Public Administration, BS

Become A World-Class Leader

Major in Public Administration

As a student at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, you will tackle real-world problems in engaging classes led by world-class faculty. The curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Public Administration is designed with tomorrow in mind, providing you with the in-demand knowledge and expertise to lead change.

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Joseph Fernando wearing a suit and standing in front of the U.S. Capitol

“It was a huge turning point for me when I transferred [to Mason]. I got appointed as a student senator and started to grow more relationships with my professors. I started growing and getting more experience.”

Joseph Fernando
Caseworker, Office of U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration '20

As a student majoring in Public Administration you are required to complete 52 credits, which include eight core credits and a senior seminar. Additionally, you can deepen your knowledge through one of the following optional concentrations:

Administration and Management
Economic Policy Analysis
International Political Economy
Nonprofit Management
Public Policy
US Government Institutions
Individualized Concentration (where you may create your own concentration, with approval from your department)

Course Catalog

Connect with Accomplished Faculty

Our faculty’s passion for public service and policymaking matches that of our students. They are scholars in the disciplines of policy, government, and international affairs who seek to make a difference and serve. So much so, that they often refer to themselves as “pracademics,” scholars who connect learning with practice, provide council and commonsense for Washington, D.C., policymakers, and prepare their students to be successful leaders. We call that impact-driven scholarship.

Meet our faculty

Where Our Recent Graduates Work

Federal Government: 20%
Private Sector - Consulting: 40%
Private Sector - General: 40%

Data gathered from recent graduates from 2022-23

Top Internships for Students

One of the best ways to find a job after graduation is to complete an internship that will offer you real-world experience and the chance to build a professional network. Schar School students intern at a variety of places, including:

Capitol Hill legislative offices
Executive Office of the President of the United States
Fairfax County Government
Partnership for Public Service
The U.S. Senate

You can earn up to six academic credits of internship toward your degree.

Top Employers of Recent Graduates

Our public administration graduates are hired by some of the most prestigious companies, nonprofits, and government agencies in Washington, D.C., and beyond, including:

U.S. Department of State
U.S. Marine Corps
Loudoun County Circuit Court
FedBid, Inc.

Fund Your Degree

The Schar Scholars program provides financial assistance to freshmen who are interested in government, political science, international relations, public policy, pre-law, and public administration. George Mason University also offers a wide range of additional aid, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study employment.

Scholarships and Funding

Get the Student Support You Need

There are so many opportunities to explore at the Schar School, and you don’t have to remember it all!

We have a drop-in Schar School advising center where you can find a team of 3 professional advisors, 4 peer advisors who are Schar School juniors or seniors, and success coaches. The team is ready to identify your goals and make a plan for reaching them.

Student Services and Advising

Get two degrees at once!

You can earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years through one of our accelerated master's programs.

Northern Virginia Local Government Cohort Program

Whether you're looking for a residential learning community for your first year at Mason, hoping to develop your research skills, ready to tackle a global policy issue, or preparing for a career in law, you can benefit from one of our four Schar School learning communities.

Democracy Lab

International Relations Policy Task Force

Pillars of Research Learning Community

Jurisprudence Learning Community

Study Abroad Programs

Experience an intensive, condensed three-credit course in a remarkable country.

Get in Touch

Prospective students and their families can get to know the Schar School by setting up an informational appointment with the Schar School undergraduate recruitment team.

Visit in person in 333 Aquia Building on the Fairfax campus, or set up a time to talk by phone or Zoom. Reach out to ScharUAA@gmu.edu or 703-993-6564 to schedule a conversation.