Substitutions and Waivers webpage.

Yes, if they meet the appropriate requirements. Students admitted in Fall 2023 and beyond, who have completed one of the following credentials, are eligible for an automatically applied waiver of the Mason Core Foundation and Exploration (lower-level) categories: 

• 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.)  

However, please note that specific major, college, and the Mason Core Integration (upper-level) requirements are not waived under this policy. 

No, the waiver is effective as of Fall 2023 and this lower-level Mason Core waiver is based on a student’s matriculation term. A student who changes their catalog term to Fall 2023 forward but matriculated prior to Fall 2023 is NOT eligible for the lower-level core waiver.  

All Integration-level requirements must be completed at George Mason and generally cannot be satisfied through transfer credit. These courses are integral to the university’s educational philosophy and ensure that all graduates demonstrate proficiency in writing, critical thinking, and integrative learning consistent with the university’s standards. Rare exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Provost’s Office.