Frequently Asked Questions

By economics or other undergrads seeking advice,

March 2009

1. How can I change my major to Economics?

See the undergraduate administrative assistant in the Economics department and obtain a change of major form. This will begin the paperwork, which you will then submit to the registrar's office in the N. Chesapeake module.

If you are unsure whether to enroll in our BS or BA program, check our webpage: economics.gmu.edu, click on undergraduate programs, and read about the programs and the requirements for each. Talk to your advisor if you are still unsure.

Before you meet with an advisor be sure to obtain a degree evaluation on PatriotWeb. Use it to help you fill out the BA and BS worksheets available at economics.gmu.edu/undergrad/bs.html and economics.gmu.edu/undergrad/ba.html

2. What do I do if I want to change from a BA to a BS or vice versa?

See the undergraduate administrative assistant to begin the paperwork. This form will have to be submitted to the registrar's office.

3. Which English 302 should I take -- business, humanities, natural sciences or social sciences?

You should take either business or social sciences, depending on your preferences. You may also take humanities or natural sciences if you have scheduling problems, but this is not recommended.

4. What is the maximum number of hours I can register for without overload permission?

The maximum is 18 hours during Fall and Spring semesters. But, students taking 18 hours of coursework must pay for two extra credit hour since full-time tuition covers only up to 16 hours. If you feel you need to take more than 18 hours and are able to do so, overload permission must be requested from the office of Student Academic Affairs, 2nd floor College Hall, Room C211.

5. What is the maximum number of hours I can register for in the summer?

During the summer session, undergraduates can take a maximum of 18 hours, but most take no more than 12 hours.  No more than 7 hours may be taken in any one session, and no more than 10 hours may be taken in overlapping sessions.  Overload permission for hours in excess of these limits must be requested from the office of Student Academic Affairs, 2nd floor College Hall, Room C211.

6. Does the economics department give credit hours for internships?

Yes! We have a new policy. You must have a GPA of at least 2.5, Junior standing, and at least 6 upper-level hours in Economics to be eligible. You must also find your own internship. See the undergrad administrative assistant for an application packet.

7. If I fail a course and then repeat it will it still be factored into my GPA?

As of Fall 2004, only the most recent grade of a course repeated will be factored into a student's GPA, but the failed course will still appear on your transcript.

8. How can I force-add a course?

Obtain a force-add slip from the undergraduate administrative assistant and have it signed by your instructor.

9. What kind of credit can I get for these courses I've taken elsewhere previously?

The admissions office evaluates your transcripts when you enroll -- the evaluation indicates how the courses you took translate into Mason courses. If you disagree with how admissions evaluated your courses, there is an appeal process. For the appeal you will need to obtain a transfer credit re-evaluation appeal form from the Economics undergrad administrative assistant or at admissions.gmu.edu/transfer/TransferCreditEvaluation.asp. If the disputed course is a history course, you will need a signature from the history dept; if it is an econ course, you will need a signature from the econ dept, etc. The form will then be submitted to the admissions office.

If you have an AA, AS or AA&S degree from NOVA you have met all GenEd requirements except for English 302, synthesis, and the foreign language requirement for the BA. But you still need to take either Math 108 or Math 113; and IT 103 for your Economics degree.

10. Can I take a course outside of GMU and get credit for it while I am currently enrolled here?

Students are discouraged from taking classes outside while enrolled at Mason. If you feel it is necessary and appropriate to do so because of scheduling problems at Mason, you may be able to obtain special permission from office of the Student Academic Affairs, 2nd floor College Hall, Room C211.

11. How do I interpret the Math placement test report?

Sometimes students are misdirected to their advisors with math testing results. The math department should help you evaluate this report and tell you what math course you should register in. Please see the Math Dept secretary for assistance.

12. Can the Foreign Language requirement be waived?

If you attended 4 years of high school at an institution whose language was not English, the requirement will be waived.  You can also test out of the requirement.  If the language you speak is offered at Mason, the Foreign Language Department will test you.  If the language is not offered at Mason, you can arrange to have someone else test you.  In all cases, see the Foreign Language Department for details.

13. Can I get CLEP or AP credit for Econ courses?

Yes. See the admissions office and/or check online at http://admissions.gmu.edu/exams/

14. What about graduation?

There is a separate link/handout on graduation and frequently asked questions on graduation.  Please refer to that.
economics.gmu.edu