Deepen your understanding of political processes and gain research-focused expertise in American politics, comparative politics, and international relations with a degree in political science.
As a student in the Master of Political Science program at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, you will learn from country’s leading political commentators, as well as practitioners with experience at the highest levels of the federal government.
Schar School faculty publish in top-ranked mediums 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.
Email us: schar@gmu.edu
Call: 703-993-8099
Request Program Information
After registering for each of these events, you will receive an email with a zoom link 24 hours in advance of the session.
Application Drop-In Hours:
"Drop In" during our virtual application drop-in hours to ask the admissions team any questions you may have about your master’s application. The application deadline for fall 2023 is April 1.
Friday, March 24, from noon to 1 p.m. ET (Virtual). Register.
Friday, April 21, from noon to 1 p.m. ET (Virtual). Register.
Virtual Information Session:
Prospective students are invited to attend virtual information sessions to hear more about our Master of Political Science program offered at the Schar School. These online sessions provide program overviews, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes and are led by the graduate admissions teams.
Wednesday, April 5, from noon to 1 p.m. ET (Virtual). Register.
"I can apply the lessons I have learned at war and as a refugee, along with my passion for studying international relations, to address many of the security challenges the United States and the world continue to face."
Ali Nayyef
Master of Political Science
Optional Concentrations
- International Security
- American Government and Politics
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
A Degree That Works With Your Schedule
You can earn this degree part-time or full-time. Classes are offered in the evening to accommodate working students. This degree is not available online.
Where Our Recent Graduates Work
Top Employers of Recent Graduates
- BAE Systems
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Chemonics International
- City of Fairfax
- D3 Systems
- Decisive Analytics Corporation
- Federal Election Commission
- IBM
- NATO
- PFLAG National
- U.S. Army Special Operations
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S Naval Research Laboratory
"[The program] is a great way to learn the skills necessary in political science, whether it's qualitative skills, quantitative skills, conducting research, [or] being able to read the literature in a new way and piece together new information."
Melissa Howard
Master of Political Science '16
The Master of Arts in Political Science program requires 12 courses (36 total credits), including seven core courses:
- American Government and Politics
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- The Scientific Method & Research Design
- Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government
- Political Science Research Project
Practitioner Faculty
With George Mason University's prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading scholars and practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the mentorship and skillsets needed to advance in your career.
The Schar School has 80+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Notable faculty members include program director Jeremy Mayer, Dean Mark J. Rozell, Mariely Lopez-Santana, Jennifer Victor, Mark Katz, Trevor Thrall, Toni-Michelle Travis, Peter Mandaville, Robert Deitz, Michael Hayden, and more. Browse the full list of Schar School political science faculty members.
Associate Professor Jeremy Mayer
Program Director