University Catalog

BRIDGE-DET students are subject to all published academic policies as set forth for graduate students in the George Mason University catalog at http://catalog.gmu.edu.

Admissions Contract

Newly admitted BRIDGE-DET students are notified of the required participation through an admissions contract, which comes with the acceptance letter. Signing the admissions contract acknowledges the understanding that the student must successfully complete the program before s/he will be allowed to matriculate as a regular-status graduate student. Once a student returns the admissions contract to the appropriate graduate unit and has confirmed his/her enrollment according to instructions provided, the student will then be permitted to enroll in classes.

Program Completion Requirements

Successful completion of the BRIDGE-DET requires the student to take all prescribed courses in the program structure section of this guide in full-time status. The program must also be completed within two consecutive semesters with overall GPA of 3.0 and a grade of B or better in each graduate course. After successful completion of the program, participants are reviewed then promoted to regular degree status to complete the remaining required courses in their graduate degree program.

BRIDGE-DET students are provisionally admitted to Mason. Therefore, as indicated by the university catalog, students who do not meet the graduate program requirements will be reviewed by the Center Director for termination; students terminated from BRIDGE may not be eligible for admission to another graduate program at Mason based on their academic credentials. University regulations for appeals and extensions for graduate students apply.

Advising

During the BRIDGE year, DET participants receive higher levels of academic advising, adjustment support, and co-curricular activities. As a result, program participants have two advisors — one with BRIDGE and one with the graduate program in his/her major area to ensure participants get appropriate advising and support.

BRIDGE-DET students are also required to complete a plan of study for the first 3 semesters at Mason with guidance from the BRIDGE advisor.

Prescribed courses in the BRIDGE-DET include approximately 24 credits, most of which are general education and intensive-writing courses. The intent of these courses is to prepare students for the demands of the Mason graduate curriculum. Further, the prescribed courses include 6 credits of graduate coursework during their BRIDGE year. The BRIDGE advisor will consult with the advisor assigned within the academic program to select these graduate courses and will work with the student to select specific courses which best fit the elective requirements and his/her future career goals.

Typical prescribed BRIDGE courses for the Degree Enhancement Track

General Education electives for the BRIDGE Program are selected based on coursework gaps in the educational background of the student as shown in the international transcript evaluation submitted for admission. The full listing of general education courses offered at Mason is provided in the university catalog and includes courses in the following categories:

Whenever possible, BRIDGE students are enrolled in upper division-level courses (300-400), and courses where prerequisites have already been met and/or are not required.

Time to Degree

BRIDGE-DET students are expected to carefully review the full requirements of their graduate program of interest. Beginning in the third semester, after successful completion of BRIDGE-DET, students will be expected to complete the remaining required coursework for the graduate degree according to the program’s published guidelines. Most master’s degrees at Mason require between 30–42 credits.

Because of the program’s intent and structure, BRIDGE-DET adds approximately one academic year to the timeline of a typical graduate program. Therefore, the BRIDGE program requires an additional 18 credits. A degree-seeking student required to complete the BRIDGE year can expect to finish the master’s degree in approximately three years.*

*Most master’s degrees at Mason require 30-36 graduate level credits; MBA programs require 42.

Each academic program at Mason has its own tuition rates. Newly admitted BRIDGE students should review the Student Accounts site for the most up-to-date tuition, fees, and rates. Below is a sample tuition and fee structure (using out-of-state non-premium rates) for participation in the BRIDGE-DET program for the 2013-2014 academic year:

*Academic Program Course Fees are not included in the total

Once the BRIDGE year is completed, students are subject to regular graduate tuition rates and fees as appropriate until the completion of their graduate degree program.

Individuals interested in BRIDGE admission should apply to the academic program of their choice. To be considered for BRIDGE admission, follow the instructions provided to you by the graduate program. Be sure to answer all the required questions on the admissions application, including those regarding “BRIDGE Eligibility” located in the International section of the online application.

In order to be admitted to BRIDGE, you must meet all of the regular admission requirements for Mason graduate programs. You will be evaluated by the same methods and held to the same standards as all students applying to your graduate program. The only difference is that you have a three-year degree.

If qualified, you will receive provisional admission to your graduate program for the year you are in BRIDGE. Upon successful completion of BRIDGE, your status will change to regular graduate admission.

The links below provide information to guide you on the graduate admissions process at Mason.

• Required Documents
• Application Hints for International Students
• Visa Documentation Requirements
• Apply Now