MEET THE SCHAR SCHOOL OF POLICY AND GOVERNMENT
George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government 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. Located where policy happens—just 3 miles from the Pentagon, 4 miles from The White House, and 6 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building—students are connected to jobs, internships, networking, and experiences that can only be found in the Washington, D.C., area.
It’s policy in action. Learning from professors with real-world experience, students gain the applicable skills and the practical knowledge to lead government agencies and nonprofit organizations, develop public policies and programs, create innovative consulting solutions, or provide expert policy analysis. Schar School alumni apply what they learned in the classroom to pursue fulfilling and meaningful careers. Graduates are doing consequential work at leading employers including the U.S. Department of State, USAID, the World Bank, the United Nations, the National Endowment for Democracy, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and many others.
A Dynamic Education for an Evolving World
The Schar School of Policy and Government advances the public good through providing our students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become leaders and managers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As graduates, they apply the knowledge and skills gained in our classrooms at some of the most prestigious companies, consulting firms, nonprofits, multinational organizations, and government agencies in Washington, DC, and beyond. Decision-makers and the public use our faculty’s research to both understand and develop policy in a variety of areas. In addition, we are committed to public service in our professions and in regional, national, and global communities.
"With the current political climate, it is important to understand the human element in these policy decisions. Understanding and bringing empathy, while shedding light on people's lived experiences, will help shape future policy decisions."
—Asha Wasuge, Master's in Public Policy student
"I initially came to the Schar School because of the [Washington D.C. area] location, and it is a very competitive program. I learned more than I expected and had some of the best conversations about economic policy and development."
—Lisardo Bolaños, PhD in Public Policy '19
"The greater impact [of my advocacy] is showing people that there's always something they can do. I'm passionate—my purpose was always to make a difference. I'm doing something I love, and I'm doing something for the greater future of my country."
—Yasser Aburdene, BA in Government and International Politics '19
"Ultimately, I wanted to get my Master's in International Security, focusing on conflict resolution, threat analysis, and intelligence. The thing that sets the school apart are the professors. They are at the forefront of their fields."
—Becca Cooper, Master's in International Security student
TOP-RANKED DEGREE PROGRAMS
As a Washington, D.C. area professional, interdisciplinary school that melds theory with practice, the Schar School offers cutting-edge degrees in a range of subjects.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Government and International Politics, BA
International Security and Law, BS
Public Administration, BS
Applied Computer Science: Technology Policy, BS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Biodefense, MS and PhD
Global Commerce and Policy, MA
International Security, MA
Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS
Political Science, MA and PhD
Public Administration, MPA
Public Policy, MPP and PhD
DISCOVER THE SCHAR SCHOOL
Degree Programs
Events
Latest News
Contact
703-993-2280
Van Metre Hall, Fifth Floor
3351 Fairfax Drive, MS 3B1
Arlington, VA, 22201