The purpose of this page is to provide basic information for current BIS students. For more detailed information concerning requirements, concentrations, course planning, and degree progress, please follow the links provided under Current Students in the menu to the right. Links to all deadlines and forms are also provided there.
Email and LISTserv Information
All communication between GMU staff, faculty, and students MUST be done through your Mason account. Please visit the Support Center website if you need to activate your account. In addition, this email address will receive a subscription to the BIS LISTserv, which is used to disseminate information, updates, and changes related to the program.
BIS Advisors: These are your academic counselors within the BIS Program and they are responsible for answering your questions related to your specific scholastic interests and academic requirements.
Proposed Concentration: This is a form that lists out the courses you are proposing as your Core Concentration. This list is supported by the rationale that you will develop during the course of BIS 300.
BIS Liaison: This is a single point of contact within many academic departments to aid you in finding a faculty mentor. If you already approached a faculty member to be an mentor and they have agreed, you do not need to contact the liaison.
Faculty mentor: This is a full-time faculty member who is a content expert in at least one of the disciplines you want to focus on. They will aid you in developing your educational contract and grade your BIS 490 Final Project.
Educational Contract: This is the listing of courses that comprise your "major." This is developed from the proposed concentration that you create in BIS 300 and with the help of your Faculty mentor. You must list alternate courses, however it is possible to make contract amendments once the contract has been approved.
The BIS Academic Advisors are at your disposal! In general, appointments are made during regular business hours (9-5 Monday-Friday); however, evening appointments can be arranged by request. To schedule an appointment, please call the BIS Office (703.993.4556). Students should meet with an advisor AT LEAST once an academic year.