Graduate School

Students who have received BAs in Global Affairs go on to prestigious graduate programs in a variety of disciplines:

  • PhD in Cultural Anthropology, Rice University
  • PhD in Gender Studies, UCLA
  • MA in Development Planning and Administration, UCL
  • MA in Human Rights, London School of Economics
  • MA in Human Rights Studies, Columbia University
  • MA, Political Science, Sciences Po
  • MA, African Studies, Oxford
  • MA, International Affairs, George Washington University
  • MA, Latin American Studies, American University
  • MA Biodefense, Public Policy, MS Peace Operations, GMU
  • MA Global Security Studies, John's Hopkins University
  • Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva
  • George Washington University School of Law
  • University of Virginia School of Law
  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University
  • Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
  • Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies, International University, Moscow

Plan for Graduate or Professional School

For More Information Please Visit: https://careers.gmu.edu/students/graduate-school

You probably already know it, but deciding whether or not to apply for grad school is a big decision. We can help you decide whether it's a good idea for you, and we can also help you understand the process and prepare for graduate school.

Certain career fields will require additional education past the Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Depending on your goals, graduate school can open the door to a new and exciting career for you.

Deciding on Graduate School

When deciding whether to go to graduate school, you should weigh the value of a graduate degree in terms of earning potential, entry into a profession, advancement, and competitiveness. You should also consider the following:

  • Time commitment
  • Financial considerations
  • Personal adjustments while in school
  • Your readiness to pursue graduate level work

Preparing for Graduate School

College to Graduate School (UNIV 400) is a 1 credit course for second semester juniors and seniors. This course focuses on student readiness for the transition to graduate or professional school. You will learn about application and testing options and strategies, interviewing skills, budgeting and financial planning and career development. Register for this class through Patriot Web.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a School

It's important to examine schools you're considering for grad school.

When looking for schools, try to learn about these few things:
  • Faculty: number of faculty, credentials and reputation.
  • Academic program: accreditation, course offerings, rate of completion, admissions policies, reputation and ranking.
  • Resources: facilities for students, cost of living, financial support, housing, and transportation.
  • Students: satisfaction with program, gender and ethnic diversity, employment, and professional accomplishments of graduates.

The Application Process

Most people should start the process 16-24 months before their anticipated date of matriculation. When applying to graduate or professional schools, the way you present yourself and your achievements should be tailored to each specific program.

You may be required to supply these items in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program:
  • Completed application
  • Official undergraduate transcript(s)
  • Personal essay/statement of purpose (Note: The George Mason University Writing Center helps with writing personal statements.)
  • Required entrance examination scores
  • Letters of recommendations
  • Writing sample, portfolio, audition as requested
  • Application fee
  • Personal interview

Admissions Examinations

Schools will designate which qualifying examinations are required for your chosen discipline. Plan to take the appropriate entrance examination during your junior year or at the latest during the fall of your senior year if you plan to go on to graduate school immediately after college.