Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's (BAM)

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Earn Your Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Five Years

George Mason University's Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's (BAM) program allows current undergraduate students to be admitted into graduate degree programs and take classes that apply to both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

What are the benefits of the BAM program?

  • Save money on tuition​
  • Expanded career opportunities​
  • Faster degree completion​ in as little as five years
  • Waived application fee
  • Streamlined application process​

Why select the Schar School?

  • World-renowned faculty
  • Tailored, field-specific career support
  • Unparalleled professional connections
  • Highly ranked programs
  • Close proximity to Washington, D.C. (Mason Square campus)
Students walking by Mason Square 2
Schar School graduate student smiling in classroom

Accelerated Master's Degrees Offerings

  • 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

Online degree options are available for all programs except for political science. 

Request Information

Two undergraduate students smiling
Barbara Montgomery

“A lot goes on beyond what is seen in earning an accelerated master's degree that is hard to express. My studies at the Schar School have really expanded my intellectual lens to the strategic challenges facing the nation today.”

 
Barbara Montgomery, Government and International Politics
Bachelor's and Accelerated Master's Degree (BAM)

A Degree That Works With Your Schedule

Classes for Schar School graduate programs are offered in such a way that gives students the chance to work or pursue internship opportunities while still completing their coursework:​

  • Classes occur in the evening at 4:30 or 7:20 p.m.
  • Online and in-person options​
  • Part-time or full-time coursework after transitioning from undergraduate to graduate studies
Ellen Laipson teaching a graduate class.

BAM Student Scholarship

The Douglas and Mariana Brook Public Policy Endowed Scholarship awards funding to current Mason undergraduate students who have been accepted into one of Schar School’s six bachelor’s-accelerated master’s (BAM) degree programs. Reach out to the Schar School Graduate Admissions team for more information about available funding.

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Specialized Career Support for BAM Students
Duane Bradshaw

“Becoming a BAM student means gaining access to graduate-level career resources, internship connections, and networking opportunities. You are truly on an accelerated professional path in this program and it can make a big difference at the start of your career.”

Duane Bradshaw
 Director of Career Development at the Schar School

All BAM students have access to individualized assistance from our career services team.

  • Explore career and internship opportunities
  • Define your goals
  • Develop the skills needed for a successful job search
  • Craft a resume and cover letter