All applicants to the Global Affairs MA must present evidence of proficiency in a second language (other than English) that is widely used in contemporary international communication.
We recognize that each applicant brings different language proficiency and will have different means for providing evidence of this proficiency. Therefore, this requirement of the MA application is handled on a case-by-case basis between applicants and the Global Affairs Program. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at globalma@gmu.edu for any questions or to discuss their particular language situation.
In addition to indicating on the online application, applicants must also submit the GLOA MA Language Proficiency form with attached evidence to the Graduate Program Coordinator (globalma@gmu.edu) for the given incoming semester.
Evidence of language proficiency may be demonstrated by:
Applicants that completed a 202-level or higher language course at Mason have met the application requirement. The transcript will serve as evidence of proficiency.
Applicants with a conferred bachelor's degree in a foreign language have met the application requirement. The transcript will serve as evidence of proficiency.
Applicants with a conferred minor in a foreign language have met the application requirement. The transcript will serve as evidence of proficiency.
Applicants that do not have a bachelor’s degree or minor in a foreign language, but have completed language coursework at the advanced level from an accredited institution have met the application requirement. The transcript will serve as evidence of proficiency.
Applicants that graduated from an accredited secondary or post-secondary institution where the language of instruction was not English have met the application requirement. The transcript or diploma will serve as evidence of proficiency.
Applicants may pursue an Oral Proficiency Interview through the Language Testing International (LTI). These are proctored exams and the passing result should be sent directly to the Graduate Program Coordinator at globalma@gmu.edu. For detailed steps, please see here. For questions, contact globalma@gmu.edu.
Applicants may pursue to complete the foreign language proficiency requirement during their time in the Global Affairs MA Program with approval from the Global Affairs Program. For approval, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at globalma@gmu.edu. If approved, the student must submit the evidence of foreign language proficiency at the very latest in their final semester in the MA program, when applying to graduate.