Schar School of Policy and GovernmentThe mission of the Schar School of Policy and Government is to advance the public good. We provide our students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become leaders and managers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Information

Website:  schar.gmu.edu/

Email:  schar@gmu.edu
Phone
:  703-993-2280
Address:Founders Hall, Fifth Floor
3351 Fairfax Drive, MS 3B1
Arlington, VA 22201

Undergraduate Student Services:
Robinson Hall A201, MS 3F4
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-1400
Email: gvip@gmu.edu
Fax: 703-993-1399

About

George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government prepares undergraduate and graduate students to be leaders and managers who solve problems and advance the public good in all sectors and levels of government—in the United States and throughout the world.

Located where policy happens—just 3 miles from the Pentagon, 4 miles from The White House, and 6 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building—students are connected to jobs, internships, networking, and experiences that can only be found in the Washington, D.C., area.

It’s policy in action. Learning from professors with real-world experience, students gain the applicable skills and the practical knowledge to lead government agencies and nonprofit organizations, develop public policies and programs, create innovate consulting solutions, or provide expert policy analysis. Schar School alumni apply what they learned in the classroom to pursue fulfilling and meaningful careers. Graduates are doing consequential work at leading employers including the U.S. Department of State, USAID, the World Bank, the United Nations, the National Endowment for Democracy, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and many others.

Undergraduate Degrees

The Schar School is home to 700 undergraduate students, offering two majors in Government and International Politics and Public Administration.

If you are interested in a career in public service, then George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government is the place where you can find majors, classes, and internships that will help you launch a successful career and do the kind of work you dream of doing. Mason’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. gives you access to prestigious internships, policy events, and national and international meetings.

Government and International Politics, BA

The BA in government and international politics allows you to take core courses in American political institutions, the political systems of other countries, and international relations. You may choose from among 8 different concentrations.

If you are interested in career paths such as political analysis, public service, law, campaigns, and research, then Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government is the place where you can find majors, classes, and internships that will help you launch a successful career and do the kind of work you dream of doing. Mason’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. gives you access to prestigious internships, policy events, and national and international meetings.

When you major in Government and International Politics, you will learn to critically examine the complexities of national and international issues, as well as political issues, processes, and actors.

You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge through one of the following concentrations:

The BA in Government and International Politics requires the completion of 43 credits, including five core courses and a senior seminar.

Minors

  • International Security
  • Legal Studies
  • American Government
  • Global Systems
  • International/Comparative Studies
  • Public Policy and Management
  • Urban and Suburban Studies

The Schar School Faculty
Our faculty members are world-class scholars in the fields of political science and international relations. Their expertise is sought after and they have extensive experience providing counsel, advice, and instruction to policymakers in Washington, D.C. and beyond. As a student in their classes, you can gain insight into the most pressing issues and innovative approaches to political research and analysis, and get connections to “boots on the ground” policymakers.

First and foremost, however, the Schar School faculty members are committed to quality teaching. As a result, you will get to know your professors here and form mentoring relationships with them. That will help you do better in class, make wise decisions about internships and careers, and glean wisdom to be successful in life.

Internships
One of the best ways to find a job after graduation is to complete an internship that will offer you real-world experience and the chance to build a professional network. Schar School students intern at a variety of places, including:

  • Capitol Hill
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Middle East Institute
  • National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism
  • Law firms
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Lobbying groups

You can earn up to six academic credits of internship toward your degree.

Success after Graduation
A degree in Government and International Politics from George Mason University will give you the credentials to land a great job after graduation. Some of our recent graduates have been hired by companies and organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Foreign Service Institute
  • U.S. Department of Commerce

As a Government and International Politics graduate, you will also have access to 13,000 fellow Schar School alumni who have the careers you want, who work as leaders for the organizations you want to work for, and with whom you can network and develop relationships.

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Public Administration, BS

Public administration focuses on how public policy is implemented within the society. Course topics include economics, management, public policy, international politics, and American government. You may choose a concentration in administration and management, economic policy analysis, international political economy, nonprofit management, public policy, or US government and institutions.

By majoring in Public Administration, you can prepare for an exciting and fulfilling career in government and nonprofit management. Courses focus on leadership, administration, and public policy in the political setting of public management. You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge through one of the following concentrations:

  • Administration and management
  • Economic Policy Analysis
  • International Political Economy
  • Nonprofit management
  • Public policy
  • U.S. government institutions

The B.S. in Public Administration requires completion of 52 credits, including eight core credits and a senior seminar.

The Schar School Faculty
Our faculty’s passion for public service and policymaking matches that of our students. They are scholars in the disciplines of policy, government, and international affairs who seek to make a difference and serve. So much so, that they often refer to themselves as “pracademics,” scholars who connect learning with practice, provide council and commonsense for Washington, D.C., policymakers, and prepare their students to be successful leaders. We call that impact-driven scholarship.

First and foremost, however, the Schar School faculty members are committed to quality teaching. As a result, you will get to know your professors here and form mentoring relationships with them. That will help you do better in class, make wise decisions about internships and careers, and glean wisdom to be successful in life.

Internships
One of the best ways to find a job after graduation is to complete an internship that will offer you real-world experience and the chance to build a professional network. Schar School students intern at a variety of places, including:

  • Capitol Hill legislative offices
  • Executive Office of the President of the United States
  • Fairfax County Government
  • Partnership for Public Service
  • The U.S. Senate

You can earn up to six academic credits of internship toward your degree.

Success after Graduation
A degree in Public Administration from George Mason University will give you the credentials to land a great job after graduation. Our public administration graduates are hired by some of the most prestigious companies, nonprofits, and government agencies in Washington, D.C., and beyond, including:

  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Loudoun County Circuit Court
  • FedBid, Inc.

As a Public Administration graduate, you will also have access to 13,000 fellow Schar School alumni who have the careers you want, who work as leaders for the organizations you want to work for, and with whom you can network and develop relationships.

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Masters Programs

At the Schar School, you will refine and expand your academic knowledge and applied skills. Whether you desire to lead a government or nonprofit organization, design and improve public policies and programs, develop innovative consulting solutions, or provide expert analysis, you will graduate from Mason as a prepared and impactful leader. Be one who advances the public good across all sectors.

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is one of the best schools of its kind in the country. We will prepare you to be a leader and manager who can solve problems and advance the public good. At the Schar School, professors with real-world experience combine theory and practice in the classroom. You will gain the applicable skills and the practical knowledge you need to advance your career and lead government agencies and nonprofit organizations, develop public policies and programs, create innovative consulting solutions, or provide expert policy analysis.

The Schar School also has a strong and proud community of 13,000 alumni, many of whom live and work in the Washington, D.C. area. This will help you build your professional network.

Biodefense, MS

This program will provide you with a foundation in microbiology and biotechnology combined with a broader security and organizational context. Graduates of this program are employed in biodefense and biosecurity, positions throughout academia, NGO’s, the security industry, and government.

Understanding biological threats is more important in today’s world than ever before. George Mason University’s Biodefense program bridges the gap between science and policy by providing you with the knowledge and analytic skills to assess the risks posed by natural and man-made biological threats and to develop strategies for reducing these risks to national and international security.

The master’s in Biodefense prepares students to become the next generation of biodefense and biosecurity professionals and scholars. This program will provide you with a foundation in microbiology and biotechnology combined with a broader security and organizational context. Graduates of this program are employed in biodefense and biosecurity, positions throughout academia, NGO’s, the security industry, and government.

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Biodefense, MS (Online Program)

The master’s in Biodefense program can be pursued entirely online. Online biodefense courses are an asynchronous format – instructors make the class instruction available online for students to access at any time from any location.
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International Commerce and Policy, MA

No other school in the Washington, D.C., area offers a program like this one. Broader than an MBA and more focused than a master’s in international affairs, George Mason University’s International Commerce and Policy (ICP) program will immerse you in the nexus of business, economics, international relations, and public policy. You will develop the skills and expertise in global finance, investment, trade, and development to excel and lead in the public and private sectors, multinational organizations, NGO’s, nonprofits, and consulting firms.

ICP is an innovative master’s degree program for current and aspiring private and public sector professionals who seek the knowledge and skills to be effective in an increasingly complex world marketplace. Designed to provide the practical tools needed to compete in the global economy, this interdisciplinary program explores the way business, technology, law, economics, and public policy affect complex cross-border activities. Unlike traditional international affairs programs, ICP focuses on international economic issues such as global trade and investment. It is also distinguished from an MBA program by providing training in the political, technological, cultural, and social aspects of the global economy.

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International Security, MA

George Mason University’s International Security Program (I-SEC) prepares professionals to assess and manage traditional security threats and the emerging security challenges of the 21st century.

Recognizing the need to confront security threats facing the global community, George Mason University’s International Security Program (I-SEC) prepares professionals to assess and manage traditional security threats and the emerging security challenges of the 21st century.

I-SEC provides a firm grounding in public-private and international collaborative responses to unconventional security challenges, ranging from threats like ebola, tsunamis, the use of drones, transnational crime, terrorism, illicit trade, proliferation of emerging technologies and WMD, and corruption, to state fragility, civil war and ethnic and sectarian conflict.  With its global and multidisciplinary approach to questions of human security, the program provides students the opportunity to grapple with a new generation of economic, political, environmental, and science and technology-driven issues.

There will be a strong emphasis on public service and ethics, focusing on how to make wise strategic decisions regarding the use of force and when to respond, when to intervene and not intervene.

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Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS

Development & Knowledge Management (ODKM) cohort master’s program, you will explore organizational leadership theory and practice, the shift from hierarchical structures to group-based learning, and best practices to promote the creation of adaptive, collaborative work environments. You will graduate with the capacity to manage, evaluate, and affect rapid change in government, corporate, and nonprofit organizations.

The ODKM program is designed to meet the needs of contemporary society and of organizations undergoing rapid changes and shifting from hierarchical structures to more group-based learning environments. While focusing on the human and social aspects of organizing, the program also emphasizes the use of collaborative groupware technologies to support interactive learning, knowledge sharing, and knowledge creation.

This unique cohort program is offered as a part-time executive format with classes offered primarily on Friday evenings and Saturdays on alternating weekends.

Peace Operations, MS

Join other peacebuilding, government, and military professionals who are earning the country’s only master’s degree in Peace Operations. The program focuses on the study of international interventions that aim to restore or maintain peace and stability in areas affected by conflict or natural disaster. You will study post-conflict reconstruction, recovery and development, as well as diplomacy and security.

The aim of the program is to teach students to think critically about the challenges to bring about peace and stability; recognize and appreciate the interests of the diverse actors typically involved in peace operations; understand the negotiating strategies used to sort out competing goals; develop practical strategies for promoting collaboration and teamwork; and craft and share analyses and proposals for solutions through written and oral presentations.

Political Science, MA

As a student in Mason’s political science program, you will learn from the best. Some of our country’s leading political commentators are members of our faculty: Mark Rozell, Jennifer Victor, Jeremy Mayer, Mark Katz, A. Trevor Thrall, and Toni-Michelle Travis. Others, like Peter Mandaville, Robert Deitz, and Michael Hayden, have extensive experience at the highest levels of the federal government. They all publish widely and the media often seek them out for their analysis on national and international affairs. They will help you deepen your understanding of political processes at all levels of government, improve your research skills, and provide you with a foundation in international relations, comparative politics, or American politics. Graduates are prepared to work in nonprofits and consulting firms, teach at home or abroad, serve in government and politics, or continue their studies in doctoral programs.

Public Administration, MPA

Sound leadership and management are vital to organizational and governmental effectiveness. The George Mason University Master of Public Administration (MPA) program puts you on a path toward a senior-level position in an organization that implements and manages public policies. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how leadership, management, policy, and politics intersect, along with the tools to enhance your communication, budgeting, and analytic skills. As a graduate of one of the largest MPA programs in the country, you will join thousands of Schar School alumni working in various roles in local, state, and national government, nonprofit management, and many other careers

Public Policy, MPP

Effective public policies advance the public good. The George Mason University Master of Public Policy (MPP) program prepares you to move into influential positions in the policy world. You will develop skills in policymaking and analysis necessary to understand and solve critical problems.

Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, MA

Effective transportation policy strengthens communities and global competitiveness. George Mason University’s master’s degree program in Transportation, Operations, and Logistics (TPOL) will train you in the advanced theory, policy, law, research, and practices required to effectively and efficiently supply and operate transportation facilities and services. You will learn to think critically and analytically about the challenges and opportunities in the transportation field, and to communicate your analysis clearly through written and oral presentations. Graduates of the TPOL program hold influential positions at all levels of government, and in the transportation and consulting industries.

PhD Programs

By pursuing your PhD at the Schar School, you can study with scholars in a wide variety of fields and conduct research that can help you become an subject matter expert in your field and a key influencer who shapes public debate.

As a PhD student at the Schar School, you can study with eminent scholars in a wide variety of fields and conduct groundbreaking research to help you become a subject matter expert in your field and a key authority who influences public debate. Whether you desire to teach and do research at a university, lead a government or nonprofit organization, or craft innovative public policies and programs, we will prepare you to be the leader and academic you want to be.

At the Schar School, students and faculty work side by side to explore the intersection of technology, culture, organizational dynamics, international affairs, and public policy, conducting research that influences decisions at the local, national, and multinational levels. You and your faculty advisor will work together to design a personalized curriculum appropriate to your academic and professional background and goals. This allows you to tie your studies directly to your current and future career objectives, while taking advantage of the extensive resources available in the nation’s capital.

Our PhD programs’ flexibility also fosters a culturally and philosophically diverse community of scholars and practitioners, where the marketplace of ideas is embraced and innovation is encouraged.

The PhD programs produce candidates able to tackle the full spectrum of policy challenges, well prepared for senior-level careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and in academia.

Biodefense, PhD

The doctoral program in biodefense is designed to prepare you to serve as a scholar and a professional in the fields of biodefense and biosecurity.

Mason developed the Biodefense program in response to biological threats: biological warfare, bioterrorism, and infectious diseases. The doctoral program in biodefense is designed to prepare you to serve as a scholar and a professional in the fields of biodefense and biosecurity. Other areas of biodefense including nonproliferation, intelligence and threat assessment, and medical and public health preparedness are integral parts of the program. Because of the breadth of the program, students with backgrounds in science and other areas, such as international affairs, political science, law, public policy, and conflict resolution, are encouraged to apply.

The PhD in Biodefense will provide you with a background in the science and technology of biodefense and specialized areas of threat assessment, non-proliferation, and medical and public health preparedness. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to bridge the gap between scientists and policy-makers on each of these levels. You will also develop the knowledge of natural and man-made biological threats and the skills to develop and analyze policies and strategies for enhancing biosecurity.

Director: Gregory Koblentz
Email: biodefense@gmu.edu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68X-3udF6Hw

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Political Science, PhD

The PhD in political science prepares you for teaching, research, and careers in government, consulting, nonprofits, and nongovernmental organizations.

The PhD in political science prepares you for teaching, research, and careers in government, consulting, nonprofits, and nongovernmental organizations. The program allows you to combine your studies with experience in the kinds of complex domestic and international political organizations you will be studying.

This model for political science education, patterned after the American Political Science Association’s Congressional Fellows Program, is designed to foster scholarship and a firsthand understanding of domestic and international institutions such as think tanks, international bodies, nongovernmental organizations, journals of political opinion, and congressional and executive branch offices.

Director: Ming Wan
Email: politics@gmu.edu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKBbZ5hQ0Bo

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Public Policy, PhD

At every level of government, and throughout the private and nonprofit sectors, there is a need for expert policy analysis and implementation. The PhD in Public Policy will prepare you to be a leader in the policy world.

At every level of government, and throughout the private and nonprofit sectors, there is a need for expert policy analysis and implementation. The PhD in Public Policy will prepare you to be a leader in the policy world. The expertise and academic interests of the Schar School faculty is extensive, so you can choose from a wide variety of research topics. The advantage of the Schar School’s interdisciplinary approach to public policy is that there is no defined list of fields from which you must choose. In fact, you can define your own field of research. You can also conduct your research through one of the program’s concentrations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51ntBC9qPBA

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Graduate Certificates

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Schar School of Policy and Government

The mission of the Schar School of Policy and Government is to advance the public good. We provide our students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become leaders and managers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Mark J. Rozell

Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University
Ruth D. and John T. Hazel Chair in Public Policy

John G. Milliken

Senior Fellow in Residence,  Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University

Center for Regional Analysis

The Center for Regional Analysis (CRA) mission is to provide research and technical assistance to local government and businesses, primarily located in the Washington DC Metro region. These efforts focus on economic, demographic, transportation, housing and fiscal issues.

Terry Clower

Northern Virginia Chair and University Professor
Director, Center for Regional Analysis, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia

Kelley Coyner

Senior Fellow, Center for Regional Analysis, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University

 

Center for Transportation Public-Private Partnership Policy

The Center for Transportation Public-Private Partnership Policy (TP3 Policy Center) mission is to advance research, education and public service in the understanding of public-private partnership policy in the transportation sector.

Jonathan L. Gifford

Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University
Director, Center for Transportation Public-Private Partnership Policy

Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, MA

The master’s degree program will train you in the advanced theory, policy, law, research, and practices required to effectively and efficiently supply and operate transportation facilities and services.

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