Discover the Schar School of Policy and Government

As a Washington, D.C. area professional, interdisciplinary school that melds theory with practice, the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University 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.

Learning from professors with real-world experience, you will gain the applicable skills and the practical knowledge to lead government agencies and nonprofit organizations, develop public policies and programs, create innovative consulting solutions, and provide expert policy analysis.

A Top-Ranked University

Established in 1972, George Mason University is the largest public research university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Known for diversity, world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research, and a welcoming community, the University is an ideal place for international students to pursue their degrees and advance their careers.

George Mason University holds many notable rankings, including:

• Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #14 most innovative school in the United States
• Named by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as one of the top research universities in the country, with a designation of R1, the highest classification
• Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 40 most diverse public universities in the U.S.

The Schar School of Policy and Government is the #11 most innovative policy school in America according to College Rankings. The Master of Public Policy is the #1 top-ranked public policy program in the Washington, D.C. area, and #14 best public policy program in the entire United States according to GraduatePrograms.com.

Located in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area

With campuses in Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia, the Schar School of Policy and Government is located just minutes from the United States capital city of Washington, D.C. The Schar School’s prime location in the heart of U.S. policy offers students unparalleled access to one-of-a-kind professional opportunities with top employers. Graduates are doing consequential work in both the public and private sectors, obtaining positions with the U.S. Department of State, USAID, the World Bank, the United Nations, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, Shanghai Media Group, Cross-Cultural Solutions, Global Health Council, and many others.

In addition to providing internships and career opportunities, the Schar School’s location in the Washington, D.C. area also introduces students to hundreds of prominent events, speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. In the past year, the Schar School welcomed distinguished guests President Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera of Costa Rica and Dr. Francis Fukuyama from Stanford University to campus to speak on policy issues.

Our Graduate Programs

We offer a wide range of top-ranked, cutting-edge master’s and PhD programs. Many programs include both part-time and full-time enrollment options, letting you earn your degree without interrupting your career.

Our graduate programs include:

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

Master’s in Biodefense

>> Online format is also available.

Understanding biological threats is critical in today’s world. Gain the knowledge and analytical skills needed to assess natural and man-made biological threats. The Master's in Biodefense provides you with a foundation in microbiology and biotechnology, combined with a broader security and organizational context.

Master’s in International Commerce and Policy

Broader than an MBA and more focused than a master’s in international affairs, the Master’s in International Commerce and Policy immerses you in the nexus of business, economics, international relations, and public policy.

Master’s in International Security

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess and manage traditional security threats and the emerging security challenges of the 21st century.

Master’s in Organization Development and Knowledge Management

The Master’s in Organization Development and Knowledge Management arms you with the leadership experience, practical knowledge, and skills needed to be a change-agent in your company or organization.

Master’s in Political Science

Deepen your understanding of political processes at all levels of government, improve your research skills, and gain a foundation in international relations, comparative politics, or American politics as you learn from some of the leading political commentators in the United States.

Master’s in Public Administration

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how leadership, management, policy, and politics intersect, and start your path toward thought-leadership positions in government.

Master’s in Public Policy

Effective public policies advance the public good. Gain the theoretical grounding and hands-on tools a leader needs to address policy issues like terrorism, human trafficking, environmental hazards, hunger, and others.

Master’s in Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics

Join the next generation of leaders in transportation policy, operations, and logistics, and prepare to not only efficiently supply and operate transportation facilities and services, but also lead in influential positions at all levels of government.

PHD PROGRAMS

PhD in Biodefense

The Schar School’s PhD in Biodefense is designed to prepare you to serve as a scholar and professional in the growing fields of biodefense and biosecurity.

PhD in Political Science

The PhD in Political Science prepares you for a range of career opportunities, including academic, research, and professional positions in government, consulting, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations.

PhD in Public Policy

The PhD in Public Policy prepares you to be a leader in the policy world. Choose from a variety of research topics in policy analysis and implementation and focus on today’s most pressing issues: terrorism, human trafficking, environmental hazards, hunger, and many others.

Global Perspectives

Students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries call George Mason University home and give the University one of the most diverse student populations in the United States. The Schar School of Policy and Government and the University as a whole are both known for an international focus and celebration of global perspectives and experiences.

This year, the University will hold its thirty-seventh annual International Week, where George Mason students from around the globe join together to develop a program of activities to showcase their countries and cultures and to allow us to learn and participate with them.

Take the Next Step

Whether you aspire to lead a government or nonprofit organization, develop public policies and programs, create innovative consulting solutions, or provide expert analysis, you will graduate from George Mason University prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world.

Discover the Schar School of Policy and Government – one of the top-ranked policy schools in the United States – and earn a degree that will prepare you for a fulfilling and meaningful career.