Questions About the Program Structure and Student Experience

Do the master's programs require me to write a thesis or conduct research?  

No, our programs do not require a thesis. Completing the coursework are the requirements of our master's programs. The Political Science and Biodefense programs do have the option to complete a final project that is research focused and similar to a capstone.  

Do any of your programs have a STEM designation?  

Yes, only our MS in Biodefense has a STEM designation. 

How long does the degree program take to complete?

For master's programs: If you attend as a full-time student (3 classes per semester), it takes, on average, 2 years to complete the program. If you attend as a part-time student (1-2 classes per semester), it takes an average of 2.5-3 calendar years to complete the program. Please note that the University imposes a degree time limit. All master's students are required to complete all degree requirements within 6 years of the date of initial course registration.

For certificate programs: It takes approximately 1.5 years (3 semesters) to complete the program.

How many credits do I have to complete for the program? 

This varies by program, please visit each program website for that information. 

When and where are the master’s and certificate classes held?

Most master’s classes are held Mondays-Thursdays, starting either at 4:30PM EST or 7:20PM EST. In person classes are predominately held at the Mason Square campus (Arlington), though Political Science MA and Biodefense MS students may have coursework on main campus in Fairfax.

The only exceptions to the above are the Master's in Organization Development and Knowledge Management and the National Security and Public Policy, MPP Cohort program. ODKM is taught in an executive format and meets on selected weekends throughout the year. This program requires a combination of online synchronous and in-person (Arlington) classes. The NSPP Cohort program is a full-time, intensive, 1-year program that offers classes during the day. For more information on this schedule, please see the NSPP Cohort page.

Many master's degree and certificate programs also offer an online option. Online classes may be either synchronous or asynchronous, and this often varies by program. More information is found on individual program pages.

Do you offer any classes online?

Yes! We offer classes both online and in person. You can certainly enroll in either online or in-person classes, or a combination of the two. Course modality can change from term to term. For example, a core class may be offered each semester, though in the Fall it is offered in-person and in the Spring it is offered online. Students can work with their academic advisor to navigate modality preferences and course scheduling. Our ODKM program will require a mixture of online and in-person classes.

Are the online classes asynchronous (no class meeting time) or synchronous (has a live class meeting)?

Both! There is a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes offered each semester. The modality of the course will be specified each term that it is offered. Some programs lean more heavily on synchronous and some on asynchronous online coursework – you can find out more on the individual program pages.

Is it possible to complete the master's or certificate programs fully online or fully in person?

This varies for each program, please check the program specific pages to see the options of modalities for the program.

If I start as an online student, could I take any in person classes?

Yes! We provide flexibility for students to take either online classes, in person classes, or a combination of the two. Whether you are an online student or take classes in person, it only depends on what classes you are registered for each term and what modality they are offered.

Can I do the program part-time?

Yes! Part-time enrollment would be taking 1-2 classes (3-6 credits) per semester. 

What is considered full-time?

Full-time enrollment is 3 classes (9 credits).

How many credits should I enroll in for one term? 

It is strongly recommended that you do not enroll in more than 3 courses each semester. However; this can vary from person to person and students should work with their academic advisor on course selection and enrollment each term.

I plan on working full-time while attending school, should I be part-time or full-time? 

Our academic advisors typically recommend that students who are working full-time start by taking 1-2 classes per semester. If you would like to or need to be enrolled full-time, you can definitely do so! Many students are able to balance working and school full-time, though this is generally not encouraged within the first semester.

Can I start full-time and change to part-time? 

Yes! Whether you are a full-time student or part-time is entirely based on how many classes you are registered for each semester. We offer flexibility for students to move through the program at their own time and pace. Please note that the University imposes a degree time limit. All master's students are required to complete all degree requirements within 6 years of the date of initial course registration.

How can I transfer courses or credits from another institution?

You are allowed to transfer a maximum of 12 credits into our master's programs and 3 credits into our graduate certificate programs if they are deemed relevant to the curriculum. The remainder of credits must be completed through the Schar School. Determination of transfer credits is done after a student has been admitted.

For all programs, credits are only eligible for transfer if the final grade was at least a “B” or better.

Any possible transferring of credit is up to the discretion of the academic advising team and program director of the program, and any possible awarding of credit would happen after the admissions process is completed.

Does my program require an internship?

Not all of the Schar School programs require an internship to be completed as part of the program. The Master of Organization Development and Knowledge Management, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Public Policy, require an internship as part of the program.

How many credit hours is the internship?

The internship will be completed for 3 credit hours as part of your program.

Is the internship requirement able to be waived?

Yes, if a student has at least 2 years of prior relevant work experience, this requirement can be waived. Our Career Services team determines if students meet these criteria once a student is in the program.

If my current position is relevant work experience, could I meet the 2-year requirement while I am enrolled in the program?

You can gain relevant work experience while you pursue the program. If you meet or exceed the 2 years of work experience requirement while enrolled in the program, you can work with our Career Service team to have the internship requirement waived.

My program requires me to complete an internship (ODKM, MPP, MPA), what support does the Schar School offer?

Although the Schar School Career Services does not place students in internships, it is available to assist students with the search process. Students can always reach out to our Career Services team to discuss strategies for finding internships and full-time positions.

Are there any study abroad opportunities at the Schar School?

Yes! We do offer short-term study abroad experiences. These are 7-10 days in the country, and we go to locations all over the world.

You would earn three credits to fulfill an elective in an immersive, fast-paced course set in an extraordinary international destination led by a faculty member. These programs provide students with hands-on comparative political experience while offering unparalleled networking opportunities with political leaders, business executives, academics, and industry experts.

Courses are scheduled during academic breaks and explore topics including government, policymaking, international trade, regional development, health and social issues, culture, and security. Students benefit from real-world insights, exposure to diverse perspectives, and the chance to enhance their global awareness and career readiness.

For more information, contact Michal McElwain Malur, Director of External Programs at the Schar School, mmcelwai@gmu.edu.

Are there ways to get involved in research?

Yes! We have a variety of research centers and institutions that students can be involved with. Our centers put on events and programing that align with their area of interest.

How do I know what the faculty research interests are?

We keep a list of our faculty’s areas of research and you can find a full list on our faculty directory.

What type of career opportunities are available with a Schar School degree?

The Schar School offers an in-house career services team for all current Schar School graduate students and alumni. They offer comprehensive career and professional development services to prepare students for success. Offering individualized assistance to students and alumni, the Schar School's career advisors will help you explore career and internship opportunities, define your goals, and develop the skills needed for a successful job search, including crafting a resume and cover letter that stand out. To view more career information, visit the Career Services page.

What will my degree title be upon graduation?

Please see the type of degrees we offer at the graduate level for each program:

• Biodefense, MS

• Global Commerce and Policy, MA

• International Security, MA

• Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS

• Political Science, MA

• Public Administration, MPA

• Public Policy, MPP

My program requires me to complete an internship (ODKM, MPP, MPA)-what support does the Schar School offer?

Although the Schar School Career Services does not place students in internships, it is available to assist students with the search process. Students can always reach out to our Career Services team to discuss strategies for finding internships and full-time positions.

What are the types of places that graduates work?

Graduates from each of our programs have found successful employment at a variety of places. Each program page lists the sectors and types of places our graduates have found employment.

Can I speak to a current student in the Schar School as a prospective applicant?

Yes! We have a list of current students in many of our programs that act as our student ambassadors. You can find a list of their names on our Student Ambassador website. If you would like to connect with a student, please reach out to scharamb@gmu.edu.

Is the Mason Square Campus in Arlington, Virginia residential?

No, our Mason Square Campus is non-residential.

Does GMU provide resources to get off-campus housing?

Yes! Off-campus housing information can be found here or through the George Mason’s Official Off-Campus Housing Finder. Additional information can be found through the Housing and Residence Life website.

Have a question that isn't answered on this FAQ page? Contact the Schar School's Office of Graduate Admissions at schargr@gmu.edu - we're here to help!