Program Overview

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Introduction to University Programs

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as public administration, international security, and public policy.

Undergraduate Programs

• Public Administration, BS
  • Northern Virginia Local Government Cohort
• BA in International Security and Law
• Major in Government and International Politics
  • Government and International Politics Concentrations
    • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Concentration
• First-Year Learning Community
• Technology Policy
• Undergraduate Minors and Joint Programs
  • How to Declare a Minor
• Schar School Undergraduate Student Liaisons
• Prepare for a Career in Law

Master's Programs

• MS in Biodefense
  • Biodefense MS Degree Requirements
• Master's in Global Commerce and Policy
  • Global Commerce and Policy Curriculum
• MA in International Security
  • International Security MA Degree Requirements
• Organization Development and Knowledge Management
  • Coaching Skills for Organizational Transformation
  • Organization Development and Knowledge Management Curriculum
  • Organization Development and Knowledge Management Program Information and Schedule
• MA in Political Science
  • MA in Political Science Degree Requirements
  • Master's in Political Science Faculty
• MPA in Public Administration
  • Is a Master of Public Administration Degree Right for You?
  • Master's in Public Administration Faculty
  • Master's in Public Administration Program Curriculum
• MPP in Public Policy
  • Is a Master of Public Policy Degree Right for You?
  • Master of Public Policy Curriculum
  • Public Policy, Master's in Public Policy Emphasis Areas
• NSPP Cohort
• Graduate Student Ambassadors
• The Difference between the MPP and MPA Degrees

PhD Programs

• Biodefense, PhD
• Political Science, PhD
  • PhD in Political Science Curriculum
• Public Policy, PhD
  • PhD in Public Policy Curriculum

Graduate Nondegree Studies

Graduate nondegree studies are available for those who wish to take courses without pursuing a degree.

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's (BAM) Programs

The Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's (BAM) program allows undergraduate students to take graduate courses during their junior and senior years, which can be applied to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Classes Eligible for BAM Students

The following classes are eligible for BAM students:

• Biodefense, MS (up to 15 credits)
  • GOVT 500, BIOD 604, BIOD 605, BIOD 620, BIOD 609
• Global Commerce and Policy, MA (up to 18 credits)
  • GCP 500, GCP 503, GCP 504, GCP 501, GCP 602, GCP 603, GCP 605
• International Security, MA (up to 12 credits)
  • GOVT 540, POGO 511* or GCP 501, PUBP 504, PUBP 506
• Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS (12 credits)
  • ODKM 600, ODKM 605, ODKM 610, and ODKM 621
• Public Administration (up to 18 credits)
  • PUAD 502, POGO 511*, PUAD 520, PUAD 540, one of the methods core courses, one of the finance/budgeting/accounting core courses
• Public Policy (up to 18 credits)
  • PUBP 500, POGO 511*, PUAD 662, one Practice flex option (PUBP 570 or PUAD 649), one Analysis flex option (POGO 611 or 646), and Governance flex option PUBP 503
• Political Science, MA (up to 18 credits)
  • GOVT 500, GOVT 510, GOVT 520, GOVT 530, GOVT 540, POGO 511

Transition from Undergraduate to Matriculated Graduate Status

To transition to a matriculated Master's student, students must complete and submit the Bachelors/Accelerated Master's Transition Form at the same time they file their Intent to Graduate form related to their bachelor's degree.

Graduate Certificate Programs

The Schar School offers various graduate certificate programs, including:

• Global Economic Policy Certificate
• Biodefense Certificate
• Emergency Management and Homeland Certificate
• Global Health and Security Certificate
• Illicit Trade Analysis Certificate
• National Security and Public Policy Certificate
• Nonprofit Management Certificate
• Public Management Certificate
• Science, Technology, and Security Certificate
• Terrorism and Homeland Security Certificate
• Trade Compliance Certificate

Executive Education

The Schar School offers executive education programs, including:

• Executive Certificate in Higher Impact Leadership
• Executive Education: Program Areas
• Research & Fellowship Program
• Young Scholars Research Program
  • NextGen Science: Machine Learning & Bioinformatics
  • Three-month Internship - NASA Data Science Analysis and Scholarly Research Paper Writing - Summer 2025
  • BioScience: AI & Life Science in Disease Research
  • Young Scholars Publications
• Customized Programs
  • International Clients
  • Private Sector Focus
  • Public Sector Focus

Faculty and Research

The Schar School faculty conducts research in various areas, including:

• Comparative Studies
• Economics, Development & Public Finance
• International Affairs & Security Studies
• Methods & Data Science
• Public Private & Nonprofit Management
• Regional Expertise
  • Regional Expertise - Africa
  • Regional Expertise - East & South Asia
  • Regional Expertise - Europe
  • Regional Expertise - Eurasia
  • Regional Expertise - Latin America
  • Regional Expertise - Middle East
  • Regional Expertise - United States
• Science & Technology
• Social Policy
• U.S. Politics & Legal Studies

Research Centers, Institutes, and Initiatives

The Schar School is home to various research centers, institutes, and initiatives, including:

• Federal Workforce Initiative
• Regional Elected Leaders Initiative
  • Past RELI Events

Academic Calendar and Course Syllabi

The Schar School follows the university's academic calendar, and course syllabi are available for all courses.

Career Services

The Schar School offers career services, including:

• Career Resources for Students and Alumni
• Career Development and Transitions
• Career Development Webinars
• Graduate Student Services Seminars
• Graduate Internship Program
• Career Fair
• Resources for Employers
• Employers by Industry
• Contact the Career Development Office

Alumni and Giving

The Schar School has a strong alumni network and offers various giving opportunities to support the school's mission and programs.