Mason Core Course Categories
The Mason Core is divided into three sections: Foundation, Exploration, and Integration.Foundation courses strengthen your foundation in key knowledge and skills needed for academic success. Exploration courses provide a breadth of learning across the university. Integration courses include upper-division courses that are designed to integrate knowledge and skills learned from Foundation and Exploration courses into learning in the major. Courses in each category are guided by specific student learning outcomes that are assessed on a regular basis through the student academic experience.
For certain degrees or majors, specific courses are used to fulfill the Mason Core. Please see the Catalog and your academic advisor to understand the specific requirements for your academic program. See the table below for a list of current course categories. Click on the category name to see approved courses for that category.
| Mason Core Section | Course Categories |
|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | Written Communication–Lower Division (ENGH 101, 3 credits) Oral Communication (3 credits) Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits) Information Technology and Computing (3 credits) |
| Exploration Courses | Arts (3 credits) Global Understanding (3 credits) Literature (3 credits) Natural Science (7 credits) Social and Behavioral Science (3 credits) Western Civilization or World History (3 credits) |
| Integration Courses | Written Communication–Upper Division (ENGH 302, 3 credits) Writing-Intensive (3 credits*) Capstone or Synthesis (3 credits) |
| Total: 40 credits | |
| *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. |
Read the current catalog for approved Mason Core courses and accurate course descriptions.